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

Σύντομη περιγραφή

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

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What's included

Included

Bus tickets

Not Included

Entrance Caves Matala (optional): 2,00 €

Source: Platanos Tours

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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

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Cancelation Policy

Free cancellation 24 hours before the trip.

Source: Platanos Tours

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Plan your Vacation, Cruise, Destination Tour and Holidays in Crete and the beautiful Greek islands

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Reviews About Platanos Tours

4.7 760 Reviews

5/5

12.06.2025

I had an amazing time during my day trip to Elafonisi. I got picked up on time, the rides were very safe, I learned a lot about cretan history. The...

Beyza Ar
5/5

16.09.2025

The excursion was very well organized, and our guide, Iorgos, provided clear explanations and was a very pleasant person.

F Bell
5/5

26.09.2025

Our private tour in Crete was honestly the highlight of our trip. Visiting the peaceful monastery felt so special—our guide shared stories and local traditions that made the place come...

Kris Douglas
5/5

03.12.2025

Every single year we book our holidays with Platanos tours.That is ferries or planes from Crete to Athens and then our flights from Athens to Asia or USA. Always at the...

Yanna Markou
5/5

26.09.2025

Both the driver and the tour gid made our day amazing. They were really careful both. A lot of information was given to us for the Greek culture. Thank to...

Borislav Andonov

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We have carefully selected the most reliable providers in Greece.
Handpicked tours & activities

All our tours and activities have been chosen for maximum quality and reliability.
Flexible cancellation policy

Discover Greece is in close contact with providers to ensure flexibility in the event of cancellation.

Έχετε κάποια ερώτηση;

Μπορείτε να μας στείλετε μήνυμα στο WhatsApp

+30 698 0419 772

or email us at

[email protected]

Book with confidence

We have carefully selected the most trusted experience providers across Greece.
Handpicked tours & activities

All our tours and activities have been chosen for maximum quality and reliability.
Flexible cancellation policy

Discover Greece is in close contact with providers to ensure flexibility in the event of cancellation.

Έχετε κάποια ερώτηση;

Μπορείτε να μας στείλετε μήνυμα στο WhatsApp

+30 698 0419 772

or email us at

[email protected]