South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves
Overview
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. 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.
Every summer thousands of people celebrating the Matala Beach Festival. Check out the option for the Matala Beach Festival. Be there to share the Love! ❤️
What's Included
- Liability insurance
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced drivers
- Live tour guide
- Entrance fee to the caves of Matala
Meeting and Pickup
Pick-up and drop-off from the main road, partly from the exit of hotels from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, Ammoudara – Heraklion.After booking the tour operator will contact you at least 24 hours in advance the excursion takes place with a detailed description of your pick-up point and time.
What To Expect
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Matala
4 hours Admission Ticket Free
Matala Beach
6 hours Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the South Crete – Matala, Red Beach and caves?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-101383P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Liability insurance.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Experienced drivers.
- Live tour guide.
- Entrance fee to the caves of Matala.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for South Crete – Matala, Red Beach and caves will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Liability insurance
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced drivers
- Live tour guide
- Entrance fee to the caves of Matala
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
