Matala

Tours

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.

Southern Crete is a natural beauty which begs to be explored, while the region's turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful remains. Come with us on a day trip with no planned destinations and let us explore together the hidden gems of this magnificent part of Crete! Our crew will meet you at Agia Galini port and welcome you on board, where you will be given a briefing about safety and boat handling. We set our sails to the unexplored beaches of South Crete. We arrive at the beach of our choice. We drop our anchor and you will have free time for swimming, snorkelling, enjoying the sun and nature. We carefully approach the coves that are surrounded by the protected wildlife. Our team will tell you everything about the history and the myths of the places we will visit while a delicious meal from fresh and local organic ingredients is being prepared. After your lunch and perhaps after a quick dive, we will set our sails again to return back to Agia Galini port. We only wish to see the dolphins on the way back! Places of interest: Agios Georgios, Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Preveli, Komos Beach, Matala, Kokkini Ammos (Red Beach), Vathi Beach, Akra Lithino, Martsalo, Agiofarago, Kaloi Limenes. **Please note that the itinerary might change due to the weather condition and the duration of the trip!

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.

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.

Discover the wild and traditional side of Crete on a full-day tour from Rethymnon. Visit the picturesque village of Agia Galini, the world-famous Matala, and the traditional village of Spili. Start your tour heading south through wild traditional Crete, bringing you to your first stop at the picturesque village of Agia Galini. Spend 1.5 hours here to enjoy a coffee and walk around the alleys of the village. Next, head to Matala, world-famous for its impressive neolithic caves along the bay that used to be shelter for the hippie commune during the 70s. Enjoy 3 hours of free time to swim and relax at the sandy beach. At the reurn we stop at the Botanic Garden beautiful four-acre medicinal herb gardens, especially in spring and summer. When you enter the garden gate, especially from april to September, you will find yourself immersed in a peaceful and magical garden, filled with aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. Over 300 common and unusual medicinal herbs grow in Maravel garden. Intermingled with the herbs are a variety of flowering trees and annual and perennial flowers that feed the pollinators Finally, on your way back, make a small break at the traditional village of Spili with its well-known lion-head fountains.

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 .

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.

Intro: Located approximately 68 km southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most popular destinations and one of the most beautiful beaches of our island. Mostly famous for the caves carved in the rocks next to the beach and the hippies of the 60’s. Gortyna,also known as Gortys, was a city of ancient Crete mentioned by numerous ancient writers for its importance and splendor that is by no means inferior to that of Knossos. Full description: Once you are greeted by our friendly driver and guide, your day trip is about to begin. Our first stop of the day is a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyn which is located 45 km south of Heraklion. Inhabited since 3000 BC, evolved as one of the largest cities during the Minoan era, finally reaching its peak during the Roman Empire, the city of Gortyn is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk around the site and have a chance to travel back in time while admiring the ancient ruins. After a quick ride, we reach our second destination, the village of Matala. As we approach the village, a beautiful sandy beach of around 300 m long will greet you. You will have plenty of time to dive in the crystal clear deep water, swim under the Cretan sun and have lunch in one of the traditional taverns surrounding the beach. Matala is also known for its hand-carved caves that are found in the cliff of its bay. The caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were used throughout history as living spaces. During the 60’s the caves were occupied by the hippies who travelled from all over the world in search of their very own paradise on earth. Explore the intriguing caves, enjoy a refreshing dive and allow us to take you on an unforgettable experience.