Matala The Hippie Beach! From Heraklion

Operates every Monday and Thursday from April till October

Total duration 7-9 hours approximately / Pick-up times 08:15 – 09:55 depending on accommodation location

Starting time 08:15 – 09:55 – Ending time 16:15 – 17:15

Stay at Matala 4 hours

Join us on a trip to Matala, one of the most popular and unique beaches in Crete, located 68 km southwest of Heraklion. This beautiful seaside village is near Phaistos, the second-largest palace of the Minoan Civilization. According to Greek mythology, this is where Zeus, disguised as a bull, brought Europa before taking her to Gortys. Over the centuries, both Minoans and Romans used Matala as an important harbor.

But for many people, Matala is all about hippies! In the 1960s and 1970s, this small town became a famous hippie paradise. The caves carved into the cliffs, once ancient Roman tombs, became homes for the “flower children”, who found peace and freedom by the sea. Some caves even have stairs, beds, and windows, showing that they were used as shelters.

Today, Matala is the perfect place to relax on the golden beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a meal by the sea. Afterward, you can explore the historic caves and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. Moreover, you can take a stroll through the village with the traditional architecture, the colourful houses and the local shops.

Discover the magic of Matala – a place of history, myth, and free spirit!

Timetable:

The timing of the program will be approximate, depending on traffic and weather conditions as well as the unexpected overcrowding.

Included:

✅ Pick-up & Drop-off service (mainly from hotels at Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Chersonissos,  Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion city center, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Stalis is provided. If pick up from your hotel is not possible you will be picked up from the closest pick up point)

✅ Transport by air-conditioned luxury bus

✅ Guide (English, French, German – subject to availability)

Not Included:

❌ OPTIONAL Caves entrance fee (5€ per person) – Paid on the spot in cash

❌ Personal Expenses

Discounts:

Children up to 3 years old free of charge and travelling on parents’ lap.

Children 4 – 12 years old 50% discount.

Cancellation policy:

For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees.

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees.

Notes:

1. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
2. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
3. Please provide full name, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
4. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a separate e-mail from our team with your activity voucher and detailed pick-up information. Please remember to check your spam or junk folder as well.

For clarifications please send us a mail at online@travelid.gr or contact us at +30 2810 335 227

We are at your disposal from Monday to Friday 09:00 am till 20:00 pm and Saturday 09:00 till 15:00 pm