MATALA HIPPIE BEACH - SOUTH CRETE!!

Spend a day at the south part of Heraklion Region. Discover its coast and scenic landscapes of Matala, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a walk to the world-wide known Caves of the Village. Enjoy the views over the bay and walk around the streets of the village to do some souvenir shopping or have lunch. During this tour you will also visit, the archaeological site of Gortyn, the Roman capital of the island of Crete which area was first inhabited around 7000 BC.

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Tour Details

Duration 8 hours approximately

We will make our first stop in the city of Gortyna – one of the most significant ancient cities of Crete and one of the largest architectural monuments of Greece. You will be fascinated by the Church of St. Titus, the Chamber of the great code of laws, the Odeon and the natural beauty of the landscape: an area with numerous olive trees and evergreen plane trees, where Zeus and Europe were married.
 
Leaving the magnificent Gortina, we will go to the Hodegetria Monastery, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, inhabited and ruled by monks. The monastery was built in the 14th century and today is one of the most historically significant monasteries of the island. The monastery owes its name to one of the most famous miraculous icons of the Byzantine Empire. It was originally built as a fortress and still part of its walls has been preserved here.
 
After a short trip through the traditional Cretan villages, we will get to the famous Matala beach. According to legend, in this place the god Zeus came ashore with the Europe he had stolen before heading to Gortina. At the time of Minoan civilization and the Roman Empire, there was a port. But, despite this, for most people, Matala is associated primarily with the hippie movement. In the 60s and 70s of the last century, it was a favorite resting place for the “flower children” who lived in caves that were once used by the Romans for burial. Here we will enjoy the crystal clear water, the warm sun and lunch right by the sea, and later we will be able to discover prehistoric caves carved in the steep cliffs of this area.
 
Included:

✅ Hotel pick-up and drop-off 

✅ Transport by air-conditioned luxury bus

✅ Professional Guide

Not included:

❌ Caves entrance fee (2€ per person) – Paid on the spot in cash // OPTIONAL

❌ Personal Expense