Matala Beach

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.

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

After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. 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

Set off on a memorable day trip to southern Crete, a journey that weaves together the island's historical richness with the stunning beauty of the Mediterranean. Visit to Gortys Site: Start with a 1.5-hour exploration of the ancient Gortys Site, delving into 5000 years of history. Wander among ruins that narrate the island's past, from Minoan civilization to Roman dominion, revealing ancient laws, temples, and the essence of life in antiquity. Matala's Scenic Charm: Then, take a scenic bus ride to the captivating town of Matala, once a haven for 60s and 70s hippies and still a magnet for those drawn to its relaxed atmosphere and scenic beauty. Spend over 4 hours enjoying Matala's clear waters, exploring its iconic cliffside caves, and savoring a seaside lunch that offers a taste of Crete's culinary delights. Peaceful Return Conclude your day with a peaceful bus ride back, reflecting on the day's adventures and the everlasting beauty of Crete's landscapes. This day trip promises a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring lasting memories.

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.

Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.

We start driving through the route of the vineyards of Crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way. Our first stop is at AGIOS THOMAS a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are Byzantine churches, ruins of the Byzantine aqueduct as well as Roman era tombs. Going down, we will cross the MESSARA valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the MONASTERY of ODIGITRIA one of the most famous monasteries of Crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of Cretans. Following we driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach MATALA, the famous village of southern Crete where the HIPPIES lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the HIPPIES. We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Our tour will start at 9 am. A private car will be waiting for you at the entrance to your hotel, from where we will go on an incredible journey. The first destination will be Agiofarago Beach, located approximately 80 km south of the Heraklion city on the edge of the gorge. About 250 meters before we reach Agiofarago through the gorge, you will come across the Church of Agios Antonios. This chapel is built in a small cave in the rocks. To the south of the church you will see a Minoan tomb, which is evidence of the Minoan era. The church belongs to the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria near Sivas village. Once you reach the beach, you will be greeted by small pebbles, sparkling blue water and majestic high cliffs where you can enjoy the nature for 2 hours. The next stop will be a small village in the south of Crete - Matala. This place is full of hippie vibes with its colorful murals, street art and famous sandy beach with clear water that is popular among tourists and locals. The beach is free to visit, but sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent directly on the beach. The beach is also known for its famous caves, which are located on its northern part. Hippies once used these caves as homes in the 1960s and 1970s. There are many traditional Greek taverns along the entire coastline, where you can order lunch and enjoy Greek dishes. Approximate time spent on the beach - about 4 hours. Approximately at 5 p.m we will start our journey back to the hotel.

Discover the remnants of centuries-old Christian monuments in central Crete. Take a private day trip from Agios Nikolaos or Elounda to dive into the rich religious history of the island. Follow the path walked by Apostle Paul thousands of years ago and admire imposing monasteries. Get picked up from your Agios Nikolaos/Elounda hotel or villa and take a journey to central Crete from north to south. Explore the land where Apostle Paul found fertile soils with lavish vineyards and olive groves stretching toward the horizon. Allow your guide to take you on a journey through history. Explore the village of Agios Myron and its holy cave, as well as the Pailani and Odigitria Monasteries. Meander through the Minoan wonders of the vast Messara Plain to take in magnificent views of Phaistos Palace. Finally, visit the village of Matala to unwind at the typical fish tavernas on the waterfront.