From Chania: Matala Hippie Vibes & Lake Escape Private Tour

Overview

Let’s head southeast to discover the charm, history, and natural beauty of southern Crete. Our first stop is the picturesque village of Spili, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute break to admire its famous Venetian stone fountain with 25 lion-head spouts, as well as charming chapels and churches adorned with traditional murals.

We then continue to Matala, a coastal village with a unique bohemian past. In the 1960s, Matala became a haven for free-spirited travelers who turned ancient caves into homes, creating a vibrant hippie community. Today, the village still carries that laid-back energy, with its stunning turquoise beach, azure bay, and a feeling of freedom you’ll never forget. On the way back, we stop at the beautiful Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake, surrounded by tavernas and shops. Take in the panoramic views of the White Mountains mirrored in the lake’s calm waters — the perfect ending to a memorable day.
Options:
Private Tour 1-6 people
Private Tour 7-12 people

Itinerary

1. Matala Beach

   Matala is a seaside village located 75 km south-west of Heraklion. It’s famous for its caves, which form the backdrop to an excellent beach. These artificial caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were initially used as tombs. Up to the 60s, when only two or three houses were in Matala, German and English hippies ‘discovered’ Matala, living in the caves barely 10m from the sea. Now Matala is a small village living mainly from tourism. It is ideal for those who want to spend their holidays near lovely beaches, large archaeological sites and many villages which retain their traditional atmosphere.

   3 hours
2. Spili

   Spili is a small picturesque village located 27 km south-east of Rethymno and at an altitude of 430 metres. The word Spili in Greek means cave, so it is thought that the village gets its name from local caves. The Christian devotion of the people of Spili is shown by the many churches in the village, reaching 21 in number. It is known for its cooling shady village squares where you can enjoy a coffee and running water from the fountains. The focal point of the village is its ‘kefalovrissi’ or Lions Fountain, a series of lion heads with lovely cool spring water trickling out of them.

   1 hour
3. Lake Kournas

   Kournas Lake is the only physical freshwater lake in Crete. It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. According to a legend, it has no bottom, which is not true and was based on its dark color. There are also theories about strange electromagnetic fields near the lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy. Its unique beauty preserves until today the legend about the nymph who lives into the lake of Kournas. Lake Kournas is an important wetland area with a variety of flora and fauna, and so it is included in the Natura 2000 protection program.

   1 hour

Meeting and pickup

Contact us to define your pick up location

Good to know

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.