Matala, a picturesque village along Crete’s southern coast, offers visitors a captivating half-day getaway. Just 65 kilometers from Heraklion, this historic destination beckons with its ancient caves, stunning Blue Flag beach, and serene ambiance. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, Matala promises an enriching adventure, complete with flexible booking options and knowledgeable guides. With a range of activities and essential facilities, this charming village provides the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. Discover the allure of Matala and uncover the enchanting stories that linger within its timeless landscape.
Key Points
- Guided day trip to Matala from Heraklion lasts approximately 6 hours with a live tour guide and audio guide in Greek and English.
- Pickup available from main roads and select hotels in coastal towns, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
- Highlights include the Matala caves, sandy beach, and hippie history, with the beach awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety.
- Entrance fee to the Matala caves is 4 euros per person, providing access to the ancient tombs and ruins in Messara Bay.
- Flexible reservation and cancellation policy, allowing booking now and paying later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Activity Overview
The guided day trip to Matala, South Crete from Heraklion allows visitors to experience the historical village in around 6 hours.
Travelers can enjoy the live tour guide and audio guide, both available in Greek and English.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this activity offers convenience and flexibility.
Whether you’re looking to explore the famous Matala caves, relax on the sandy beach, or soak up the village’s lively hippie history, this guided excursion provides a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of this picturesque destination.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Matala.
Pickup and Accessibility
Pickup for the Matala day trip is available from the main road and select hotels in several coastal towns, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Ammoudara.
The activity provider will contact you 24 hours before the trip with the exact pickup details.
This tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the highlights of Matala.
Highlights of Matala
Matala is a historical village located 65 kilometers from Heraklion, renowned for its sandy beach and ancient caves. This quaint fishing village retains its peaceful character, despite being a popular tourist destination.
The village’s hippie history is celebrated annually at the Matala Beach Festival in June, drawing visitors since 2011. Visitors can explore the caves, believed to have origins as Roman or early Christian tombs, and view ancient ruins visible in Messara Bay.
The beautiful beach, awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safe bathing, falls under the Natura 2000 EU nature protection network, offering a range of facilities like lifeguards, first aid, and sports activities.
Matala Beach and Facilities
Nestled along Crete’s southern coast, the Matala beach boasts a Blue Flag designation for its cleanliness and safe bathing conditions. Spanning 250 meters in length and 45 meters in width, this picturesque stretch of sand falls under the Natura 2000 EU nature protection network, ensuring its preservation. Matala’s beach facilities include a lifeguard, first aid station, toilets, showers, and opportunities for various sports activities. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil, fishing village atmosphere while taking advantage of the beach’s amenities.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Lifeguard | Ensures safety of swimmers |
| First Aid | Provides medical assistance |
| Toilets & Showers | Offers convenient facilities |
| Sports Activities | Allows for active enjoyment |
What to Bring
Visitors should pack essential items like sunglasses, sun hats, and a change of clothes to fully enjoy their time at Matala beach. Biodegradable sunscreen and a camera are also recommended to capture the scenic beauty of the area.
The beach falls under the Natura 2000 EU nature protection network, so it’s important to bring items that won’t harm the environment. Plus, the entrance fee to the famous Matala caves is 4 euros, so visitors should have some cash on hand.
With the right essentials, travelers can make the most of their half-day adventure in this historic and picturesque Mediterranean destination.
Entrance Fees
Along With packing essential items, travelers should be aware of the entrance fee to access the famous Matala caves, which is 4 euros per person.
This fee provides access to the network of caves that were once used as tombs during the Roman or early Christian eras. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins visible in Messara Bay and learn about the caves’ rich history.
While the entrance fee may seem like a minor expense, it’s an important contribution to the preservation and maintenance of this unique archaeological site.
Considering the cultural significance and stunning natural beauty of the Matala caves, the 4-euro fee represents good value for travelers seeking an immersive experience in this historic coastal village.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have provided a mix of feedback on the Matala day trip, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
While many praised the beautiful beach, caves, and scenic views, some noted time constraints and the intense heat as potential drawbacks. As one reviewer mentioned, ‘The trip was well-organized, but 6 hours wasn’t quite enough to fully explore Matala.’
Another visitor commented, ‘It was a hot day, so we’d recommend bringing plenty of water and sun protection.’
Despite these minor issues, the majority of travelers were satisfied with the experience, highlighting the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to discover Crete’s rich history and culture.
Reservation and Cancellation
The reservation and cancellation policy offers flexibility, allowing visitors to book now and pay later, while also providing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This makes it easy for travelers to secure their spot on the Matala day trip without committing upfront. Should plans change, they can simply cancel with no penalty.
The activity provider contacts guests 24 hours before the trip with pickup details, ensuring a smooth start to the adventure.
With these hassle-free booking and cancellation options, visitors can focus on anticipating the highlights of Matala – its historic caves, serene beach, and unique hippie culture – without worrying about the logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Guided Tour of the Caves Included?
Yes, the guided day trip includes a guided tour of the famous Matala caves. The tour guide provides insights into the caves’ historical significance as ancient Roman or early Christian tombs.
Can We Stop for Lunch During the Trip?
While the activity overview does not explicitly mention a lunch stop, the tour duration of 6 hours suggests there may be an opportunity to stop for lunch during the trip. Customers should check with the activity provider for any lunch options.
Are There Any Boat Tours or Water Activities Offered?
The activity does not include any boat tours or water activities. However, visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on Matala’s Blue Flag awarded beach, which offers facilities like lifeguards and sports equipment rentals.
Are There Any Shopping Opportunities in Matala?
Matala offers various shopping opportunities, including local craft shops, souvenir stores, and traditional Greek markets. Visitors can browse for unique handmade items, jewelry, and clothing, providing a chance to immerse in the village’s vibrant local culture and artistry.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Families?
While the activity overview does not mention any discounts or packages for families, customers can explore the flexibility of the "Reserve now & pay later" option when booking their Matala day trip. The activity provider may also offer promotions for larger group sizes.
Recap
Matala offers a captivating half-day trip for history and nature enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore the ancient caves, enjoy the Blue Flag beach, and experience the tranquil atmosphere with sports activities and essential facilities.
With flexible booking options and knowledgeable guides, Matala promises an enriching adventure along Crete’s beautiful coastline.
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