Matala Caves

travel  wonder in the Greek Islands

Why the

Matala Caves

of Greece are special

The Matala Caves have a long history of occupation. And their seaside setting is picturesque.

Tips & insights on

the Matala Caves

The Matala Caves in southern Greece are not natural - they were chiseled out of the soft sandstone cliff by humans. Likely, prehistoric man began the process.

The Romans did most of the work. They used the caves for tombs.

The Matala Caves became world famous in the 1960s when hippies arrived in Greece. They moved into the Matala Caves and created an international flower-child commune blessed with a beautiful crescent bay with turquoise waters.

In the 1970s, local authorities detested the hippie lifestyle and cleared out the caves. They illegalized sleeping in the Matala Caves, though you can explore them during the day.

In the ensuing decades, the adjacent Matala fishing village evolved into an unpretentious Greek beach resort.

The Matala Caves are the biggest tourist draw. There's a beach for sunning and relaxing. Unfortunately, it's a bit pebbly, as are many beaches in Greece.

View my other gold,

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winners in Greece

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phrase guide

for travelers

What every visitor should know.

My Greek

cuisine guide

I hope your Greece travel dreams come true - and that my

Matala Caves page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications