Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery worth booking?
Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery is a 8-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $22 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (39)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $22 per person
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, r
What you get
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Appropriate clothing is required for entry to Odigitria Monastery (not provided on site)
What you'll see and do
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 minutes here
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 minutes here
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 minutes here
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 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
French: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Pick-up: Heraklion city
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
Pick-up: Anisaras, Gouves
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Italian: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
Pick-up: Ag. Pelagia, Lygaria
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Italian: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
French: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
English: 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
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
Italian: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
German: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cretan Odyssey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sun
- Price range
- $22 to $53
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything Cretan Odyssey runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery cost?
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Prices start at $22 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 39 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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