Adventure Collective
Land Adventures in Crete: Orange Route with SeaByBus - Heraklion

Land Adventures in Crete: Orange Route with SeaByBus

Rethymno

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview

Discover the rugged beauty and historic charm of Crete on the Orange Route with SeaByBus. Visit villages, swim in crystal waters, and walk through ancient caves in a full-day cultural and scenic adventure.

Rethymno,

Orange Route: Spili – Matala – Kournas Lake

Private! • 10 Hours! • Explore the Hippie Caves of Matala! • All ages

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About This Adventure

Embark on a 10-hour adventure to the enchanting village of Spili and the iconic hippie haven of Matala. Experience stunning landscapes, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the vibrant history of the 60s. Enjoy local snacks, Greek coffee, and breathtaking views, creating unforgettable memories on this unique journey.

Visit the traditional village of Spili and swim with the Hippies in Matala.

Duration

10 hours

About

Let’s drive south-east and visit with SeaByBus the picturesque village of Spili. Take a 30 min brake admiring a stone fountain, springs, chapels and churches with wonderful murals. Our next stop gives you the chance to experience Matala, a small village where in the 60s a group of backpacking hippies came from the four corners of the earth to find ready-made homes in the caves, express themselves, enjoy free love and create. The feeling of freedom, the beautiful beach, the welcoming bay and the azure blue waters form the ideal hippie scene. Unforgettable panoramic sights, the unique Mediterranean landscape and swimming in turquoise clean sea will be the most exciting memories of your holiday on the island! Along the way back, we make a stop at Lake Kournas, a popular tourist destination with many shops and tavernas where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters.

Starting time is flexible, let us know in the comment section in the next step. The suggested starting time is 9 am

Included:

  • Pick-up and drop off service
  • Local tour leader
  • Audiovisual presentation of Cretan customs on the bus
  • Transportation by air-conditioned luxury 19-seater-minibus or 9-seater minivan
  • Snacks (sandwiches, Cretan kalitsounia)
  • Cold beverages, cold bottled water
  • USB charging ports in bus
  • Greek coffee tasting in a traditional Kafenion
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Free Wifi on the bus

Not Included:

  • Tour guide

More info

Child under 3 years old If you are accompanied by children under 3 years, please specify it in your order or contact us, as baby car seats are available on the minibus on request.

We also offer a pick-up and drop-off service FREE OF CHARGE. Let us know at the next step your preferred pick up location/address

What to bring

  • Sunprotector
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimsuit
  • Camera
  • A hat, a towel and your good mood!

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

Many stops involve walking through village streets and cave sites, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Bring sun protection

Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay protected during outdoor sightseeing.

Stay hydrated

Carry water bottles as the day involves a lot of time outdoors in warm weather.

Photograph with care

Capture the scenic vistas early or late in the day for the best lighting.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Birds such as kingfishers and eagles
  • Chilly freshwater fish in Kournas Lake

History

The caves of Matala gained fame in the 1960s as a commune for hippies, and their story is a cornerstone of local counterculture history.

Conservation

Efforts are in place to preserve the natural beauty of Kournas Lake and protect the caves from over-tourism.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Heraklion

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protect yourself from strong Crete sunshine during outdoor sightseeing.

summer specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supportive footwear for walking through villages, caves, and scenic spots.

spring;summer;fall;winter specific

Swimsuit and towel

Ideal for swimming in Kournas Lake on warm days.

summer specific

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments along the route.