Viator
From €43
Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery
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.
Tour information provided by Viator.
- · Minimum 1 travelers
- · Up to 15 travelers
- · Adult required for booking
Photos
24 photos
Itinerary
Select a stop or tap a pin on the map to see details. 3 of 4 stops have map coordinates.
Route is approximate — 🚗 road, 🚶 walk, 🚲 bike, or ⛵ sea between the selected stops.
- 1
Heraklion
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.
90 min - 2
Matala
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.
240 min - 3
Odigitria Monastery
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.
45 min - 4
Heraklion
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.
90 min
What's included
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
What's not included
- Lunch
- Matala
- Appropriate clothing is required for entry to Odigitria Monastery (not provided on site)
Good to know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tickets
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Tour options
German: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
German: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani 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
Pick-up: Ag. Pelagia, Lygaria
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Pick-up: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Pick-up: Heraklion city
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
French: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
English: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
German: 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
English: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
German: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
Pick-up: Anisaras, Gouves
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Italian: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
French: 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
Italian: 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
Reviews
4.7 · 39 reviews
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