From Heraklion | Half Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach & 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.

Trip Itinerary 
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