The Hippie vibes in Matala

"Make love. Not war!"

Have you ever had this deep feeling of nostalgia for something you have never experienced yourself? 

Like if you can almost remember an era that was log before your time. As if you were part of it in your former life or you at least feel that you should have been born around that time... I feel that way about the 60s /70s when the Hippies celebrated their own lifestyle with great music, free love, personal freedom and flowers in their hair as well as on their colourful clothes. 

This is why I really couldn't wait to go to Matala where in the 70s the Hippies used to party at the beach and then sleep in the numerous caves right beside the ocean. The town was just as I expected it and offered this special flair that can't really be described - you just feel it. Within seconds, Matala became my favorite town on the island and I am sure I will go back there during my stay here.

 On the way to Matala we also stopped in Spili where we tried to drink from the lion fountain as the water makes you live longer - or so they say. Unfortunately, the fountains were turned off for cleaning purposes so we missed our chance to prolong our lives. 

And after strolling through the weekly market in Timbaki, we went to the archaeological site in Phestos where we once more walked on what was left of the Minoan high culture 4000 years ago.

A rather sad stop was Arkadi as this monestary has a tragic history and played an important role during the Cretan restistance in the fight against the Ottomans.