From Chania: Matala Hippie Vibes & Lake Escape Private Tour

It’s famous for its caves, which form the backdrop to an excellent beach. These artificial caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were initially used as tombs. Up to the 60s, when only two or three houses were in Matala, German and English hippies ‘discovered’ Matala, living in the caves barely 10m from the sea. Now Matala is a small village living mainly from tourism. It is ideal for those who want to spend their holidays near lovely beaches, large archaeological sites and many villages which retain their traditional atmosphere.

The word Spili in Greek means cave, so it is thought that the village gets its name from local caves. The Christian devotion of the people of Spili is shown by the many churches in the village, reaching 21 in number. It is known for its cooling shady village squares where you can enjoy a coffee and running water from the fountains. The focal point of the village is its ‘kefalovrissi’ or Lions Fountain, a series of lion heads with lovely cool spring water trickling out of them.

It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. According to a legend, it has no bottom, which is not true and was based on its dark color. There are also theories about strange electromagnetic fields near the lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy. Its unique beauty preserves until today the legend about the nymph who lives into the lake of Kournas. Lake Kournas is an important wetland area with a variety of flora and fauna, and so it is included in the Natura 2000 protection program.