Matala

We took a ferry to Iraklion. Although I've been to Crete in the past, I do not recall Iraklion. Now I know why ... it is large, noisey, dirty, smelly ... need I go on?? So we rented a car and drove to Matala. If you want to know why I chose Matala, this web site about says it all - click here

If you own a boat and are looking to name it, here is one you probably haven't thought of.

The beach at Matala is lovely - although filled with tourists you can still find a good spot to lounge. And if you are thirsty there are bars lining the water front. The caves are now a major tourist attraction rather than merely sleeping accommodation for young travellers. They were fun to explore though and I can certainly see the attraction. The sign now says Roman Burial Ground, but there are no signs of dead Romans in the caves.

Yes Joni, the scratchy rock n roll is now replaced by CD players, the Mermaid Cafe is no more and the starry dome in lessened by the city lights, but all in all I'm glad I came to see what I missed in the early '70's.
Oh yeah, we did find a left over hippie whose face is leathered by the sun and who plays old Cream and Jim Morrison and the Doors kind of music from his house - very very loud (an nostalgic). Perfect on an evening when the wind is in from Africa!
(In case you don't know, the above references come from Joni Mitchell's "Carey")