From Heraklion:Half Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach & Caves

From Heraklion:Half Day Trip to Matala Hippie Beach & Caves

Highlights

  • Discover the legendary beach where Zeus, as a bull, brought Europa ashore before taking her to Gortys.
  • Learn about Matala's rich history as a harbor for both the Minoans and the Romans.
  • Uncover the connection to the 1960s-1970s hippie movement and the "flower children" who lived in the ancient caves.
  • Enjoy crystal clear waters, sunbathing, and a delicious seaside lunch.
  • Explore the prehistoric caves, carved into the steep rocks, once used as Roman tombs.
Source: Platanos Tours / Private Tours and Transfer Services - Samaria gorge - Elafonisi - Gramvousa - Santorini - Exchange Money

Description

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.
Source: Platanos Tours / Private Tours and Transfer Services - Samaria gorge - Elafonisi - Gramvousa - Santorini - Exchange Money

What's Included

Included 

    • Bus tickets

      Not Included

      •  Entrance Caves Matala (optional): 2,00 €
      Source: Platanos Tours / Private Tours and Transfer Services - Samaria gorge - Elafonisi - Gramvousa - Santorini - Exchange Money

      Additional Information

      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

      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
      Source: Platanos Tours / Private Tours and Transfer Services - Samaria gorge - Elafonisi - Gramvousa - Santorini - Exchange Money

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