Day Trip to Matala and Komos beach

Visit the vibrant seaside village of Matala on Crete’s southern coast, famous for its colorful streets, bohemian atmosphere, and iconic cliffside caves once inhabited by 1960s hippies. Relax on the organized sandy beach beneath the historic caves before continuing to the unspoiled Kommos Beach. With its golden sands, natural dunes, tamarisk trees, and crystal-clear waters, Kommos offers a peaceful escape surrounded by natural beauty. This day trip perfectly combines history, culture, creativity, and stunning coastal scenery in South Crete.

Itinerary

1. Visit the vibrant seaside village of Matala, one of the most colorful and iconic destinations in South Crete. Matala is much more than a historic stop — it is a lively coastal village filled with color, creativity, and a spirit of freedom. Its charming streets are decorated each year with bright murals, artistic paintings, and playful messages inspired by its famous hippie past. Seafront cafés and traditional tavernas line the waterfront, creating a relaxed summer atmosphere where authentic Cretan hospitality blends effortlessly with a bohemian vibe. The combination of turquoise waters, colorful houses, music, and art gives Matala its truly unique character. The organized sandy beach lies right beneath the iconic cliffside caves. Carved by humans in prehistoric times and later used as Roman tombs, these caves became world-famous during the 1960s and 70s, when thousands of hippies from around the globe settled here, turning Matala into a symbol of freedom and alternative living. (4h 0min)
2. After exploring Matala, continue to Kommos Beach, one of South Crete’s most beautiful and unspoiled beaches. Stretching for several kilometers, Kommos is known for its wide golden sands, natural dunes, and peaceful atmosphere. A small forest of tamarisk trees (almyriki) lines the shore, providing natural shade, while the crystal-clear waters invite you for a refreshing swim. (1h 30min)