HIPPIES BEACH -MATALA
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Duration6 hours
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Group size10 - 62 guests
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LanguagesEnglish
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ConfirmationInstant
Highlights
- About 3 hours in Matala, the legendary hippie village of the 60s and 70s
- Swim or sunbathe on a Blue Flag beach on the Libyan Sea
- See the famous sandstone caves above the beach (optional entrance)
- Short orientation walk through the colourful village
What's included
- Transportation by modern, air-conditioned coach
- Local escort in English
- Approximately 3 hours in Matala, including free time
Not included
- Entrance to the caves: 4€ per person (optional)
- Food, snacks and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned as included
About this experience
Description
Be a hippie for a day on the south coast of Crete. Matala, about 65 km from Heraklion on the Bay of Messara, is a natural harbour with a gently curving sandy beach, the very spot where, according to myth, Zeus came ashore in the form of a bull carrying Europa on his back.
Today Matala is a popular destination that has kept the feel of a quiet fishing village, and the free spirit of the hippies who lived here in the 1960s and 70s is still part of its identity, celebrated every June at the Matala Beach Festival. The beach, 250 m long, is lined with tamarisk trees and framed by sandstone cliffs with the famous caves, thought to have been carved as Roman or early Christian tombs. It creates one of the most unusual beach landscapes on the island.
Matala holds a Blue Flag for clean water and safe bathing, with a lifeguard, showers and toilets on the beach, and the area is protected under the Natura 2000 network. After a short orientation walk with your escort, the time is yours to swim, explore the caves, wander the colourful streets or enjoy lunch by the sea.
Programme
- Pick-up from your nearest pick-up point
- Arrival in Matala and short walking tour of the village
- Free time for swimming, the caves, shopping or lunch (about 3 hours in total)
- Return, arriving approximately 16:00 – 17:00
Type of excursion: Half-Day / Beach – South Crete
Duration: approximately 6 hours
Should take: Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water and snacks, camera, passport or ID (for the reduced caves entrance fee).
Children: 0 – 2 years free of charge, 3 – 9 years 50% discount.
Good to know: The drive to the south coast includes winding roads, so the excursion is not recommended for guests prone to travel sickness, with heart conditions, high blood pressure or mobility difficulties. Pets, non-folding strollers and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel agency is not responsible for weather conditions and road traffic.
Pick Up Points & Times
Pick-up is available only from the points listed below. If your hotel is not on the list, please make your way to the nearest pick-up point a few minutes before the scheduled time.
- 08:50 – Sissi Parking
- 09:00 – Malia Church
- 09:00 – Philipidis Super Market
- 09:00 – Triton Garden
- 09:00 – Malia Bay
- 09:00 – Carolina Mare
- 09:00 – Sirens Beach Entrance
- 09:00 – Mc Donald's
- 09:00 – Meropi
- 09:05 – Ikaros Beach
- 09:10 – Alexander Beach
- 09:10 – Cactus Royal
- 09:10 – I-Resort
- 09:10 – Mochos Cross
- 09:10 – Stalis Bus Stop
- 09:15 – Blue Sea
- 09:15 – Nana Beach
- 09:15 – Arminda
- 09:15 – Mediterraneo
- 09:20 – Sunshine Village
- 09:20 – Belvedere Bus Stop
- 09:20 – Esperides
- 09:20 – Silva Beach
- 09:20 – Pela Maria
- 09:20 – Peiraios Bank
- 09:20 – National Bank
- 09:25 – Halkiadakis S/M
- 09:25 – Pigadi Piscopiano
- 09:30 – Albatros
- 09:30 – Creta Maris
- 09:30 – Village Heights
- 09:30 – Hersonissos Village
- 09:35 – Royal Mare
- 09:35 – Chrissi Ammoudia
- 09:35 – Manolis S/M / Galini
- 09:35 – Oceanis
- 09:35 – Laguna
- 09:35 – Lassithi Cross
- 09:40 – Zorbas Village
- 09:40 – Anissa Bch
- 09:40 – Serita Beach
- 09:40 – Lyttos Bus Stop
- 09:40 – Caldera Corner
- 09:40 – Filoxenia/Elizium
- 09:40 – Golden Star
- 09:45 – Stella Village
- 09:45 – Europa Beach
- 09:45 – Analipsi Bus Stop
- 09:55 – Amirandes
- 09:55 – Iraklis Apts
- 09:55 – Island Beach Rd
- 09:55 – Diogenis
- 09:55 – Gouves Church
- 09:55 – Aphrodite Corner
- 09:55 – Marina Beach Road
- 09:55 – Gouves Water Park
- 09:55 – Lavris Hotel
- 09:55 – Kyvelia Bus Stop
- 10:00 – Gournes Church
- 10:00 – Rinella Beach
- 10:00 – Themis Beach
- 10:00 – Hatzis Bus Stop
- 10:00 – Arina Sand
- 10:05 – Minoan Palace
- 10:05 – Karteros Hotel
- 10:25 – Kykliko Koyle
Good to know
How do I book?
Pick your date and passengers, and pay online. You'll have a confirmation email and mobile ticket within minutes — no account needed.
Can I change my date?
Yes — email or call us and we'll move it for you.
Do I need cash on the day?
The booking is paid in full at checkout. Depending on the experience you may still want some cash on hand for site entrance fees, food and drinks, or to tip your guide or driver. Anything not included in the price is listed above.
Do I need to print anything?
No. Just show the confirmation email on your phone — that's your ticket.
Who do I contact on the day?
A direct number for your guide / driver is on your confirmation email — call them if anything changes. For anything else, contact us.
