Heraklion: Matala Beach, Hippie Caves & Odigitria Monastery

South Crete rewards the extra bus time. This full-day outing combines four hours in Matala, where you can swim in the clear Libyan Sea, eat beside the water, and visit the famous hippie caves, with a quieter stop at Odigitria Monastery. I especially like the freedom to shape the beach portion around your own interests, and the scenic ride through olive groves and vineyards gives you a useful look at Crete beyond the resorts. The main drawback is simple: you spend a good part of the day on the bus, and the five-euro cave admission is not included.

The tour is also a practical choice if you do not have a rental car. Pickup is available from selected points around Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Gouves, Agia Pelagia, Amoudara, and nearby resorts. Multilingual guide Elizabeth, praised for speaking several languages, has helped make the long drives more enjoyable for many people, although one past passenger found the commentary too constant and another experienced a late pickup.

Key points to know

• Matala gets the time it deserves: You have roughly four to four and a half hours for swimming, lunch, shops, caves, and the beach.
• The Libyan Sea is the star: The water is often clear and warm, with a dramatic cliff backdrop.
• The hippie caves cost extra: Entry is about €5, and you can see parts of the caves from the beach without paying.
• Odigitria adds a peaceful change of pace: The monastery includes a free folklore museum and traditional herbal products made by the monks.
• The coach ride is part of the day: Expect about 1.5 hours each way between Heraklion and Matala, plus hotel-area pickups.
• This suits independent beachgoers: You receive transport and guidance, but plenty of free time to make the day your own.

Why Matala makes the long ride worthwhile

Matala sits on Crete’s southern coast, facing the Libyan Sea. It is best known for the honey-colored cliff above the beach, where caves were cut into the rock and later used as homes by hippies in the 1960s and 1970s.

I like Matala because it offers more than a standard beach stop. You can spend the morning in the sea, walk through the compact village, eat at a seaside taverna, browse small shops, and then turn to the caves when the strongest sun has eased. The setting is easy to understand at a glance: beach in front, cliffs behind, and a small town arranged around both.

The beach can be busy in high summer. Sunbeds are available to rent, but they may be scarce during the busiest weeks. Trees provide some shade if you bring your own mat, and there has been limited shower capacity, so do not count on a quick rinse without a wait.

The water is one of the strongest reasons to come. It is often described as crystal clear and warm, though the entry can be slippery. Pack water shoes if you have them, or at least walk carefully as you enter. You can swim and snorkel from the beach, but this is not a guided water activity, so you are responsible for your own time in the sea.

The hippie caves: worth the extra five euros?

The caves are carved into the cliff directly above Matala Beach. Their fame comes from the counterculture community that lived here decades ago, giving Matala a distinct artistic and free-spirited identity that still shapes the town.

You can see some of the lower caves from the beach, and strong swimmers may reach a few areas from the water. The paid entrance lets you walk up and inspect the cave openings and nearby remains more closely. The fee is about €5 and is not included in the tour price.

I would pay if you are interested in the story of the place or want the best views back across the beach. If your priority is swimming, lunch, and relaxing under the trees, you may decide the view from below is enough. The caves are fairly simple rather than furnished rooms, so do not expect a large museum or a long underground visit.

The cliff path can be hot, especially in July and August. Wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops. One person managed the walk to Red Beach in October while wearing flip-flops, but the safer advice is to bring trainers or sturdy sandals. The cave area and nearby Roman cemetery also offer a little extra historical interest, though the beach remains the main event for most people.

Four hours in Matala, used your way

The generous free time is a major strength. You are not rushed through a quick photo stop before being called back to the coach. Four hours gives you enough room to combine several parts of Matala without turning the day into a race.

You could use the time like this:

• Swim first, before the beach becomes busier.
• Walk up to the caves and take in the view.
• Have lunch at a seaside restaurant.
• Browse shops for gifts and local products.
• Return to the water or find shade under the trees.

The village has plenty of places to eat and drink, including tavernas with views toward the beach. One useful dining suggestion is Taverna Sirtaki, which has been singled out for its food and setting. Prices are not included in the tour, so budget separately for lunch, drinks, sunbeds, and cave entry.

If you want to walk to Red Beach, ask your guide for current directions and allow enough time to return to the meeting point. The route can be manageable in cooler months but demanding in midsummer. The tour does not appear to include a dedicated Red Beach visit, so treat it as an optional personal detour, not a guaranteed part of the day.

Odigitria Monastery after the beach

After Matala, the coach takes about 15 minutes to Odigitria Monastery. The short transfer is welcome after several hours in the sun, and the setting changes sharply from seaside activity to quiet religious grounds.

Odigitria is one of southern Crete’s important monasteries. You have about 45 minutes to walk around, visit the folklore museum, and look at traditional products. The museum has free admission, which makes this stop useful even if you are watching your spending.

The monastery is connected with the Asterousia Mountains, a protected area described as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark. The monks make herbal creams using local plants and traditional recipes. These products can make more meaningful souvenirs than generic beach merchandise, especially if you like practical items with a clear connection to the place.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a calm visit, but not for a detailed study of every corner. I would treat the stop as a historical and cultural pause rather than a major archaeological visit. Dress respectfully for the religious setting, and use the short time well by visiting the museum early before browsing the products.

There is one detail worth checking before you book. Some published descriptions and past accounts of this outing refer to Gortyn, an archaeological site, while the current details supplied for this tour name Odigitria Monastery. Gortyn and Odigitria are different stops. If seeing one particular site matters to you, confirm the exact program and departure date with the operator.

The coach ride across Crete

The bus journey takes around 1.5 hours each way from the Heraklion area, with a further 15-minute transfer between Matala and the monastery. That makes the total day about 8.5 to 10.5 hours, depending on your pickup point and schedule.

I see the transport as good value if you are staying in a north-coast resort and do not want to drive unfamiliar roads. The route lets you watch Crete change from resort towns to olive groves, vineyards, mountain scenery, and the open southern coast. You also avoid parking, navigation, and the need to arrange separate tickets.

The tradeoff is that pickup rounds can lengthen the morning. The exact pickup point and time are sent by email within 24 hours of booking, so check your spam folder. Accommodation directly on the route is not always accessible by coach, and an extra charge may apply if a special transfer is needed.

The bus is air-conditioned, and the driver and guide are included. English, French, German, and Italian are offered. Elizabeth has received particularly warm praise for friendly, clear guiding and for handling several languages during the drive. Still, guide style can vary by group. If you prefer silence, bring headphones for part of the journey.

A small practical warning: one past outing had a bus mechanical problem, and another person reported a late pickup. These cases do not define the tour, but you should avoid scheduling a tight evening flight, ferry, or restaurant reservation after returning to Heraklion.

Is $50 a fair price?

At $50 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a full day that includes transport, a driver, a guide, selected pickup and drop-off, and liability insurance. The coach transfer alone would be a hassle to arrange from many resort areas, and the package saves you from renting a car for a long cross-island drive.

The price becomes better value if you plan to use the full four hours in Matala. You receive a beach day, a famous cultural site, and a monastery visit in one outing. It is less attractive if you only want to lie on the beach, since the return drive and monastery stop take time away from the coast.

Plan for extra spending:

• About €5 for the hippie caves.
• Lunch and drinks in Matala.
• Optional sunbed rental.
• Possible purchases at the monastery or village shops.
• An additional pickup charge if your accommodation is outside the normal access area.

The tour allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. It operates in rain or shine, so pack for a full outdoor day rather than assuming perfect beach weather.

What to pack for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you intend to visit the caves or attempt the path toward Red Beach. Flip-flops are fine for the beach but less useful on uneven ground.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water. A lightweight cover-up is sensible for the monastery. You may also want a small beach mat if you prefer the shade of the trees to a rented sunbed.

Keep your belongings organized during the free-time stop. The tour gives you independence, but it does not provide a personal beach attendant or a reserved place on the sand. The exact return meeting point should be clear before you leave the coach.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to you if you are staying in Heraklion or a north-coast resort and want to see a different side of Crete without hiring a car. It works especially well for people who like a flexible beach stop but also want a little culture and scenery.

It is a good fit for couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who prefer organized transport but do not want to be led around every minute. The long free period in Matala gives you room to set your own pace.

I would think twice if you dislike coach travel, need a quiet beach with few people, or want a detailed archaeological tour. High-season Matala can be crowded, the facilities are not perfect, and the monastery visit is short. You also need to be comfortable spending much of the day away from your base.

Should you book the Matala and Odigitria tour?

Book it if you want an easy, fairly priced day combining clear southern-coast water, the famous cave cliffs, and a peaceful monastery. The strongest part is Matala itself, and the four-hour stay gives you enough time to swim, eat, shop, and explore without feeling hurried.

The tour is not perfect. The coach ride is long, cave entry costs extra, summer crowds can be heavy, and the exact historical stop should be confirmed because some descriptions have named Gortyn instead of Odigitria. Still, for a first visit to southern Crete, this is a sensible way to trade a day at the resort for beach, history, and a memorable stretch of coastline.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is about 8.5 to 10.5 hours, depending on your pickup location and start time.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from selected points in Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia, and central Heraklion.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations. If your accommodation cannot be reached by the bus or is outside the listed areas, an additional charge may apply.

How long is the drive to Matala?

The coach journey from the Heraklion area to Matala takes about 1.5 hours.

How much free time do I get in Matala?

You receive approximately four to four and a half hours in Matala for swimming, sightseeing, lunch, shopping, and optional cave entry.

Is admission to the hippie caves included?

No. Cave admission is not included and costs about €5.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should budget for lunch and refreshments in Matala.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is offered in English, French, German, and Italian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and suitable beachwear. A cover-up is useful for visiting the monastery.