Crete: Matala Beach And Hippie Caves, Red Beach

Crete’s coastal regions offer a wealth of natural wonders, and the tour to Matala Beach and the Hippie Caves promises an unforgettable journey. Visitors can explore the historic Hippie village, enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, and capture scenic photos at the picturesque Red Beach. With roundtrip transportation and ample time to soak in the sun, this excursion provides a seamless way to experience Crete’s coastal paradise. But what secrets and surprises might lie in store for those who embark on this captivating adventure?

Key Points

Guided tour to explore Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Red Beach in Crete, with roundtrip transportation from 13 locations across the island.
1.5-hour bus ride to Matala, followed by 4 hours of free time to swim, shop, and observe wildlife at the nearby Red Beach.
Entrance fee to the Hippie Caves included, along with a knowledgeable live guide to provide historical and cultural insights.
Tour rated 4.3/5 by previous customers, who praised the value for money and quality of transportation.
Recommended items include sun hat, towel, camera, and cash, as the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

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Overview of the Activity

The tour takes place at Matala Beach, Hippie Caves, and Red Beach in Crete. Priced from €32 per person, the 8-10 hour excursion provides roundtrip transportation from 13 locations across the island.

Guests can expect a 1.5-hour bus ride to Matala, where they’ll have 4 hours to explore the historic hippie village, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and hike to the nearby Red Beach.

The tour includes an entrance fee to the caves, a live guide, and liability insurance, though food, drinks, and accessibility for those with mobility issues aren’t covered.

With an overall 4.3/5 rating based on 31 reviews, the tour offers great value and quality transportation.

Itinerary Details

The tour provides transportation by pickup and drop-off from 13 specified locations, including popular tourist areas like Malia, Stalis, and Heraklion.

The travel time from the pickup points to Matala is approximately 1.5 hours by bus or coach.

Once at Matala, the itinerary includes:

A photo stop and sightseeing at the historical site.
Free time for activities like swimming, snorkeling, shopping, and exploring the famous Hippie caves.
A dedicated stay of 4 hours in Matala to fully experience the destination.
A walk to the nearby Red Beach to observe the local wildlife.

Highlights of the Experience

This tour offers several highlights that make it an engaging and immersive experience.

Visitors can enjoy direct transportation to Matala with a knowledgeable live guide, allowing them to make the most of their time exploring the historical Hippie village and its renowned caves.

The tour also provides the opportunity to bask in the crystal-clear waters of Matala Beach and walk to the picturesque Red Beach, where they can observe the local wildlife.

With these unique activities and the convenience of pickup and drop-off from multiple locations, this tour delivers a well-rounded and memorable experience in Crete’s coastal gems.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the tour package, visitors are provided with a range of inclusions, such as pickup and drop-off from the specified locations, a live tour guide, and transportation in a modern, air-conditioned bus.

The tour also includes the entrance fee to the Hippie Caves, which is €4 per person.

However, the package excludes food and drinks, and it isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of bringing essential items like a sun hat, towel, camera, and cash, as pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Transportation and Travel Time

The tour package provides direct transportation to Matala Beach from 13 different locations across Crete, including popular tourist hubs like Malia, Stalis, and Heraklion. The journey by bus or coach takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. This ensures a seamless travel experience for guests, allowing them to focus on exploring the stunning coastal landscapes.

Pickup Locations	Travel Time	Pickup Time
Malia	1.5 hours	8:00 AM
Stalis	1.5 hours	8:15 AM
Hersonissos	1.5 hours	8:30 AM
Heraklion	1.5 hours	9:00 AM

The convenient transportation and efficient travel time allow visitors to maximize their time at the picturesque Matala Beach and nearby Red Beach.

Activities in Matala

Upon arriving at Matala Beach, guests can look forward to a variety of engaging activities.

The 4-hour stay in Matala allows ample time to:

Take scenic photos and sightsee the historical Hippie village and caves.
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Explore the shops and markets, browsing local crafts and souvenirs.
Venture to the nearby Red Beach, observing the unique local wildlife.

With a range of options to suit all interests, Matala provides an immersive experience for visitors to fully embrace the charm and natural beauty of this iconic Cretan destination.

Important Information

Guests will want to come prepared with a sun hat, towel, camera, and beachwear for their visit to Matala Beach. Cash is also recommended, as the entrance fee to the caves is €4. It’s important to note that pets are not allowed on this excursion. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Based on 31 reviews, the overall rating for this activity is 4.3/5, with highlights on the quality of transportation and value for money.

What to Bring	Not Allowed
Sun hat	Pets
Towel
Camera
Beachwear

Customer Reviews

Based on 31 reviews, travelers have overall rated this excursion 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

Highly praised transportation quality, with a modern, air-conditioned bus and punctual pickups.
Excellent value for money, with the inclusion of cave entrance fees and a knowledgeable guide.
Positive experiences exploring the historic Hippie village and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Matala Beach.
A few reviewers noted the difficulty for individuals with mobility issues, as the caves require some walking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks On-Site?

The activity does not include food and drinks, but visitors can purchase them on-site at Matala Beach. There are restaurants, cafes, and shops available for visitors to enjoy meals and refreshments during their free time.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

There doesn’t appear to be an option for a private tour explicitly mentioned in the overview. The activity is offered as a group tour with transportation provided from multiple locations.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You don’t need to bring your own snorkeling equipment as the tour doesn’t include it. However, you can rent snorkeling gear locally if you’d like to explore the underwater sights at Matala Beach.

Can I Extend My Stay in Matala After the Tour?

The tour does not include the ability to extend your stay in Matala after the designated 4-hour visit. Travelers who wish to spend more time in Matala will need to make their own arrangements separately from the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, group discounts are available for this Matala Beach and Hippie Caves tour. Travelers can save up to 10% when booking for a group of 4 or more people. Contact the tour operator for more details.

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Recap

Crete’s Matala Beach and Hippie Caves offer a unique glimpse into the island’s history and culture. Visitors can explore the picturesque Red Beach, soak in the sun, and capture stunning coastal scenery. With round-trip transportation and ample time to enjoy the destinations, this excursion provides an unforgettable experience in Crete’s beautiful coastal paradise.