Matala - the hippie caves

Matala is a famous beach on the south shore of Crete. Back in the 1960s hippies would come here and live in the caves all summer long. I don't think they ever completely left, there were definitely some wandering around during our visit.

It is believed that the caves were originally carved and used as grave sites.

Notice "welcome" spelled with two L's  :)

Playing on the beach!

Lukas scaled the rock face

My absolute favorite image of the day. Possibly one of my favorites I've ever taken (even if I was creepin' a little, I don't know her). It's tranquil and peaceful reading a book at the water's edge as the sun sets  :)

It was a beautiful place...

We actually took a hike (a rather steep one) to another beach, a red beach. I didn't bring my camera, anticipating a rough hike. When we arrived I wished that I had brought it--the landscape was spectacular.

Festos, or in Greek, Φαιστός

A visit to the famous ancient city of Festos, now ancient ruins. The city was self-sufficient, including its own currency and palace for worshipping. 

Lukas and Phil taking photos of the landscape

Walking onto the premises. On the left, prickly pears. And straight ahead, the ruins of Festos. The covered area is being restored.

  It's crazy to think that people used to walk right here so long ago -- 4000 BC!

This one is my favorite, part of the palace.

This is a charm I bought, it's the disc of Festos. Very Cretan. The original was found in the palace, it's fired clay from the Minoan Bronze Age. To this day, it cannot be interpreted by anyone, and remains quite the archaeological mystery. You can read more about it here: http://www.world-mysteries.com/sar_9.htm, or on Wikipedia, of course :)

Bye bye,  Φαιστός.

Monastery in Southern Crete

On Saturday my friends and I rented a car and headed to the southern coast of Crete! Despite my tendency towards car sickness, the drive through the country was beautiful. We stopped at a monastery on the way...and it turned out to be like a little town in and of itself! This was my first time being at one, so maybe they're all that way? Anyway, here are some of the images I captured there :)

This looks so ancient to me.

The candles for lighting when saying a prayer for someone in the Greek Orthodox church

 Greece!

 I liked this climbing vine

Love the lens flare!

Shadow of a palm tree on the cement

The Bell Tower