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 Options
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
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included
German: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
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
Pick-up: Heraklion city
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included
Italian: 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
Pick-up: Anisaras, Gouves
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included
French: 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
Italian: 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
Italian: 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
Italian: 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
German: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani
Pickup included
English: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves
Pickup included
Itinerary
90 min
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.
240 min
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.
45 min
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.
90 min
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.
Highlights
Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional Driver
Tour Guide
What's included
Included
Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional Driver
Tour Guide
Not included
Lunch
Matala
Appropriate clothing is required for entry to Odigitria Monastery (not provided on site)
Pickup Locations & Times
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.
Traveller Ratings
4.7
39 reviews
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30
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Important 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
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery take?
Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery lasts about 8–9 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery cost?
Prices start at $51 per person for this Heraklion experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 20 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. 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. Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyBDabk0iB3GgdmidVUfmN9M=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyHcskbRBOD7Bzt9L/zW7IEI=.
What languages is Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 80 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(39)
G
gosiaras1393
June 7, 2026
Matala beach - yes, Monastery - avoid (animal neglect)
Matala beach is great, it really worth going there (if you hope to see the caves - good shoes are a must, don't be the person climbing there in flipflops. There are no paths, and it really is climbing if you want to go higher, no stairs).
However, as for the monastery - I was shocked at the casual animal abuse: 4 turtles locked in a transport cage (used for moving the animal , not actual enclosure) with dirty water in 30°C. At least two pregnant cats, other cats including 1 kitten, that should be at least dewormed... Birds locked in small cages. I do not understand how this is still taking place in 21st century. If you're in any way sensitive to seeing something like this, skip going inside, it's really heartbreaking.
A
Anthony_R
May 13, 2026
Very good beach day in Crete!
Nice day at the beach in Southern Crete. Quiet and relaxing. Interesting visit at the lovely monastery. Very good day!
N
nathalie P
April 25, 2026
What to do 🤩👍
We are going there for the market, but I recommend nothing to see pity, so we went to the pedestrian streets and the beautiful port 🤩
H
Hans V
April 24, 2026
You are in Crete and the weather is nice. Place 2 visit
Because of rain we had rented a car.
Driven to Marala from Heriakilon.
A good hour's drive.
But arrived in this village by the sea.
Despite the rain. Breathed.
When the sun shines here in this hippie village, you stay until sunset.
Shops bars squares restaurants but of course also the sea. Really worth the drive.
P
P7109SUlizr
September 2, 2025
Matala beach is a wonderful place, the caves are good for photos
Matala is a lovely, quiet, relaxing resort. Its far away from the overcrowded main resorts. There are lots of places to eat, lots of space on the beach.
The caves attract tourists but they are only accessible to very able bodied, agile people and you'll need grippy footwear and lots of suntan lotion.
There isn't any info there to explain them.
Its only 5euros, so no loss if you only look at one cave.
The beach can get very hot as its quite dark, wear sea shoes. It can get quite windy so the waves can be quite big. When there's no breeze, the sea is wonderful for swimming.
I would highly recommend visiting Matala. The best restaurant is Lions, on the sea front, amazing food and very friendly staff.
2 people found this helpful
M
m e l s
July 25, 2025
Great.
It is a very charming village with lots of shops and delicious restaurants
The guide and bus driver are very friendly
F
Flora_C
July 21, 2025
Fun day
Day very well
I'll only have one thing to say to Gortyr about the stop.
No explanation in the site that 2 vestiges for 10€ / person is a bit expensive.
Otherwise matala is really top
S
Sonin_J
July 4, 2025
Interesting excursion
Make sure to bring swimming goggles or snorkeling equipment or you will miss out on the chance to see all the fish at Matala beach. It is also recommended to bring footwear as the sand can get very hot.
R
romanv484
June 22, 2025
Matala village
Matala ☮️ I was trying to find the last pieces of the hippie community, peace, love, freedom ... not so easy, but lovely place. This place has a Spirit.
J
Joao_C
May 17, 2025
Great day at the beach and amazing archeological site
Very well organized. Very good guide. We had an excellent time. The beach and the lanscape are beautiful. Beach has very nice accomodations. Recommend it
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