Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

4.7 (39 reviews) Heraklion, Greece
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Duration8h - 9h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French
Group sizeUp to 80 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the relaxed charm of South Crete on a comfortable day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy plenty of free time in the colorful seaside village of Matala, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, relax on the beach, or explore the famous hippie caves carved into the cliffs. Travel back in time at the historic Odigitria Monastery, visit its folklore museum, and learn about traditional herbal remedies made by the monks using local mountain herbs. A perfect blend of seaside leisure, culture, and authentic Cretan history.

Options

English: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria
Pickup included

French: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi
Pickup included

German: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria
Pickup included

German: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included

English: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included

Italian: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria
Pickup included

English: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included

German: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi
Pickup included

Italian: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi
Pickup included

Italian: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included

French: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included

French: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included

French: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria
Pickup included

Italian: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included

English: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi
Pickup included

German: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included

What's included

  • Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional Driver
  • Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • Matala
  • Appropriate clothing is required for entry to Odigitria Monastery (not provided on site)

What to expect

  1. Heraklion
    1h 30m
    Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned day trip through South Crete with convenient pick-up from selected locations in Heraklion. Sit back and relax as you travel through scenic landscapes on the way south.

    After morning pick-up from your accommodation, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Matala, famous for its relaxed atmosphere, sandy beach, and artistic spirit.
  2. Matala
    4h
    Stop 1: Matala Village – 4 hours free time

    Spend ample free time in Matala to experience it at your own pace. Swim or sunbathe at the beach, enjoy lunch at a charming seaside café, browse local shops, or purchase a ticket to explore the iconic hippie caves, carved into the cliffs above the beach and steeped in 1960s history (entrance fee: 5€ - optional).

    After your time in Matala, continue with a short 15-minute bus drive.
  3. Odigitria Monastery
    45m
    Stop 2: Odigitria Monastery – 45 minutes

    Visit the historic Monastery of Odigitria, one of the most important religious landmarks in southern Crete. Wander through its peaceful grounds and uncover sights from years of Cretan history. Explore the folklore museum (free entrance), and discover traditional herbal creams made by the monks using secret recipes and local herbs collected from the surrounding Asterousia Mountains, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark.

    Please note that appropriate dress is required to enter the monastery. Shoulders and knees must be covered, so we recommend bringing a light scarf, shawl, or cover-up. As clothing is not provided on site, it is important to come prepared. If you prefer not to enter the monastery, you can enjoy your time outside, where there is a small area with animals (mini farm) and a café with a beautiful view.
  4. Heraklion
    1h 30m
    Return to Heraklion

    Relax on the return journey back to your accommodation after a day filled with culture, history, and seaside freedom.

    Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pickups are arranged from the nearest safe and accessible meeting point to your accommodation, suitable for bus access and stopping, usually within 5 minutes walking distance. Direct pickup requests can be made in advance and may involve additional charges.

Pickup is available from specific points in Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Agkisaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, and centrally located points in Heraklion town.

Additional information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.7 (39)
From
€43.00 per person
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Operated by Cretan Odyssey · Booked through Viator
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