Matala Beach

Good for groups

Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history. Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café. Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.

For this excursion, you will be picked up from your hotel area by our airconditioned bus. The first stop is at the Spili village. You will have a chance to see a 100% traditional village with its well know lion-head fountains in the middle of the village. Walking along its cobbled streets you can explore the tourist shops which are full of traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 2,5 hour of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. Matala is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its artificially carved caves that date all the way back to the Minoan period. These same caves were later occupied by a hippy commune in the late 6 0’s and 7 0’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of Agia Galini. Here will have 1,5 hours to explore the village. The small, traditional houses and the harbor make the perfect match for a coffee οr lunch break. The bus will then take you back to your hotel ending this amazing excursion.

We reach the famous beach of Matala. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs. Here we will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves, carved on thesteep rocks of the area. 11:00 Arrival at Matala – free time 15:00 Departure from Matala 16:15 Arrival in Heraklion Route: 90 km Duration: app. 8 hours Extras: Entrance Caves Matala (optional): 2,00 € Pick up Malia: 08:30 Stalis: 08:35 Hersonisos: 08:45 Anissaras: 08:55 Analipsi: 09:10 Gouves: 09:20 Gournes: 09:30 Kokkini Hani: 09:30 Karteros: 09:35 Heraklion: 09:45 Ammoudara: 09:55

Matala Beach, located on Crete’s south coast, is the perfect destination for a day trip. Famous for its stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and rich history, Matala offers something for everyone—whether you're a beach lover, history enthusiast, or interested in local culture. The beach itself features soft golden sand and inviting clear waters, ideal for swimming or simply relaxing under the sun. You can also explore the fascinating caves in the cliffs. These caves, which were once used as ancient tombs, later became homes for hippies in the 1960s. Take a walk through them and imagine the lifestyle of those who lived there during that time. After some time at the beach, head to the charming village of Matala. The village is adorned with colorful murals and filled with small shops offering local crafts. You can enjoy a delicious meal at a seaside taverna, sampling fresh fish, traditional Greek dishes, and perhaps a glass of raki, a popular local drink. A trip to Matala Beach offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and culture. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this unique and beautiful place. Start with pickup at centrally-located meeting points in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Stalida, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara Beach, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria. Hop on board an take in the scenic countryside of Crete.

Matala, a safe natural harbor, 65 kilometers from Heraklon, on the Bay of Messara, blessed with a gently sweeping sandy beach, where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull with Europa on his back. The beach is 250m long and 45m wide. Matala has something for everyone. It has become a popular tourist destination but still retains the character of a quiet fishing village. it started at the beginning of the 20th-century, and goes back to the lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70's lives on. Matala hippies’ history relives during the 3 days Matala beach festival, every June since 2011. Half beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, leading the eye on to impressive formations of sandstone rock cliffs with their famous caves, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island. There have been many pages of history here. Nobody knows quite who started caves but it seems that they were first hollowed out as Roman or early Christian tombs. There are other ruins at the eastern end of the village and in the clear waters of Messara Bay there are ancient ruins to be seen in the depths. Matala it is one of just over 400 beaches in Greece that have been awarded a Blue Flag. This exclusive eco-label is given to beaches that offer cleanliness and safe bathing areas and has strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental management and safety. There is a lifeguard and first aid facilities, as well as toilets and showers. The beaches of Matala, come under Natura 2000, a European Union network of nature protection. At the beach there are sport facilities as well as activities for children .

08:30 until 10:00 - Hotel Pick-Up Start your journey with convenient pick-up from your hotel in Heraklion and surrounding areas. 11:15 - Arrival at Matala Beach Arrive in the scenic village of Matala. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax on the beach: Swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy the peaceful vibe of this legendary bay. Explore the caves: Optional entrance to the famous cliffside caves once used as Roman tombs and later as homes by hippies in the 60s and 70s (Entrance: €4). Stroll through the village: Discover traditional shops, art, and the unique hippie-inspired atmosphere. Free time for lunch at a seaside taverna (not included). 15:15 - Departure from Matala Meet back at the bus for your return journey. 16:15 until 17:15 - Hotel Drop-Off Return to your hotel with the magic and memories of Matala still fresh.

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel or the nearest suitable pick up point with one of our air conditioned and comfortable buses so that we lead you at first to Matala, famous for the artificial caves in the cliff of the bay that were created in the Neolithic history, used later through the years as tombs or more likely as living spaces. In recent history, during the 70's, the caves were occupied by hippies, a history that is nowadays celebrated every June during the 3 day Matala Beach Festival. In Matala you can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, have a drink or a snack in one of the small picturesque cafe, or explore the village and the surrounding area. Three hours later, leaving from Matala we will go to Agia Galini, a famous tourist resort also in the South coast of Rethymno region, where you can relax, swim or enjoy your lunch in one of the many restaurants located at the small port and the alleys of the village. Final destination in our trip will be Spili, a small, traditional and very beautiful village, located at the Southwest side of mountain Vorizi, 30 klms away from the city of Rethymno. You can enjoy a walk, a soft drink at the central square with the famous 25 lionhead marble taps with water always running from the mountain. One hour later we will take our way back to Rethymno where our day trip will come to an end.

Join us on a unique adventure as we travel along the island's beautiful southern coast, stopping to enjoy the stunning scenery, cute towns, and stunning views of the water. Get ready to be blown away by Matala's stunning natural beauty when we get to this cute town. Grab a delicious lunch by the water and get ready to enjoy the beauty of the clear water, the warm sun, and the weather. Get ready for an interesting trip through ancient caves that have been carefully cut into the steep rocks of this amazing place. Matala is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and towering hills that make the village's setting truly gorgeous. It is located in a calm bay. The town has an interesting past. In the 1960s and 1970s, hippies came there because of its free-spirited vibe, natural beauty, and easygoing way of life. This is the spot where Zeus, dressed as a bull, brought Europa to Gortys while riding on his back. Both the Minoans and the Romans used this spot as a harbour. Matala, on the other hand, is usually associated with hippies by most people. The "flower children" lived in this cute town in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They were a group of free-spirited people. The caves, which used to be Roman tombs, were where they lived. Our next stop is the famous beach of Matala, where you can swim, lay out in the sun on the fine sand, and explore the interesting caves that used to be home to the hippie community. Along the beach, there are also ruins of Roman buildings, such as the remains of an arena and a Roman bath. Matala beach is beautiful, but after you're done there, take a stroll through the village's pretty streets. You will be charmed by the village's traditional buildings, brightly coloured homes, and lively atmosphere. Enjoy the village's charm by looking around the one-of-a-kind shops, eating delicious local food, or just relaxing in the friendly atmosphere. As the day comes to a close, we'll head back to Heraklion, remembering all the wonderful things that happened. On our trip to Matala, you will see the stunning natural beauty and interesting past of Crete. Make memories that will last a lifetime and amaze you.

Flexible Private Tour in Crete. Four choices of Tour/Daytrip directions .................. Have a unique experience, sightseeing and traveling in a Classic Mercedes without missing any of the comforts you need! Ice cold AC, plush leather seats, modern sound system ect, all while driving around in classic! Very experienced local driver, fluent in English and very knowledgable of the island and its hidden jewels ...................... East Crete: Ag. Nikolaos-Elounda-Plaka-Spinalonga: Made famous also by Victoria Hishop’s homonymous novel, Spinalonga (The island) bears way more history than its size would ever suggest. Being a Venetian Fortress overseeing the Bay – Port of Elounda as well as a later leper Colony, “The island” is basically a nutshell full of our past! Elounda being one of the most beautiful places / beaches of the north of Crete, and St. Nicolas with its famous narrow walking streets will definitely complete the experience of a nice day’s trip. ...................... East Crete: Kera-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus: One of Pithagoras’s favorite meditation sights, the “Cave of Zeus” has been the subject of myths and stories alike, for millennia… Today you’ll probably not find Zeus himself in the cave, but you’ll certainly be awarded with spectacular views, both on the way, and on top of the Cave’s mount. Through traditional Villages, mountain trails and the Plateau of Lasithi, you’ll probably find yourself on a trip worth remembering. ..................... South Crete: Faistos Palace-Gortyna-Matala: The second of the four Minoan Palaces to have been found on the island, Festos makes a good fit for the connoisseur’s kind of choice… Lacking the famous red pillars of Knossos, it nevertheless offers a more authentic bare-bones experience, due to the simple fact that it has not been reconstructed! Also the original home of the famous Festos’s Disk! Gortyn. Home of most major civilizations to ever pass from Crete, also served as the Praetorium for the Roman Governor of Crete! Matala! The beach of the hippies! A tripping and relaxing way to complete a nice day trip, enjoy the beach, the caves and the hippie vibes. .................... Heraklion: Knossos Palace-Spilia-Arc. Museum-Heraklion City: Experience Heraklion, one of the most intimidating “star – fortress” cities of its time, that managed to endure 21 years of Ottoman siege! Now a modern city, with all the positives and negatives of such… Knossos Palace, basically the headquarter of Europe’s first, known, advanced civilization, along with the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, will definitely paint a vivid picture of how and where the “West” started! St. Irene of Spilia, one of the many hidden Jewels of Crete just three minutes from Knossos, an imposing Roman aqueduct and an overall stunning place to spend some time and enjoy nature.

Embark on a scenic journey through southern Crete, combining traditional villages, coastal charm, and natural beauty. Spili Village (Photo Stop – 10 minutes) Our first short stop is in the picturesque village of Spili, known for its iconic Venetian lion-head fountains. Capture beautiful photos and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Agia Galini (Free Time – 1 hour 30 minutes) We continue to the lovely seaside village of Agia Galini, where you’ll have time to enjoy a coffee, stroll through the quaint alleys, or explore the charming harbor. Matala Beach (Free Time – 3 hours) Next, we visit the famous Matala Beach, known for its unique caves carved into the cliffs and its hippie history. Enjoy a relaxing swim, explore the area, or have lunch at one of the seaside tavernas. Spili Botanical Garden (Visit – 1 hour) On our way back, we stop again in Spili for a guided walk through the Botanical Garden. Discover a wide variety of Cretan herbs and plants, followed by time for a coffee in nature.