Matala & Agiofarago Gorge jeep tour from Heraklion with lunch

Vineyards, a 30-minute gorge walk, monastery monks and a South Crete beach in one morning and afternoon

A guided jeep tour from Heraklion through Crete's wine country, stopping at a traditional village with Roman tombs, a working monastery, and the Agiofarago Gorge for a short walk and swim at one of the island's best southern beaches. The day includes a traditional Cretan lunch in the village of Sivas and free time in Matala, where hippies settled in the 1970s. Pickup and a 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver are included, and groups stay under eight travelers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep safari and cultural exploration

• Drive through vineyards and villages
• Admire Roman tombs and Byzantine churches
• Relax with local raki and snacks
• Visit monastery and traditional museum
• Observe monks and learn about religion
• Off-road to canyon edge
• Walk gorge and hear legends
• Swim at South Crete beach
• Eat traditional meal in Sivas village
• Enjoy Cretan wine
• Visit hippie caves or relax at beach

The experience

The route starts through the vineyards that define central Crete, passing villages known for their grape varieties and wineries. You stop first in a traditional village to see Roman tombs and Byzantine churches, then relax with local raki and snacks before heading to a working monastery where you can walk through its architecture, visit the traditional museum and see monks going about their day. The driver explains what Cretan religion means in this landscape.

After an off-road section, you reach the Agiofarago Gorge. The walk down takes about 30 minutes with no technical difficulty, and the guide shares the canyon's legends and stories as you move through it. At the base sits one of the best beaches on the south coast. You swim and rest here before heading inland to the village of Sivas for a real traditional meal at one of the area's best taverns, paired with Cretan wine.

The final stop is Matala, the village where hippies lived in the 1970s. You have free time to explore the old caves they occupied, swim in the water, or sit with coffee and watch the day wind down. Pickup from your Heraklion hotel is included, as is the 4WD vehicle and fuel. The driver speaks English, French, German or Greek depending on the group.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Heraklion.
• 4WD vehicle and fuel for the full day.
• lunch at a traditional tavern in Sivas with local wine.
• an experienced driver who speaks English, French, German or Greek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 73 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Go Crete Safari

Is this one for you?This tour suits travelers who want to see Crete beyond the main beaches and towns in a single day. The small group size (up to eight) and fixed itinerary mean you move through the vineyards, monastery, gorge and villages at a set pace rather than choosing your own stops. Book it if that structure fits your schedule and you are comfortable with a 30-minute walk on an uneven gorge floor.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the walk through Agiofarago Gorge actually take?

The gorge walk is about 30 minutes with zero difficulty, so it is a gentle descent and return rather than a hike. The guide shares the canyon's history and legends along the way.

What is there to do in Matala if I've already swum at the gorge beach?

Matala has the old hippie caves from the 1970s that you can explore, plus its own beach and cafes where you can sit and relax. The free time there lets you choose between swimming again, visiting the caves or just resting.

Does the tour include a meal, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included at a traditional tavern in the village of Sivas, where you get a real Cretan meal with local wine. It is not a set menu but rather what the tavern serves that day.

Is there time to visit the monastery museum, or do you just drive past?

You stop at the monastery to walk through its architecture, visit the traditional museum and see the monks. The guide explains the role of Cretan religion in the community.

What happens if I don't want to walk the gorge or swim at the beach?

The gorge walk is part of the itinerary and takes 30 minutes with no difficulty, but if you have mobility concerns or prefer not to participate, let the operator know when you book so they can advise on what works for your situation.