The excursion from Kokkini Hani to Matala beach and the ancient city of Gortyna (or Gortyn, Gortys) combines the useful and the pleasant moments: the first part of the trip will be devoted to history and archaeology, while the second part will be a trip to the village of Matala on the southern coast of Crete and a relaxing day at the hippie beach of the same name. Why a hippie? We tell you all the details of the excursion to Matala!
You will visit the following attractions on this tour:
The bus route runs from Kokkini Hani to the south of the island, passing charming vineyards and Crete’s largest plain, the Messara. As you cross our island from north to south, you will be treated to spectacular mountain scenery along the way, but it is on the southern coast of Crete that the main attractions of this trip are to be found.
The first stop on the route will be very close to the south coast in the area of Phaistos. Here you’ll start your tour to Gortyna. This is one of the oldest towns in Crete, with more than six thousand years of history. It flourished during the Minoan era and was the richest and most rapidly developing town in that region of Crete island. In fact, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece! Why? The city of Gortina is famous for the discovery of the oldest written laws in Europe during excavations in 1880, a precious source of ancient Greek law – tablets with the texts of laws carved in stone around the 5th century BC. Legend has it that Gortyna specialists helped with legal matters far beyond the island of Crete. That is, we can assume that among others, professional lawyers lived in the city. This day you will visit this ancient city and will see that first code of laws for yourself. Have you seen all the sights of Gortyn? Let’s move on!
The trip continues with an excursion to Matala Beach. It’s on the shores of the Libyan Sea not so far from the city of Gortys. Our bus will arrive in the village of the same name around noon. There will be approximately four hours free time in the village and at the beach – enough time to walk around the village, swim in the sea and for the more curious, climb the cliffs and explore the local caves.
Greece is full of myths and legends and Matala is no exception. For example, Matala was the place where the god Zeus in the form of a bull once brought the Phoenician princess Europa. On the coast, Zeus transformed himself into an eagle and flew Europa – yes, you’re right! – to the nearest city, Gortys. Right to the local lawyers, apparently 🙂
The caves of Matala also have their own history. They were carved out of almost sheer cliffs in the Neolithic era. Later they were used as graves and in the 1960s hippies settled in these caves. It may be hard to believe, but the beach has become a legendary destination for creative people from all over the world. Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens have all lived in the caves of Matala. Poems, songs and paintings have been written about Matala. The beach soon became known as “the hippie’s beach” and… they still live here, although they have replaced the caves with more modern buildings.
Please note that the whole excursion from Kokkini Hani to the beach of Matala and the city of Gortyna, although not difficult, takes almost the whole day. The return to the hotels is scheduled for after 17:00.
If you want to go to Matala beach from Kokkini Hani with organized bus tour, the price of the trip in 2025 is:
This tour is sometimes included in special promotions and sold cheaper for our followers – keep an eye out for discounts on Facebook!
Are you traveling as a big family or a group? Contact us in advance or visit our offices and we will try to make you the best offer.
You are welcome! We will run this personalised tour in a suitable car or minivan for you on any day. No large groups, long pick-ups or waiting – just you, your family or friends and the guide! You can ask us in advance – and we will organise everything for you.
You can buy an excursion to Matala beach from Kokkini Hani online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2025 the excursion to Matala beach from Kokkini Hani takes place from 06/04 to 31/10. Available tour days – Wednesday and Sunday.
Please note that trip schedules are subject to change, including cancellation. This is extremely rare and may be due to weather conditions. For example, heavy rains at the beginning (April and May) or end of the season (September and October) and other force majeure situations. If there are any changes, we will try to let you know as soon as possible.
Please make sure that you have correctly identified your vacation area in Crete and read the cancellation and refund policy.
If there is less than 24 hours before the trip, please contact the manager to check availability before you make a booking!
Firstly, you can come to one of our offices where booking for all services is available and payment can be made either by cash or card.
Secondly, in case of online booking you can choose cash payment (which is available for some areas only) or you can pay online by card. In the case of cash, we will arrange a meeting with our courier in advance, who will bring the prepared documents to your hotel or villa and collect the cash. Please note that this option is only available for bookings made well in advance (days or weeks before the trip!). In case of online payment, you will receive the tickets by e-mail or WhatsApp – as you prefer.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of your trip!
It depends on the location of your hotel or villa. In some cases a tour bus will literally stop at the front door of the hotel and you just have to be there, in others it may be a short walk to the nearest pick-up point. This is usually a large central street, bus stop, square, car park, etc. – somewhere where there is no risk of the tour bus getting stuck on a narrow one-way street or stuck in traffic.
You will receive full details of the time and place of the pick-up with your travel documents when you make your booking. Please read it carefully before the trip.
Not much, it’s going to be an easy day. This is mainly a beach trip to Matala Beach, so the main purpose is to relax on the beach, sunbathe and swim. No long walks are planned for this day!
You will have the opportunity to eat in a tavern of your choice on Matala beach where there are numerous cafes, taverns and restaurants. Expect to spend from 10-15 euro per person, but it always depends on your preference about food and drinks.
All the necessary sun protection, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, money for extras.
Yes, guides accompany the group throughout the trip. Since this is primarily a beach trip, the guides are primarily responsible for organizing and guiding the group.
Not at the highest point, as this is mostly a beach trip: you’ll spend most of your time during this trip in Matala.
Languages: English, German, French on any available day. On some days we can also organize excursions with Italian, Polish, Romanian and Russian speaking guides, so check the booking calendar or send us a request.
Please note that this is an approximate tour schedule. Times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up and drop-off locations. Exact times will be sent to you along with other information when you make your reservation and specify your hotel.
| Schedule of the excursion program | |
|---|---|
| 7:10 - 8:50 | Departure from the hotels |
| 10:00 | Arrival to the ancient city of Gortyna |
| 11:00 | Transfer to Matala Beach |
| 11:30 - 15:30 | Free time at Matala beach |
| 15:30 | Departure to the hotels |
| 17:00 - 18:30 | Return to the hotels |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | From hotels by bus to the ancient city of Gortyna |
| 1 hour | At the ancient city of Gortyna |
| 30 minutes | Transfer to Matala Beach |
| about 4 hours | Free time at Matala beach |
| up to 2 hours | Transfer by bus to the hotels |