Kato Gouves
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos









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.
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A handful of sandy beaches along Kato Gouves, easy and popular with families.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean.
Museums · Hersonissos
Coastal village east of Heraklion, home of the Cretaquarium.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
Inland village above the beach resort of Kato Gouves.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A big sandy beach at the mouth of the Aposelemis river, with a small wetland full of birds.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A huge cave and ancient Minoan sanctuary.
Caves · Hersonissos
Seaside village east of Heraklion, next to a Minoan villa.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A family resort beach with free sunbeds, showers and steady wind for watersports.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A small unorganised local beach with views of Dia island and planes landing.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A string of small sandy beaches with lifeguards and shallow, light blue water.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A Minoan villa full of ceremonial axes.
Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Small sandy beaches in front of big resorts, with a rocky seabed that is good for snorkelling.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
The eastern end of the long Karteros beach, close to town with beach bars and soft sand.
Sandy beaches · Heraklion
A sandy beach east of town popular with SUP and kite surfers, with beach bars on one side.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
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.
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.
1 hour 30 minutesPickup and drop-off are available from the areas of Sissi, Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Amoudara.
Pickup time depends on the location of your accommodation. The exact pickup time and meeting point will be sent to you by email after booking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private Chef ExperienceBreakfast, lunch or dinner cooked and served at your villaSee the menus
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Cooking LessonsLearn Cretan cooking, for beginners and keen cooksBook a lesson
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Nostos Irish Cafe BarIrish pub atmosphere in Piskopiano, every season since 2001See the bar
Guinness on draught & cocktailsIrish spirits, draught beers and bar snacksSee the bar
Music, your requests & football16 Europe Street, Piskopiano (Hersonissos)Find us