Top Heraklion landmarks
Top Heraklion landmark tours
Palace of Knossos tours
Malia tours
Cool Destinations
Top Heraklion activities
Top Heraklion landmarks
Beyond Heraklion
Heraklion trip ideas
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Top Heraklion landmark tours
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore Greece tours
  • Heraklion travel guides
  • Heraklion travel calendar
Rewards
Rewards
Wishlist
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Cool Rewards My Rewards
$0.00
Cool Rewards My Rewards
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates

South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves

8 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Heraklion, Greece
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $42.80 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves Image 1
South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves Image 2
South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves Image 3
South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves Image 4
South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves Image 5

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
Add to Wishlist
10 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, German

Overview

After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs.

Every summer thousands of people celebrating the Matala Beach Festival. Check out the option for the Matala Beach Festival. Be there to share the Love! ❤️

What's Included

  • Liability insurance
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fee to the caves of Matala
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Pick-up and drop-off from the main road, partly from the exit of hotels from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion, Ammoudara – Heraklion.After booking the tour operator will contact you at least 24 hours in advance the excursion takes place with a detailed description of your pick-up point and time.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Matala

discover the fishermans village, stroll around the shops, visit the caves or have a nice bath in the sea, spend time on the beach
Read more

4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Matala Beach

Be a member of love, peace and happiness and share it at the Matala Beach Festival. The Matala Beach Festival takes place right on the beach – but eventually runs through the whole place. There are bands from the Greek and international music scene. The entrance to the area is free. The Matala Beach Festival includes events for children and adults. The concerts on the beach and the beach parties are certainly the highlight and suitable for all audiences. Timings and durations: You'll arrive at Matala around 6 p.m. without hustle and stucked into traffic since you go directly to the scene with the coach. Then you are free to go to explore the whole area. At midnight you are kindly requested to come back to the coach to ride back to the hotels with unforgettable memories. Events & Details 2 Concert stages (Main Stage / Cave – Square Stage ) More than 30 concerts Matala Street Painting Projekt The Craftsman Projekt Bar fascilities Familiy areas Camping project
Read more

6 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the South Crete – Matala, Red Beach and caves?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-101383P5

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

4.00
8 reviews

Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
2

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
Heraklion Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Rethymno Tour: Arkadi, Margarites & Ancient Eleutherna

Private Rethymno Tour: Arkadi, Margarites & Ancient Eleutherna

10 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
10 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$272.43
From Heraklion: Private Knossos Day Trip

From Heraklion: Private Knossos Day Trip

6 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
6 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
3.7 (7)
from
$193.63
Crete: Tripitis Gorge South Crete Guided Jeep Safari
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Crete: Tripitis Gorge South Crete Guided Jeep Safari

9 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
9 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.6 (13)
from
$122.97
Private Full-Day Knosos, Lasithi Plateau, Cave of Zeus from Rethimno

Private Full-Day Knosos, Lasithi Plateau, Cave of Zeus from Rethimno

8 to 10 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
8 to 10 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.9 (20)
from
$763.79

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory

Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory

7 hours 30 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
7 hours 30 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (673)
from
$141.63
5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch

5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch

5 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5 hours • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4.9 (778)
from
$111.26
Sailing Trip to Dia with Snorkeling, Dining & Sunset Option
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Sailing Trip to Dia with Snorkeling, Dining & Sunset Option

4 hours 30 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
4 hours 30 minutes • Hotel pickup offered • Free Cancellation
5.0 (163)
from
$104.14
Heraklion: Dia Catamaran Cruise Mediterranean Meal & Water Fun
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Heraklion: Dia Catamaran Cruise Mediterranean Meal & Water Fun

5 hours • Free Cancellation
5 hours • Free Cancellation
4.9 (168)
from
$137.26

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the South Crete – Matala, Red Beach and caves?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Liability insurance.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Experienced drivers.
  • Live tour guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Entrance fee to the caves of Matala.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the South Crete - Matala, Red Beach and caves is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for South Crete – Matala, Red Beach and caves will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Liability insurance
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Experienced drivers
  • Live tour guide
  • Entrance fee to the caves of Matala

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. TOURLINE

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Lowest Price Guarantee

Activity name

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your Cool Destinations Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email priceguarantee@mybookings.zendesk.com with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • Cool Destinations promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Destinations and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Destinations reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Destinations.
Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Support

Ask us anything!

Activity name

Cool Robot

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.