expedia
Skip to main content
A coastal landscape with layered cliffs and a calm sea. 1
A wooden door frame, a clock, and a shelf with various items. 2
A historic building with a square base and a flat roof, featuring small windows and a tree in front. 3
A white building with a palm tree, a small window, and a green object hanging from the tree. 4
A shop with shelves of jewelry, a wall clock, and various bags displayed. 5
By Cretan Odyssey

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €48 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Discover the relaxed charm of South Crete on a comfortable day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy plenty of free time in the colourful 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.

Activity location

  • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece, Greece

Check availability

English: Hersonissos, Malia

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

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

Language options: English
Starting time: 07:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

French: Hersonissos, Malia

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • French

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

Language options: French
Starting time: 07:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

German: Hersonissos, Malia

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • German

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

Language options: German
Starting time: 07:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

Italian: Hersonissos, Malia

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Italian

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

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 07:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

English: Anisaras, Gouves area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

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

Language options: English
Starting time: 08:00
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

French: Anisaras, Gouves area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • French

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

Language options: French
Starting time: 08:00
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

German: Anisaras, Gouves area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • German

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

Language options: German
Starting time: 08:00
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

Italian: Anisaras, Gouves area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Italian

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

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 08:00
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

English: Heraklion area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

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

Language options: English
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

French: Heraklion area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • French

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

Language options: French
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

German: Heraklion area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • German

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

Language options: German
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

Italian: Heraklion area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Italian

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

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€43.00 x 1 Adult€43.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €48.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

English: Agia Pelagia area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

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

Language options: English
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€53.00 x 1 Adult€53.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €58.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

French: Agia Pelagia area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • French

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

Language options: French
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€53.00 x 1 Adult€53.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €58.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

German: Agia Pelagia area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • German

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

Language options: German
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€53.00 x 1 Adult€53.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €58.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

Italian: Agia Pelagia area

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • Italian

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

Language options: Italian
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€53.00 x 1 Adult€53.00
Paid at activity€5.00
Total
Price is €58.00
Until Tue, 11 Aug

What's included, what's not

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

Know before you book

    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Heraklion
    • Heraklion, Greece, Greece

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Heraklion your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Heraklion

With so many things to do in Heraklion, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Heraklion. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Heraklion to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.