Heraklion · MATALA & THE SOUTH COAST FROM HERAKLION
13 reviewed
Over the mountains the south coast keeps its own pace: the caves cut into the cliffs at Matala, palm-backed Preveli, the Odigitria monastery. These 13 trips are the best way across, with the swim stops, the drive time, and what a day on the Libyan Sea costs.
Guided south Crete day trip from Heraklion to Matala’s hippie caves and beach swim time, plus Odigitria Monastery and its folklore museum.
“amazing day, the beach is absolutely incredible, the water is so clean and transparent. we really loved it. highly recommended.”
A long day from Heraklion packed with gorge springs, Damnioni swimming time, and a boat cruise to Preveli’s palm beach.
“It was lovely. The views are stunning and the palm forest was definitely the highlight. Transportation from the Heraklion area was a tad long, but ultimately worth it.”
Full-day Crete trip from Heraklion to Preveli Beach’s palm forest and Grand River hike, with a local guide, swim time, and views.
“Loved visiting prevalí beach! I wish we could spend more there-an extra hour would of been nice but I have a lovely trip. Make sure you wear sneakers as the steps down and up and a lot! Sneakers help the journey, which is well worth taking if you are in good/average shape! Will be back someday!”
South Crete day trip with a live guide to Matala’s hippie caves and beach, then a walk toward Red Beach and gorge views.
“Non abbiamo trovato la guida che ci spiegava in italiano come arrivare alla Red Beach. Inoltre, non è stato eseguito alcuna guida di tracking assistito e per quanto riguarda la valutazione generale non è stato positivo, perché i turisti sono stati lasciati in autonomia”
Full-day south Crete tour from Heraklion: winery visit, Messara views, Matala beach and caves, lunch with wine, pickup.
“My tour guide Mario was great ! The food was good. A lot of wine and the beach was really beautiful. I got to really see a different side of Greece”
Jeep safari in east Crete to Sarakinas Gorge, Katharo Plateau and Voulisma beach swim, with pickup and meal included.
“Tolle Tour, super sympathischer Guide, viele interessante Infos über die Insel, gute Gruppengrösse - ein wirklich schöner Urlaubstag 👍👍👍”
Full-day South Crete tour from Heraklion with winery wine tasting, Messara Valley views, Matala hippie caves, beach swim, and lunch.
“War alles super, nur im Weingut hätte man mehr erklären!”
Hike Samaria Gorge from Omalos, then unwind in Agia Roumeli with a sea swim and a 1-hour boat ride to Chora Sfakion.
“De Samaraikloof moet op je bucketlist staan, maar je moet in zeer goede conditie zijn! Als 65j sport ik nog min.4/w, maar je knieën en voeten moeten in optimale conditie zijn! Het is van in het begin tot het einde springen van steen tot steen, met het risico om bij elke pas je voet om te slaan! Maar de kloof zelf is een wonder der natuur! De prijs echter is bij GYG veel te hoog. In Agia Galini betaal je slechts 55€, transport inbegrepen! Dus om nogmaals met GYG te boeken, zal ik beter uitkijken! Een andere activiteit(zeilboot met snorkelen was ook 90€, waar ter plaatse het slechts 50-60€ is!”
Private South Crete tour from Heraklion: Preveli palms, village lanes, olive oil and wine estate, scenic coffee stop, and optional lunch.
“Very personal attention the entire day! Spiros connected us to Crete in such a wonderful way. We loved having experiences like locals. The lunch was incredible and in a beautiful location! We thoroughly enjoyed the olive oil factory, and learning about the old and new ways of making it. We loved the stop for local coffee and meeting the owners. The drive was spectacular, and learning about the building of the dam and changes the dam has brought to the country was interesting. The generous personality of our guide Spiros made it extra special. His stops to pick thyme, sage, fennel and other crops was a highlight—and the sharing of…”
Air-conditioned Heraklion day trip with Kourtaliotiko gorge springs, Damnoni beach swim time, and a boat ride to Preveli Palm Beach.
“The trip was mega nice. Definitely worth it if you want to see some great places of the island. Make sure to take bathing suits and good bathing shoes, then you can also walk through the river in the palm forest! Unfortunately, you have very limited time in each place - if you want relaxation you have to find another destination. Tour guide was super nice, thank you!Auto-translated”
Jeep safari in southern Crete with Agios Thomas history, Odigitrias monastery, Agiofarago gorge walk, and Matala hippie caves.
“Excellent! Had an Amazing Day. Our guide, John. was absolutely INCREDIBLE! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Crete. He provided us with so much information. His sense of humor kept us all entertained and fully enagged throughout the tour. I highly recommend this Tour. Especially if John is leading it. Thank you so much for a memorable visit to Crete. M. Doumazios”
Tripitis Gorge 4WD jeep safari in Crete: honey and olive-oil tasting, Archanes village stroll, raki, and a swim at Lentas.
“Ein sehr schöner Ausflug wenn auch die Route ein andere war Aufgrund fehlender Strassen nach Starkregen. Der Guide war supernett und hilfsbereit. Die Offroad Tour durch eine malerische Natur war spitze. Alles von Anfang bis Ende gut organisiert. Das ist komplett zu empfehlen der ganze Trip”
A full-day South Crete trip to Matala with free village time, optional Matala caves, and beach festival energy in the evening.
“Due to an error, we were left behind by the bus, but we were brought by car to Matala to compensate for it. We appreciate and thank our guide for her kindness, so we could enjoy the time spent in Matala ( a nice place with a beautiful beach).”
