Matala Beach

Spend a day at the south part of Heraklion Region. Discover its coast and scenic landscapes of Matala, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a walk to the world-wide known Caves of the Village. Enjoy the views over the bay and walk around the streets of the village to do some souvenir shopping or have lunch. During this tour you will also visit, the archaeological site of Gortyn, the Roman capital of the island of Crete which area was first inhabited around 7000 BC.

Unforgettable South Crete Private Tour: History, Coast & Culture! Discover South Crete's diverse beauty: vibrant Matala Beach & Caves (Hippy history!) and ancient wonders of Phaistos. Plus, choose your adventure: Scenic Lake + Olive Oil Tasting, Signature Winery, Lunch with great views of the Libyan Sea, or Gortyn's ruins. Great for families & explorers! ________ Day Trip – Private Tour -Shore Excursion- Cruise Friendly- Heraklion Port – Crete – From Heraklion -Elounda

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. Every summer thousands of people celebrating the Matala Beach Festival. Check out the option for the Matala Beach Festival. Be there to share the Love! ❤️

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 the amphitheatrically built village of AgiaGalini. Here will have 2 hrs to explore the village. The next stop is at Matala where you will have 3 hr 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 60’s and 70’s. Many musicians have composed song about the beauty of Matala including Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens. 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 the steep rocks of the area.

• An exciting journey from the North to the South of Crete Island! • The route passes through the entire island capturing part of the Psiloritis massif. From the foot of the mountains stretches the delightful beauty of Messara valley, which has been the island's breadbasket for centuries. • During the ride you will hear the information about the history of the island and the sights that you will visit. Then, you can enjoy a walk in the preserved part of the ancient Roman capital of Crete Gortis, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sights in Greece. • Finally you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Matala beach, relax or dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast.

One of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete. We will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm sun and lunch by the sea, while later we can explore the prehistoric caves (optional), carved on the steep rocks of the area.

Experience traditional Greek vineyards alongside a certified sommelier on this private excursion by SUV. Venture into the countryside and learn about the winemaking traditions of Crete, including a visit to a 500-year-old wine press. Your tour includes a wine tasting of 12 premium wines paired with local snacks and culminates with a delicious 3-course Cretan meal in the middle of the vineyards. Private tour with full access to the vineyard. All food and drink is included Taste several different local wines Fully guided — see hidden gems and get local knowledge.

Join us on a journey through history and nature! Meet your tour leader at Cretan Spiti Travel terminal in front of Hari’s Creperie, at 08:30, or at the Heraklion Port at 09:00 for cruise ship guests. Our first stop is the archaeological site of Phaistos, a key city of the Minoan civilization. You'll have 45 minutes of free time to explore and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside. Next, we head to the village of Matala, with its golden sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and the famous caves carved into the cliffs. Spend 1 hour 45 minutes swimming, relaxing, or strolling through village’s colorful streets, full of history and character. At 13:45, we arrive in the village of Zaros, known for its fresh spring water and natural beauty. Here, you’ll have 2 hours to enjoy an optional lunch of local specialties, take a walk by Lake Votomos, and visit the traditional watermills that mark the area’s heritage. We return to Heraklion, arriving at the meeting point by 17:00.

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 disguise 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. There have been many pages of history here. 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.

Panoramic tour from the Cretan Sea to the Libyan Sea – through the central and widest part of Crete, taking in part of the Psiloritis massif, where the magnificent Messara Valley stretches at the foot of the mountains. A unique combination of archaic and Christian history, traditions of local life and recreation in one tour in the Magnificent Matala Bay on one of the best beaches in Crete.

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 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 and we are off to our destination. 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! 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!

Don't miss this highlight and capture the South of Crete. Walk in the footsteps of the hermits and find your peace of mind when an extensive bath in one of the most stunning beaches of the South coast of the Libyan Sea. A wonderful combination of history, nature, hiking, swimming and a romantic sunset on the famous beach of Matala. Once a hippie and back.

A journey into the wild and captivating side of Crete. Agiofarago and Matala are located in the south of the prefecture of Heraklion. The contrast between the two, makes our tour special. On one side the quiet, spiritual Agiofarago with its wild beauty and on the other, the noisy Matala with their hippie style!

Embark on this full day private tour so we can explore south and north Crete , Preveli Beach and Palm tree forest and the best waterfall in Crete , Kourtaliotioko gorge and Rethimno old town. First we will start our tour by enjoying an iced coffee with beautiful views in Agia Pelagia then head to Kourtaliotiko gorge, walk foto see the water falls then get back up to our ride to head towards south Crete. Next stop will be at Preveli Beach where we will walk first at the Palm forest then relax for a few hours to swim on the beach. Now it’s time to get Bain out ride and visit either Rethimno old town or the old traditional village of Margarites . We can customize the tour on your wishes and needs so please don’t hesitate to ask us and let us know.

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.

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.

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.

Visit and explore Arkadi monastery, the new Archeological museum of Messara and spend time on the beach of Matala. Εnjoy the time living like a hippie and explore the prehistoric caves, carved on steep rocks above the sea.