Hippies Beach – Matala Tour From Heraklion

Explore the enchanting Hippies Beach on a Matala tour from Heraklion. This 7-hour excursion immerses you in the rich history and natural beauty of this iconic destination. Priced at just $27.31 per person, you’ll visit the former hippie colony, marvel at stunning caves and golden sands, and savor local cuisine. But the true allure of this tour lies in the opportunity to uncover the remnants of a vibrant past that still captivates the imagination.

Key Points

• A 7-hour excursion from Heraklion to the historic and picturesque Matala, known for its former hippie colony and natural beauty.
• Explore the Minoan and Roman history of Matala, including the caves that were once inhabited by hippies.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the golden sands, and enjoy a seaside lunch as part of the tour.
• The tour is offered in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option.
• Pick-up details and voucher information are provided, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour From Heraklion is a 7-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the former hippie colony of Matala, located 68 km southwest of Heraklion.

A 7-hour excursion to the former hippie colony of Matala, situated 68 km southwest of Heraklion.

Priced from $27.31 per person, the tour is offered in English with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour highlights the natural beauty and historical significance of Matala, including its connection to the Minoan civilization and the hippie culture that thrived there in the 1960s and 1970s.

Guests can enjoy the crystal waters, warm sun, and a lunch by the sea.

Location and Historical Significance

Matala, located 68 km southwest of Heraklion, holds a rich historical significance. Close to the Minoan palace of Phaestus, the second largest on the island, Matala’s history is steeped in mythology.

According to legend, it was here that Zeus swam ashore with Europa, leading to the founding of Gortys. Over the centuries, Matala served as a harbor for the Minoans and Romans, before becoming a hippie colony in the late 1960s and 1970s.

The town’s history includes:

1. Minoan Civilization

2. Roman Empire

3. Hippie Culture

4. Natura 2000 Environmental Protection

Hippie Culture and Attractions

Famous for its former hippie colony, where individuals lived in caves – originally Roman tombs – Matala’s caves have stairs, beds, and windows, indicating their residential use.

Visitors can enjoy the crystal waters, warm sun, and lunch by the sea. They can also explore the prehistoric caves, with an optional entrance fee of 4 euros.

The natural environment of Matala is protected under the Natura 2000 program, a European Union nature protection network, offering a unique and well-preserved setting for this historical and cultural destination.

Exploring Matala’s Beaches

As visitors explore Matala’s beaches, they’ll be captivated by the stunning natural beauty and historical significance of this remarkable destination. The crystal-clear waters and warm Mediterranean sun create an idyllic setting, while the rugged cliffs and ancient caves add a sense of mystery and wonder.

Visitors can:

1. Stroll along the golden sands, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

2. Discover the remnants of the former hippie colony, where individuals once lived in the prehistoric caves.

3. Swim in the refreshing waters and bask in the sun’s rejuvenating rays.

4. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea, savoring the local cuisine and soaking up the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere.

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Experiencing Natura 2000

While exploring Matala’s beaches, visitors can also experience the natural wonders of the Natura 2000 network. Matala is part of this European Union nature protection program, ensuring the preservation of its unique habitats and wildlife. The area’s biodiversity is showcased through its diverse flora and fauna, from rare endemic plants to migratory bird species. Visitors can appreciate the region’s environmental significance through informative displays and guided tours. By protecting this special place, the Natura 2000 initiative allows travelers to connect with Matala’s natural splendor for generations to come.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Designation | Natura 2000 network |

| Purpose | EU-wide nature protection |

| Location | Matala, Crete |

| Flora & Fauna | Rare, endemic, migratory |

| Visitor Experience | Informative, guided tours |

Learning About the Hippie Era

Matala’s beaches hold a storied past, as the former hippie colony of the 1960s and 1970s. Visitors can explore the iconic caves where these free-spirited individuals once lived, carved with stairs, beds, and windows.

Matala’s beaches hold a storied past as the former hippie colony, where free-spirited individuals once lived in iconic caves.

The hippie culture that defined Matala included:

1. Communal living in the caves, originally Roman tombs.

2. A focus on personal freedom, self-expression, and non-conformity.

3. Embracing a simple, back-to-nature lifestyle.

4. Gathering to socialize, make music, and engage in spiritual practices.

Today, the legacy of Matala’s hippie era continues to captivate travelers, offering a glimpse into this vibrant and influential counterculture movement.

What to Bring and Prepare

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear to fully enjoy the tour of Matala’s beaches. A camera is also recommended to capture the stunning natural scenery.

The tour company will provide pick-up details, including the time and location, one day before the tour. Guests should check their email for these instructions. The tour departs from the hotel or a nearby meeting point, so travelers should be ready at the specified time.

With the proper preparation, visitors can enjoy Matala’s rich history and vibrant hippie culture during this 7-hour excursion.

Pick-up and Voucher Details

The tour company will provide pick-up details, including the time and location, one day before the tour.

They’ll send this information to the email address used to make the booking. This allows participants to plan their day accordingly.

The tour voucher, which serves as the ticket, must be presented on the day of the tour. Participants have the option to either print the voucher or display it digitally on their mobile device.

Participants must present the tour voucher, their ticket, on the day of the tour, either printed or displayed digitally on their mobile device.

The pick-up location is typically at the hotel or a nearby meeting point. The tour guide will be there to greet and accompany the group throughout the day.

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. It is open to travelers of all ages who wish to explore Matala’s beaches, caves, and rich hippie history.

How Accessible Are the Caves for Visitors With Mobility Issues?

The cave’s accessibility may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues, as the caves have uneven terrain and stairs. Guided tours typically provide limited assistance, so individuals with limited mobility should consider the level of accessibility before booking.

Is There an Option to Skip the Cave Exploration?

Yes, the tour offers an optional cave entrance fee of 4 euros, allowing visitors to explore the caves if they choose. Those who prefer to skip the caves can enjoy the beach and surrounding areas instead.

What Types of Food Are Available for Lunch by the Sea?

The tour offers a seafood-focused lunch by the Matala beaches, featuring fresh local specialties like grilled fish, calamari, and Greek salads. Vegetarian options are also available for those who prefer a meatless meal.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Travelers can request specific arrangements, such as group size or activities, to personalize their experience. However, additional fees may apply for customizations beyond the standard tour offering.

Sum Up

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour from Heraklion offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history and natural beauty of this iconic destination. Visitors can enjoy the former hippie colony, swim in crystal-clear waters, savor local cuisine, and discover the remnants of a vibrant past, all while soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun. It’s an enchanting experience not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: