Hippies Beach – Matala Tour From Heraklion

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour from Heraklion offers an intriguing blend of history and natural wonder. Visitors can explore the iconic Matala Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs. The tour also includes a visit to the prehistoric caves that once served as Roman tombs and hippie habitats, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With a delightful seaside lunch included, this 7-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience for those captivated by the intersection of nature and history.

Key Points

• The tour covers the Matala area, 68 km southwest of Heraklion, and highlights its association with the 1960s-1970s hippie movement and prehistoric caves.
• Visitors can explore the Matala Caves, which served as Roman tombs and were later inhabited by hippies, and enjoy a lunch by the sea.
• The tour provides opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and nature exploration in the scenic Natura 2000 protected area.
• The tour blends cultural heritage, such as the nearby Minoan Palace of Phaestus, with the hippie legacy of Matala for a captivating experience.
• Booking is flexible, with no upfront payment required and a free cancellation policy, ensuring a hassle-free planning process.

Tour Overview

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour from Heraklion provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical and natural wonders of the coastal town of Matala.

The tour, priced from €87 per person, lasts 7 hours and takes visitors to the location 68 km southwest of Heraklion. Included in the experience are pick-up, drop-off, and an optional €4 entrance fee to the Matala Caves.

Participants can learn about Matala’s association with the hippie movement, explore the prehistoric caves, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery of the Natura 2000-designated beach.

Lunch by the sea is also included, making this a well-rounded tour for those seeking to enjoy the history and natural beauty of this unique destination.

Historical Significance

Matala is renowned for its association with the hippie movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. The area features prehistoric caves that were once Roman tombs, with some modified for habitation by hippies. These caves provided a unique and affordable living space for the counterculture community that flocked to Matala during this era.

Plus, Matala is close to Phaestus, the second largest palace of Minoan Civilization, and historically significant as a harbor for Minoans and Romans. The combination of ancient history and the more recent hippie legacy makes Matala a truly fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the intersection of culture, spirituality, and the natural world.

Natural Attractions

Matala Beach is recognized for its crystal waters and beautiful scenery. Designated as part of Natura 2000, a European Union nature protection network, the area offers several natural attractions:

1. Crystal-clear, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

2. Rugged cliffs and caves carved into the steep rocks, providing a unique and scenic landscape.

3. Opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Natura 2000 protected area.

4. Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside.

These natural wonders make Matala an ideal destination for visitors seeking to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Greek coastline.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can learn about the history of Matala as a former hippie colony during this tour.

They’ll explore the prehistoric caves that were once Roman tombs, some of which were modified by hippies for habitation.

The tour also includes a delightful lunch by the sea, allowing guests to take in the stunning natural scenery.

Matala’s crystal-clear waters and beautiful beachfront provide ample opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.

The tour seamlessly blends the area’s rich cultural heritage with its natural allure, offering a well-rounded experience for those interested in exploring this captivating destination.

Booking Information

The booking process for this tour is flexible, allowing visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later without any upfront payment required.

Plus, the tour offers a free cancellation policy, enabling customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour details, including pick-up time and location, will be sent via email one day before the scheduled tour. This ensures that all the necessary information is provided to participants in a timely manner.

The key booking information for this tour includes:

1. Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later.
2. No upfront payment required.
3. Free cancellation policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
4. Tour details emailed one day prior to the scheduled tour.

What to Bring

Bringing sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a camera is recommended for the Hippies Beach – Matala Tour.

The tour takes visitors to the stunning Matala Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery. Sunglasses will protect eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun, while a hat can provide additional shade.

Swimwear is essential for those who wish to enjoy the beach and its designated swimming areas. A camera will capture the tour’s highlights, including the prehistoric caves carved into the steep rocks, the Matala Beach, and the overall historical and natural beauty of the region.

Getting to Matala

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour departs from Heraklion, located 68 km northeast of the charming seaside town of Matala. The journey takes approximately one hour, offering picturesque views along the way.

Once in Matala, visitors can explore the area’s natural beauty and historical significance:

1. The tour includes an optional visit to the Matala Caves, once used as Roman tombs and later modified by hippies in the 1960s.

2. Nearby is the second-largest Minoan palace, Phaestus, providing a glimpse into the island’s ancient civilization.

3. Matala Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene setting, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

4. The tour also includes a lunch by the sea, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local coastal experience.

Nearby Attractions

Along With the highlights of the Hippies Beach – Matala Tour, visitors can explore several nearby attractions that enrich the experience.

Just a short distance away lies the Minoan Palace of Phaestos, the second-largest Minoan palace after Knossos. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished on the island of Crete.

Plus, the nearby Matala Caves, once Roman tombs, are now a popular destination for visitors to explore the area’s prehistoric history. These caves were famously inhabited by hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, adding to the site’s unique cultural significance.

Whether exploring ancient ruins or walking in the footsteps of counterculture pioneers, Matala offers a wealth of engaging experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Based on the tour details, participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, a lunch by the sea is already included as part of the tour experience.

Is There a Tour Guide Provided Throughout the Experience?

Yes, the tour provides a guide throughout the experience. The guide accompanies the group, sharing historical information and insights about the Matala caves and the area’s association with the hippie movement.

Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific age or physical fitness requirements for the tour. The tour is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels, as the activities cater to a wide range of abilities.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration to Explore Matala Further?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration to explore Matala further. The tour operator offers flexible booking options, allowing you to customize the experience to suit your interests and needs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour provider offers discounts for students and seniors, usually around 10-15% off the regular price. Customers should inquire about these discounts when booking the tour to receive the applicable savings.

Recap

The Hippies Beach – Matala Tour from Heraklion offers an unforgettable experience, blending historical significance with stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the iconic Matala Beach, discover ancient Roman tombs and hippie habitats, and indulge in a delightful seaside lunch. With its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, this tour is a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts alike.