Matala

On the south coast, 11km to the south-west of Phaistos. Here, the myth has it, Zeus - bull brought Europe before they went to Gortyna. In the very same place the Minoans founded one of the prehistoric harbors of Phaistos which were later chosen by the Romans to be the Gortys havens. Nowadays, one can see remnants, even sub-water ones. The Matala caves offer an extraordinary sight. Some caves hewn in the prehistoric years were used by the Romans mainly as tombs. Currently, they are open to the public, as an official archaeological site. Public toilets and showers are available just by the entrance. Apart from the historical value of the region, what makes it special is its location itself. In the deep blue of the Lybian sea, across the African coast, minerals in white hues and the scents of the Mediterranean vegetation. It’s been a source to inspiration for many. That might have qualified Matala as an international meeting point for the hippies in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Nowadays, there are facilities for accommodation, food, and excursions nearby.

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