Hippies Beach and Matala Tour from Heraklion - Crete

Enjoy a day tour to Hippies Beach and its crystal‑clear waters. Explore the prehistoric caves, carved into the steep rocks of the area. Matala is a naturally protected harbor, located 65 kilometers from Heraklion, on the Bay of Messara. Blessed with a gently sweeping sandy shore, it is said to be the place where Zeus, in the form of a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back. The beach is 250 meters long and 45 meters wide.

We arrive at the famous Matala Beach, 68 km southwest of Heraklion, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete. It is located near Phaestus, the second‑largest palace of the Minoan Civilization. According to mythology, this is the very spot where Zeus—disguised as a bull—carried Europa ashore before taking her to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used Matala as their harbor.

For most visitors, however, Matala is synonymous with a unique chapter of modern history: the hippie era. During the late 1960s and 1970s, this small town became a haven for the “flower children,” who lived inside the caves that were once ancient Roman tombs. Many of these caves still have carved stairs, beds, and windows, suggesting they were later used as residences.

Here, you will enjoy the crystal waters, the warm Cretan sun, and a delicious lunch by the sea. Later, take time to explore the prehistoric caves carved into the dramatic cliffs surrounding the area.