VisitCrete.com – ExcursionsVisitCrete.com – Excursions
Forgot password?

South Crete (Matala excursion)

This tour has expired

South Crete (Matala excursion)

from: 43.00

Discount:

Re-live the Hippie Spirit at Matala!

Join us on an adventure to the legendary Matala Beach, once the retreat for the flower children! Begin with a visit to the ancient city of Gortys to uncover its rich history. Then, unwind on Matala’s stunning sandy shores, soak up the sun, and explore the iconic caves. Enjoy free time for a swim in the crystal-clear waters and savor delicious Cretan cuisine at a seaside taverna. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey – book your excursion today! Operating Days: Every Wednesday & Sunday

Tour info

Duration:
1 day
Transport:
Bus
Tour Type:
Culture Tour
SKU:
VC-10-007
Group size:
~50 pax

Accompanied service

Guides Transport Insurance

Schedule

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes

1st stop: Gortys Site – 1 hour: Visit the unique archaeological place at the South of Crete, with sights from all periods of the 5000 years Cretan history.

Bus Drive: 20 minutes

2nd stop: Matala – 4 hours 30 minutes: Arrival at the Hippies Beach of Matala. Our participants will have plenty of free time to enjoy swimming, explore the famous caves, or have lunch at the most popular hippies shelter during the eras of 60’s & 70’s.

End of the tour – Return to resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Bus Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes

Special offer

Description

South Crete (Matala excursion): Tour to Matala Hippies Beach & Gortys Archaeological Site

(Disclaimer: Not all the parts shown on this video are scheduled to be visited on this excursion)

Dive into Hippie Heaven: Unleash Your Inner Flower Child on the Matala Excursion!

Calling all adventurers! Escape the ordinary and embark on a captivating journey to the legendary Matala Beach, Crete's iconic haven of bohemian spirit. This unforgettable excursion whisks you away from Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, or Sissi, promising a day drenched in sunshine, history, and unforgettable experiences.

Step Back in Time and Unearth Ancient Secrets

Our adventure begins with a fascinating visit to the archaeological site of Gortys. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this once-powerful Roman city, marveling at sights spanning over 5,000 years. Explore the ruins of the Odeon, imagine the murmurs of legal debates in the Chamber of the Law Code, and stand where legend says Zeus met Europa.

Unwind in Paradise: Where Sun-Kissed Days Meet Hippie Vibes

Next, prepare to be captivated by the legendary Matala Beach. This crescent-shaped haven boasts crystal-clear waters begging you to dive in. Relax on the golden sands, soak up the sun, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere. Explore the famous caves, once inhabited by the free-spirited flower children of the 60s and 70s.

Indulge Your Inner Foodie and Explore the Village

Treat yourself to a delicious lunch (not included) at a charming seaside taverna, savoring fresh Cretan cuisine with breathtaking views. Afterwards, wander through the vibrant village streets, where colorful shops brimming with local treasures tempt you to indulge.

A Day You Won't Forget

Pick-up's from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion), Lygaria, Agia Pelagia. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]

Operating Days:
Every Wednesday, Sunday

Languages:
English, French, German, Italian: All days

Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour

Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot (optional):
• Archaeological Site Entrance: 6€
• Entrance to the caves: 4€
• Lunch / Drinks

Tour highlights:
• Visit the Archaeological Site of Gortys
• Enjoy a day in Matala Hippies Beach
• Explore the famous caves by the beach
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters
• Explore the Village and get lunch by the sea

Essentials to have with you:
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Swimsuit / Beach towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Water

Direction:
South Crete

Duration:
8-9 hours approximately - 150 Km

Overview:
This time we set out for the south of Crete. Our first stop is the ancient city of Gortys, one of the most significant ancient cities of Crete and one of the largest archaeological sites of Greece. You will be fascinated by St. Titus’ Church, the Chamber of the Law Code, the Odeon and the natural beauty of the landscape: the square with the everlasting gnarled olive trees and the evergreen plane tree, where Zeus and Europe had their wedding ceremony.

After a short journey through traditional villages, we reach the famous beach of Matala. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form of 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 harbour. 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.

Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old  (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old  (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old  (Free of charge)

Booking Guiding Lines:
Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below

PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Escorted Tours. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).

 

Pick-up Locations

Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

SOUTH CRETE EXCURSION

Pickup timetable

Pick up Location Pick-up Time
Sissi 07:00 AM
Nikos hotel - Filipidis S/M 07:10 AM
Malia church 07:10 AM
Malia Bay - Malia Park - Sirens 07:05 AM
Drossia - Kernos Beach - Ikaros Village 07:20 AM
Alexander - Ariadni 07:25 AM
Cactus - I Resort 07:25 AM
Mochos Cross (Bus Stop #29) 07:30 AM
Stalis (Bus Stop #28) - Blue sea 07:30 AM
Nana B/S - Mediterraneo 07:35 AM
Belvedere - Eri bus stop 07:35 AM
Silva Beach - Pela Maria 07:40 AM
National Bank (Ethniki Bank) - Chalkiadakis S/M 07:40 AM
Koutouloufari (Esperides Resort) 07:40 AM
Piscopiano well (pigadi) 07:40 AM
Mathioudakis (Kritikos S/M) - Albatros Corner - Creta Maris 07:45 AM
Hersonissos Village (Hotel Accommodation) 07:45 AM
Knossos Royal - Royal Mare - Annabelle 07:50 AM
Cretan Village - Laguna - Chrissi Amoudia 07:55 AM
Serita - Zorbas - Anissa - Bella - Lytos 08:00 AM
Analipsi Beach  Road 08:05 AM
Analipsi Bus stop 08:05 AM
Amirantes Bus stop 08:10 AM
Gouves Beach  Road 08:10 AM
Gouves Cross - Lavris 08:15 AM
Gournes church 08:20 AM
Rinela - Hatzis 08:20 AM
Knossos beach - Arina 08:25 AM
Karteros - Amnsissos 08:30 AM
Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel 08:30 AM
Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout) 08:30 AM
Natural History Museum 08:30 AM
Talos Plaza (outside Envy Cafe) 08:30 AM
Giofyros (Meliriton) 08:50 AM
Amoudara (Gazi) 08:55 AM
Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Lygaria via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up.
08:30 AM
Agia Pelagia: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. 08:40 AM

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

 

CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

Discover MATALA CRETE

All you need to know about Matala Crete in this article:
- Matala's History
- Tips (What will you see, What to do)
- Nearby attractions
- Useful information about Matala

ARTICLE: Why Matala Crete Should be in Your Bucket List!

 

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560

 

Need HELP?   Check if we are online & chat with us!

We LOVE to answer questions...

 

Additional information

Departing Zone

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pick-Up Point

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Destination

,

Excursion Type

,

Tour Language

, , ,

Duration

Operating Month

, , , , , ,

Operating Day

,

Cart

 

Exclusive Offer: Save Up to 20% on Your Crete Adventures!

 

Unlock special savings today!
Book selected top Crete excursions and enjoy exclusive discounts:

  • • 10% off your next purchase when you book 1 excursion.
  • • 15% off when you book 2-3 excursions.
  • • 20% off when you book 4 or more excursions.

 

Don’t wait! This limited-time offer is your ticket to exploring Crete for less!


Explore & Save Now

 

This will close in 630 seconds