The caves were used as burial chambers during the Roman era before being adapted for residential use.
Scientific analysis of the sandstone shows it contains significant marine fossils from the Miocene epoch.
The 1960s hippie community in the caves included famous figures such as Joni Mitchell, who wrote her song 'Carey' about the experience.
The caves were used as a shelter by Allied forces during the German occupation of Crete in World War II.
The site was historically the harbor for the ancient city of Phaistos, located a few kilometers inland.
The soft limestone makes the caves susceptible to ongoing erosion, leading to restricted access in certain dangerous or unstable areas.
Archaeologists have identified distinct niches within the cave walls that indicate specific burial rituals practiced by the Romans.
Local authorities monitor the site strictly to prevent overnight camping, which has been prohibited since the 1970s.
The Matala Caves are a series of artificial dwellings carved directly into the soft sandstone cliff overlooking Matala Beach on Crete's southern coast. Originally excavated during the Neolithic period, these chambers were repurposed as Roman and Early Christian tombs. During the 1960s and 1970s, the caves gained global notoriety as a sanctuary for a hippie commune that lived within the cliffside. The rock formation is composed of porous Miocene limestone, which has been sculpted by both human hands and geological erosion. The site sits at the northern end of the bay, providing an elevated vantage point over the Libyan Sea. Accessible via a marked path, the caves are protected due to their archaeological and historical significance. Today, the caves serve as a monument to Crete's layered history from prehistory to the counterculture movement.
From the beach looking up at the full cliff face, or from inside one of the larger caves looking out toward the sea.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the sandstone path and cave floors are uneven and slippery.
Bring your own water, as there are no facilities once you begin the ascent up the cliff face.
Visit the beach below for a swim immediately after exploring to cool down from the heat trapped in the sandstone.
Do not attempt to climb outside of the marked, established paths, as the sandstone is brittle and prone to crumbling.
Open daily, though the site may be inaccessible during periods of heavy rain or high wind for safety reasons.
Respect the archaeological site by not touching or damaging the soft rock walls and refrain from attempting to sleep inside.
