Matala Beach Day Trip Crete

The matala beach day trip Crete is a relaxing way to explore South Crete. It combines beach time with culture. You travel comfortably and enjoy a full day away from busy areas.

First, this matala tour Crete takes you to the famous coastal village. Matala is known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful beach. During your matala excursion Crete, you can swim, relax, or walk along the shore.

In addition, you can visit the iconic hippie caves Matala. These caves are carved into the rocks above the beach. They became famous in the 1960s. Today, they are one of the most interesting sights in the area.

After that, the tour continues to the historic odigitria monastery Crete. This peaceful place shows the traditional side of the island. A monastery odigitria tour lets you explore the buildings and learn about local life.

Moreover, this south crete day trip offers a perfect balance. You enjoy nature, culture, and free time. The organized south crete excursion includes transport and guidance for a smooth experience.

If you also enjoy coastal destinations, you can explore similar experiences like the Elafonisi beach day trip or the West Crete tour.

Finally, this matala beach day trip Crete is ideal for a calm and scenic day. You can enjoy the sea, explore history, and experience authentic Crete.

Learn more about South Crete at Visit Greece.

Matala Beach & Odigitria Monastery Tour Crete

Discover the beauty of South Crete on a relaxing day trip to Matala beach and Odigitria Monastery. Enjoy free time by the sea, explore the famous hippie caves, and experience authentic Cretan culture in one unforgettable excursion.

Matala hippie caves

Odigitria Monastery Greek flag and palm tree in Crete during Matala Odigitria excursion with Car and Travel

Historic Odigitria Monastery

About the Tour Highlights Itinerary Tour Details Check Availability

About the Tour

Discover the beauty of South Crete with a relaxed day trip that combines beach time, local history, and authentic atmosphere. This excursion takes you first to Matala, one of the island’s most iconic seaside villages, known for its sandy beach, artistic character, and famous cliff caves.

In Matala, you will enjoy around 4 hours of free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch by the sea, browse the local shops, or visit the hippie caves above the beach. Afterward, the tour continues with a short drive to Odigitria Monastery, an important religious site in southern Crete.

At the monastery, you will have about 45 minutes to explore the peaceful grounds, discover the folklore museum, and experience a different side of Cretan tradition before returning comfortably to Heraklion.

Highlights

Spend free time at the famous beach of Matala

Visit the legendary hippie caves above the bay

Swim in the crystal-clear waters of South Crete

Explore the peaceful Odigitria Monastery

Visit the folklore museum with free entrance

Enjoy a scenic day trip through southern Crete

Odigitria Monastery aerial view of main church in Crete during Matala Odigitria excursion with Car and Travel

Monastery main church

Matala caves view over beach and village in Crete during Matala Odigitria excursion with Car and Travel

View from the caves

Matala beach waves and rocks in Crete during Matala Odigitria day trip with Car and Travel

Matala beach scenery

Itinerary

Morning Pick-up from selected locations in Heraklion

Drive Scenic journey through South Crete

Stop 1 Matala Village – 4 hours free time

Optional Visit to the hippie caves above the beach

Stop 2 Odigitria Monastery – 45 minutes

Return Drive back to Heraklion and drop-off

Tour Details

Duration

Approx. 1 day

Languages

EN / DE / FR / IT

Matala Stay

Approx. 4 hours

Monastery Visit

Approx. 45 min

Extra

Caves €5

Tour Type

Beach & Culture

Available days

Wednesday / Sunday

Prices

Adult: €46.50
Child (4–12): €24
12/4: No excursion

Included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Air-conditioned bus
Driver & guide
Insurance coverage

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Swimwear & towel
Sunscreen & hat
Water & beachwear

Notes: The excursion operates rain or shine. In Matala you can swim, enjoy lunch by the sea, explore the shops, or choose to enter the hippie caves. At Odigitria Monastery, the folklore museum entrance is free.

Matala beach rocks at sunset in Crete during Matala Odigitria excursion with Car and Travel

Sunset colors at Matala

Matala beach rocks and sea in Crete during Matala Odigitria day trip with Car and Travel

South Crete coastline

Check Availability

Fill in your details below to check availability and request your booking for the Matala and Odigitria Monastery tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do we stay in Matala?

You will have about 4 hours of free time in Matala. This gives you enough time to swim, relax on the beach, enjoy lunch, explore the village, or visit the famous hippie caves.

What is included in the Matala – Odigitria tour?

The excursion includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected locations, transportation by air-conditioned bus, driver, guide, and liability insurance coverage.

Is there any extra cost during the excursion?

Yes, entrance to the hippie caves in Matala is optional and costs €5. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are also not included.

How long is the visit to Odigitria Monastery?

The stop at Odigitria Monastery lasts about 45 minutes. During this time, you can walk around the monastery, enjoy the peaceful setting, and visit the folklore museum.

On which days is the tour available?

The Matala – Odigitria excursion operates every Wednesday and Sunday. Please note that on 12/4 there is no excursion.

What should I bring with me?

We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and beachwear so you can enjoy both the beach and the monastery visit comfortably.