The Caves of Matala

The signature emblem of Matala, Crete, is the long cliff tilting into the Libyan sea like a stone Titanic. Dug out of the relatively soft sandstone are countless caves. Scholars still debate over their exact uses, and some of them have been blocked up for safety. But for a time in the 1960's and early 1970's, they were a magnet for musicians and hippies.

While the list of occupants includes Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, John Lennon and others, and seemingly keeps growing with every year, the only one that indubitably stayed at Matala is Joni Mitchell, who has spoken of her experiences in the area and included Matala in her song "Carey". Cypriot-born Cat Stevens, who traveled extensively in Greece, also seems to be a likely temporary occupant. Fan of one of the others? Let me know if you know of an interview or other material that proves that they too enjoyed a stay in the caves of Matala.