Crete: Beach Day Trip to Matala and Komos

Exploring Crete: A Beach Day Trip to Matala and Kommos

If you’re looking for a full day of history, stunning scenery, and relaxing beach time, a tour to Matala and Kommos Beach offers a well-rounded experience. This guided excursion promises a glimpse into the island’s hippie past, prehistoric caves, and unspoiled coastline. The experience is perfect if you want a taste of authentic Crete away from the bustling resorts, with enough comfort and organization to make it hassle-free.

What we love about this tour is the story-rich visit to the famous caves of Matala, once home to hippies seeking freedom and peace, and the chance to unwind on Kommos Beach, a place where nature still feels wild and untouched. The organized transportation and guided commentary help keep the day flowing smoothly, saving you from logistics headaches. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that there’s some walking involved, especially at the caves, which might be less comfortable for travelers with mobility issues.

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, beach lovers, and travelers wanting a balanced mix of cultural insight and leisure. It’s ideal if you prefer guided trips that include transportation and a knowledgeable guide, allowing you to soak in the history and scenery without worrying about the details.

Key Points

• History & Culture: Learn about the hippies who once called the caves home and their impact on local culture.
• Prehistoric Caves: See caves used as settlements in ancient times and as tombs during Roman rule.
• Relaxing Beach Time: Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at both Matala’s organized beach and the more natural setting of Kommos.
• Wild Nature & Wildlife: Marvel at the dunes and tamarisk trees, and observe the occasional Mediterranean turtle nesting.
• Comfort & Convenience: Organized pickup, drop-off, and transportation make for a seamless day.
• Limited Extras: Entry to the caves costs extra (€4), and umbrellas or sunbeds aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Meeting & Departure

You’ll start your day with a pickup from one of ten designated locations, from Heraklion to Malia and beyond. The tour kicks off with a roughly 1.5-hour coach ride, giving you a chance to relax, settle in, and get some initial impressions of Crete’s interior landscapes. The logistics are straightforward: pickup times and locations are confirmed the day before, and there’s flexibility in reservations with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Arrival at Matala

Once in Matala, the first thing you’ll notice are the famous caves carved into the cliffs right on the beach. These caves hold a history that stretches back thousands of years—prehistoric settlements, Roman tombs, and in the 1960s and 70s, a magnet for hippies seeking an alternative lifestyle. We loved the way the guide contextualized the caves’ layered history, making the experience more meaningful than just admiring the rocky alcoves.

Expect about 2.5 hours here for sightseeing and swimming. Some visitors highlight how the caves and the colorful murals painted on the village’s streets add a lively, artistic vibe to the place, making it more than just a beach stop. The beaches are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but remember, you’ll need to pay for the entry to the caves separately (€4). The water is famously clear and inviting—perfect for a refreshing swim after your explorations.

Exploring the Caves

Most travelers agree that the caves are the main highlight of the visit. While they are now a popular tourist spot, they still retain a sense of history and mystique. The caves’ use as homes, tombs, and hippie retreats makes them a layered storybook of Crete’s past. The guide provides insights into their prehistoric origins, Roman era use, and the vibrant hippie era, which concludes with the Greek government’s intervention in the 70s.

Some reviews note that the caves are slightly commercialized but still worth the visit for their unique atmosphere. The walk around the caves involves some uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended—this is not a wheelchair-friendly site.

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Transition to Kommos Beach

After about two and a half hours, you’ll board the bus for a quick 15-minute ride to Kommos Beach. Here, the landscape shifts away from the caves’ cultural weight to more natural, untouched beauty. The beach’s big dunes and tamarisk forest create a wild, almost primal setting. This is also where you might spot the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtle laying eggs from May to September, adding an element of natural wonder to your visit.

Relaxing at Kommos Beach

Spending two hours at Kommos, you’re encouraged to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Unlike the organized setup at Matala, this beach feels more natural and less developed, perfect for those who want to experience Crete’s wild coastline. The waters here are still crystal-clear, inviting a peaceful swim or some quiet time under the sun. Some visitors mention how the forest of tamarisk trees and the dunes make it feel almost untouched—an authentic slice of Mediterranean nature.

Return Journey & Drop-offs

The journey back is about 1.5 hours, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour concludes at your pickup point, with options spanning from Heraklion to local resorts like Gazi and Malia. This organized end to the day helps you avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads after a full day of exploration.

The Value of This Tour

When considering the price, which includes transportation, a guide, and the convenience of pickup and drop-off, it offers good value for travelers seeking a well-organized, informative day. The additional €4 fee for cave entry is reasonable, considering the historical significance and the guided insights you receive. While you’ll need to cover your own food, drinks, and sunbeds, the overall experience balances affordability with quality.

The guided commentary enhances the experience, especially for history buffs, making the caves’ stories come alive. The chance to relax on two distinct beaches—one with a colorful, artistic vibe and the other more natural—means you’ll leave with both cultural and scenic memories.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best for travelers who want a combination of history, culture, and beach relaxation. It suits those comfortable with some walking and exposure to outdoor environments. Families with children, seniors with mobility limitations, or travelers seeking a highly flexible experience might find some parts less suitable. But if you’re eager to explore Crete’s legendary caves and enjoy its unspoiled coastline in one day, this tour delivers on that promise.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s past and present. You’ll walk through the caves that once housed hippies, learn about ancient burial sites, and enjoy two very different beaches—one lively and artistic, the other wild and serene. The transportation, guide, and well-structured itinerary make the day smooth and enjoyable. It’s a great way to see a side of Crete that’s off the beaten path but full of stories waiting to be uncovered.

If you’re after a blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic local flavor, this trip is worth considering—especially if you’re comfortable with a full day outdoors and some walking. It’s a solid choice for curious travelers who want a taste of Crete’s soul without sacrificing comfort or organization.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The full tour lasts around 9 hours, including pickup, travel time, sightseeing, swimming, and return.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers pickup and drop-off, transportation, and a guide. Entry to the caves costs an extra €4, and food, drinks, umbrellas, and sunbeds are not included.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as some walking over uneven terrain is involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended to enjoy the experience fully.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute adjustments.

Is there free time at the beaches?
Yes, you’re encouraged to swim and relax at both beaches, with around 2 hours at each, giving you time to enjoy the scenery.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s ideal for those interested in history and natural scenery; however, young children or those with mobility issues might find some parts challenging.

Will I learn about the hippie history in Matala?
Absolutely. The guide provides background on how Matala became a hippie haven in the 60s and 70s, adding depth to your visit.

This Crete day trip to Matala and Kommos offers a rewarding mix of cultural insights and natural beauty in a well-organized package. Perfect for history buffs and beach lovers seeking an authentic taste of the island’s heritage and landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: