Our most recommended things to do in Matala

From Rethymno: Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour

1. From Rethymno: Spili, Agia Galini, and Matala Tour

Embark on a group tour from Rethymno to visit the charming ancient villages of Crete. Visit the quaint village of Spili, discover the caves of Agia Galini, and enjoy the sandy beach of Matala, with plenty of time to explore on your own. Start with pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned bus, then make your first stop at the village of Spili for 1 hour of free time. Walk the cobbled streets of a village with its well-known lion-head fountains. Browse the many stores and shopfronts selling traditional Cretan products. The next stop is at the amphitheatrically built village of Agia Galini. Here, you will have 1.5 hours to explore the village. Admire the views of small, traditional houses and the harbor, the perfect place for a coffee break. Continue next to Matala where you will have 2.5 hours of free time to enjoy the golden sandy beach. After some time sunbathing on the shore, the bus will then take you back to your hotel.

From Agia Galini/Matala: Islands Boat Cruise with Swim Stops

2. From Agia Galini/Matala: Islands Boat Cruise with Swim Stops

The delightful journey commences in the scenic village of Agia Galini. A boat sets sail into the Libyan Sea, making its way towards the two petite islands situated approximately 12 kilometers south of Agia Galini, also known as "Paximadia." The locals have endearingly nicknamed them the "little elephant" due to their resemblance to a swimming elephant when viewed from a distance and at a particular angle. Although the islands do not have any human settlements, many visitors to the southern coast are unaware that, apart from cliffs and barren land, they also boast magnificent beaches that tempt you to take a dip and go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. If you're fortunate enough, you might catch sight of dolphins or the famous turtle, Karetta-Karetta, during the voyage. Once the boat reaches a charming cove for swimming, and you've refreshed yourself in the chilly water, the crew will prepare a delicious lunch for you. Hop aboard and feel the refreshing breeze brush against your face as you sail!

Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Gortyn Day Trip

3. Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Gortyn Day Trip

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.

From Heraklion: Matala Beach and Hippie caves

4. From Heraklion: Matala Beach and Hippie caves

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

From Heraklion: Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach and Caves

5. From Heraklion: Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach and Caves

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 the steep 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

From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch

6. From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala with Lunch

Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region's most popular sights.  Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region's mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif. Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay. On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery's charm before heading back to your hotel.

From Agia Galini/Matala: Rethymnon City Tour

7. From Agia Galini/Matala: Rethymnon City Tour

Discover the enchanting town of Rethymnon, hailed as one of Greece's most beautiful destinations. Meander through the town's winding alleys and colorful streets in the old town, where you can find an array of delicious restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through Rethymnon's storied history by visiting its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks. You can't miss the Venetian Fortezza, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend against the Turks. Check out the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi to provide drinking water. Take your time exploring the city's charms, and unwind with a refreshing swim at the beach. Rethymnon is a city that's just waiting to be discovered!

South Trip: Explore Faistos, Ag. Galini, Matala, Spili

8. South Trip: Explore Faistos, Ag. Galini, Matala, Spili

South trip is an interesting trip while you see a lot of villages like Arkadi,Agia Galini,Matala and Spili.Arkadi is famous for its Orthodox monastery which is very old with baroque and roman elements,with a big yard and a lot of trees and flowers.The monastery was a place for science art and had a school with big library.The other destination is Agia Galini a large village with nice beaches,bars and restaurants.Matala is next a very interesting and beautiful village with artificial caves,it was a fishing village and it was full of hippies, with clear waters flower drawings everywhere and quotes around the village,you can enjoy the fresh food while watching the caves.The last station is Spili where you can enjoy the cooling shady plateias and running waters.the whole trip takes 10 hours it starts at 8 in the morning and the come back is at 6 in the afternoon.

From Agia Galini/Matala: Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

9. From Agia Galini/Matala: Samaria Gorge Hiking Tour

Drive along the coastline to Chania, then travel up to the Omalos plateau in the White Mountains. From there, embark on a trek into the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long, 3-150 meters wide, and up to 700 meters deep. The Samaria National Park is a significant natural reserve that showcases a range of natural wonders, including wildflowers, century-old trees, rock formations, and crystal-clear springs. The hike begins at an altitude of 1200 m on the Omalos plateau and takes around 4-6 hours. You'll pass through the longest gorge in Europe, which features breathtaking beauty and diverse scenery. The narrowest part of the gorge is only 3 meters wide, and the rock walls soar steeply by 350 meters at this point. Please note that the path through the gorge is rugged, rocky, and uneven, making it unsuitable for unfit individuals or clients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or pregnancy. Throughout the journey, there are numerous rest stops where you can find restrooms and drinking water. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at the charming fishing village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, where you can relax in the taverns or swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise sea after the hike. Later in the day, you'll take a one-hour boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, passing the magnificent rocks of the southern coast of Crete, where our bus will be waiting to transport you back home.

Crete: Land Rover Safari with Lunch in Agiofarago & Matala

10. Crete: Land Rover Safari with Lunch in Agiofarago & Matala

Journey into the wild and untamed side of Crete by Land Rover. Visit quiet, spiritual Agiofarago with its wild beauty, then experience the contrast of noisy Matala with its hippie style. After being picked up from your hotel, drive south through the plain of Messara, to Agiofarago: the gorge of the Saints. Enjoy a drink in the traditional village of Siva, then stop at the 14th century Odigitria Monastery. From there the rugged dirt tracks will lead you to Agiofarago. Stretch your legs along a 30 minute path crossing the gorge, scattered with oleander and olive trees. Discover a beautiful beach stretching to the Libyan Sea, where you can swim and snorkel. Continue to Matala, a small but crowded village, with a long sandy beach and crystal clear deep waters. Explore carved Roman tombs, have a swim at the beach, and eat lunch in a traditional local tavern.

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What people are saying about Matala

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 183 reviews

We were picked up punctually from our hotel and welcomed in a very friendly manner by our tour guide and bus driver. The tour guide told us a lot of interesting facts about the island during the trip. Little by little we then approached the individual destinations of the tour, where we had enough time to look at everything. All places were super beautiful and well worth seeing. The bus ride was very pleasant for us, there was great music on the island and the places. Thanks to the perfect driving skills of our bus driver, we were able to fully enjoy the trip and the island. The tour guide made the day perfect with his super great manner, even though the weather was a bit mixed.

AWESOME!! the stops on our way to matala were beautiful and even the bus ride was nice itself. thanks to andreas we've heard interessting facts about crete and our destinations. the red beach and the hike to it is a definitive recommondation.

The tour was led by tour guide Anastasia and bus driver Costas, both did an excellent job. A lot has been said about Crete. Costas played the lyre for us, . All stops had a lot of charm, Matala caves and beach is a must see destination.

Well guided tour. Guide and driver were great. Hippie Beach is a great destination. Relaxing and interesting at the same time.

Great trip through the mountains to the south coast. The guide and driver were really lovely and friendly