Matala Beach & Caves Tour from Heraklion: Hippie History

Swim in the caves where the hippies lived, then climb the rocks to see inside them.

A half-day tour from Heraklion to Matala beach combines swimming and lunch by the sea with exploration of the prehistoric caves that once sheltered Roman tombs and later became a 1960s hippie colony. A professional guide in English, French or German leads the day, with hotel pickup included from Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Ammoudara or Agia Pelagia. The caves are carved directly into the steep rocks above the beach, accessible on foot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Matala Beach and Caves

• Travel to Matala Beach
• Enjoy crystal waters and sun
• Have lunch by the sea
• Explore prehistoric caves

The experience

The tour starts with a drive to Matala, a small beach town on Crete's south coast with a layered history. The Romans used it as a harbor and carved tombs into the cliff face. Centuries later, those same caves became home to a colony of hippies in the late 1960s and 1970s, drawn by the cheap rent and the sea. You'll spend the morning and early afternoon swimming in the clear water and having lunch by the shore, with time to settle into the pace of the place before the afternoon shift to the caves.

The caves themselves are the main draw: carved directly into the steep rocks that rise from the beach, they're accessible by climbing the stone steps built into the cliff. You can walk through them and see where people actually lived, the openings framing the sea beyond. The guide explains the site's history, from its use as a Roman burial ground through its transformation into a bohemian refuge. The caves are open to explore, and the walk up and down the rocks is moderate but steady.

The tour runs about seven hours total, including the drive from your hotel and back. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation in one of several towns along the north coast (Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Ammoudara or Agia Pelagia), and returns you at the end of the day. The guide speaks English, French or German, and lunch is your own arrangement at one of the tavernas along the beach.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Ammoudara or Agia Pelagia.
• professional guide in English, French or German.

Options for this experience

4 options

Pickup from SissiGuide in English, French or German · Available from 26 Apr 2027Pickup is included, from Sissi

Pickup from Malia and StalisGuide in English, French or German · 08:30Pickup from Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Analipsi and Gouves is included

Pickup from HeraklionGuide in English, French or German · 09:55Pickup from Heraklion and Ammoudara is included

Pickup from Agia PelagiaGuide in English, French or German · 08:05Pickup from Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and Fodele is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDepartures at 08:05, 08:30 and 09:55

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PLATANOS TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine beach time with a walk through actual caves rather than a guided hike. You set the pace at Matala, swim when you choose, and explore the rocks on your own terms with the guide available to explain the history.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What exactly are the caves at Matala, and can you go inside them?

The caves are ancient Roman tombs carved into the cliff face above Matala beach, later occupied by hippies in the 1960s and 1970s. You can climb the stone steps up the rocks and walk through the cave openings to see inside them and look out at the sea.

Is swimming included, or do I just look at the beach?

Swimming is part of the day. You'll have time to swim in the water at Matala beach and relax by the shore before exploring the caves in the afternoon.

Where does the tour pick me up, and what if I'm staying in a different town?

Hotel pickup is included from Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Gouves, Ammoudara or Agia Pelagia. Choose your pickup location when you book. If your hotel is in one of those towns, the driver will collect you from there.

How much walking and climbing is involved at the caves?

You'll climb stone steps up the steep rocks to reach the caves, which requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The caves themselves are accessible on foot once you reach them, and you can explore at your own pace.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but you'll have time to eat at one of the tavernas along Matala beach. The tour leaves time for a meal by the sea before heading to the caves.