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The history of Matala

The history of Matala

Matala is a small seaside village located on the southern coast of the island of Crete, Greece.

The village is famous for its stunning sandy beach and impressive rock formations, but it also has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

During the Roman period, Matala was an important center of worship for the goddess Tyche, who was associated with good fortune and prosperity. The city was home to a large temple dedicated to Tyche, which was an important destination for pilgrims from all over the region.

In the Middle Ages, Matala was occupied by the Venetians, who built a fortress on the hill overlooking the village. 

One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of Matala is the Matala Caves, which are a series of artificial caves carved into the cliffs overlooking the beach. The caves were created by the ancient Romans and were originally used as tombs and burial chambers. However, in the 1960s, the caves became famous as a haven for hippies and other counterculture travelers who were drawn to the area's natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.

Today, visitors can explore the caves and imagine what life might have been like for the ancient Romans or the hippies who once called them home.