Crete · MATALA TOURS
The 12 best matala tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Travel south from Rethymno by air-conditioned bus with an English or German-speaking guide. See Spili’s lion-head fountains, spend three hours at Matala Beach and its Minoan-era caves, then explore Agia Galini’s harbor for 90 minutes. Guides such as Anastasia and Lazarus add local stories along the way.
“My wife and I had an excellent day and we were well looked after by Anastasia and Kosta.”
Travel by coach from Heraklion to Matala, then spend about four hours swimming, eating by the sea, exploring the former Roman tombs, and walking the colorful town. A multilingual guide provides commentary during the journey, while the cave entrance costs extra.
“Guide agréable, visite en autonomie, très jolie ville dans son décor hippie et visite des grottes super sympa (prévoir de bonnes chaussures, ça grimpe!). Bus peu confortable pour 1h30 environ de route.”
Travel by air-conditioned coach from eastern Crete to Matala, where you get four hours for swimming, cave exploration, village shops, tavernas, and the walk to Red Beach. A live guide speaks English, German, or French, but the Red Beach route may require you to find your own way.
“fantastisch plaatsje. waar je veel langer wilt zijn dan 4 uur. dat is te kort om alles te kunnen zien. de heenweg richting Matala duurde gewoon 3 uur. dat is te lang. de terugreis was in 2 uur.”
Spend about 9.5 hours with Go Crete Safari on a private 4WD trip from Malia to southern Crete. Walk the easy Agiofarago Gorge, swim at its remote beach, visit Agios Thomas and Moni Odigitrias, eat lunch in Sivas, and finish at hippie-era Matala. Andreas is one guide named in the feedback.
“The whole tour was wonderful. It was great seeing a remote area of Crete. Andreas was a fantastic guide, very personable, energetic, and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this tour”
Join Safari Experts Crete for an 8-hour trip from Heraklion or nearby resorts. Visit a Cretan winery, cross the Messara Valley, explore Matala’s seaside caves, swim, and eat a traditional lunch with local wine. Guides may speak English, French, German, Dutch, Greek, or Russian.
“Un grand merci à Nikos pour la journée passée ensemble ! Une excursion découverte incroyable de la "vraie" Crête 👌 Ambiance parfaite tout le long du trajet, tout était au top ! PS : Nikos on attend toujours Patrick Sébastien dans la voiture 😅”
Start from your Rethymno-area hotel at 8:30 a.m. for a 10-hour group outing to Matala, Agia Galini, and Spili. Barbara may lead the day, with free time for beaches, lunch, village streets, and the Folk Museum. Transport is air-conditioned, but lunch and admissions cost extra.
“Barbara is an exeptional guide fully recommend this tour”
Travel from northern Crete to Matala in an air-conditioned coach, then spend free time exploring the old fishing village, beach, shops, taverns, and famous caves. The tour may also include the Matala Beach Festival, with concerts and events until midnight. Guide Viola has received special praise, but guide assignments can vary.
“The trip to Matala was very nice. It went from the north of Crete to the south. The ride goes through the mountains where you could enjoy really beautiful views. Matala is known for its caves where hippies lived in the 60s. Before entering the village, there is an olive tree with faces carved into its trunk. Matala itself consists of taverns, souvenir shops and textile-supplying shops. There is also a beach there, which is very gravelly and studded with stones in the water. The water gets deep very quickly and when you go in and out you sing deep into the gravel. It doesn't take much time to see…”
Travel from Heraklion to southern Crete with a private driver, often Leonidas, for a flexible day at Gortyn, Matala Caves, Matala Beach, and Phaistos. Expect coastal views, ancient ruins, swimming time, bottled water, and commentary during the drive, but explore each site independently.
“The guide was incredibly friendly and kind, making sure everything ran smoothly for everyone. The organization was flawless, with well-respected schedules. The destination itself was breathtaking — truly a paradise, full of unique charm. I absolutely loved every moment and have no regrets!”
Travel from Heraklion through the Messara Valley to ancient Gortyn and Matala Beach, with visits to Orthodox monasteries, time for swimming, and a coastal dinner. Pickup is offered from set stops, and the private booking suits families or friends who want a flexible day out.
“The pickup point was not where it was meant to be and there was no information on what type vehicle to expect. From the email sent beforehand, there is a coach with a big arrow at the bus stop, we were picked up in a small minibus at another location which we would Read more”
Spend about seven hours sailing South Crete in a group of no more than eight. From Agia Galini, with pickup offered from Matala and Agia Galini, your captain chooses the route by the wind, with stops near beaches, coves, and Paximadia islets for swimming.
“Lovely sailing trip to Paximadia islands. Captain and co captain were super friendly. Great locations for swimming and looking at all the fish. Very exclusive locations with no other boats.”
Travel by air-conditioned bus from Rethymno to Matala, Agia Galini, and Spili with an English-speaking driver. You get three hours at Matala for caves, beach, and lunch, followed by time at Agia Galini and Spili’s famous lionhead fountains. Food and drinks are not included.
“Probably could just have Matala and Ag Galini. There’s not really much to see at Spili.”
Travel south from Heraklion through the Messara vineyards to Phaistos, Crete’s second-largest palace site. Continue to Matala for swimming and cliff caves, then visit Odigitria Monastery and ancient tombs. A German-speaking guide, audio guide, hotel transfers, and an eight-hour day are included.
“A very beautiful trip, especially the palace of Phaistos (Festos) is well worth seeing. Lunch was simple and the same for everyone but ok.”
Pick a coast, a gorge or a kitchen.
