Matala Beach, Caves & Winery Tour from Heraklion: Full Day

Winery, beach, and caves in one day across southern Crete

A full-day tour from Heraklion that starts at a working Cretan winery in the island's interior, crosses the Messara Plain to the village of Matala on the south coast, and includes a traditional lunch with local wine. The route covers a guided winery visit with optional tasting, free time to swim or explore the famous cliff caves at Matala Beach, and a coffee break on the return. Pickup and drop-off from Heraklion hotels are included. The guide speaks English, French, German, Russian and two additional languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore winery, Matala, and local dining

• Visit Cretan winery and optional tasting
• Photo stop at Messara Plain
• Explore Matala village and beach
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Coffee break at local café

The experience

Eight hours takes you from Heraklion through the heart of Crete to the coast. The tour opens at a winery set among the island's interior vineyards, where you can join an optional guided tasting to learn how Cretan wine is made, or simply walk the vineyard and take photos. From there the route crosses the Messara Plain, Crete's largest valley, with a photo stop to capture the landscape before you arrive in Matala.

Matala itself is the draw: a village built into a hillside above turquoise water, famous for its relaxed atmosphere and the natural caves carved into the seaside cliffs. You have free time to swim at Matala Beach, explore the village shops, or visit the caves (a €5 entry fee if you choose). The caves are the real landmark here: ancient dwellings cut straight into the rock face overlooking the sea. Lunch comes at a local restaurant where you eat authentic Cretan dishes prepared with regional ingredients and drink local wine, all included. A final coffee stop breaks up the drive back to Heraklion.

The vehicle is an air-conditioned Mercedes Vito, and the driver is experienced and informative. Routes and stops can shift for weather or safety, and child seats are available if you request them at booking.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Heraklion hotels.
• air-conditioned Mercedes Vito with fuel.
• experienced driver who speaks English, French, German, Russian and two additional languages.
• guided winery visit.
• traditional Cretan lunch with local wine and water.
• coffee break on the return journey.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday and FridayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Dutch, Greek and Russian

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Safari Experts Crete

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three separate landscapes (vineyards, village, and beach) covered in one day. The fixed route works when your time in Crete is short but you want both interior and coast.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Russian, Greek and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

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.

What exactly is there to do at Matala Beach during the free time?

Matala Beach is a sandy cove backed by the famous cliff caves. You can swim in the turquoise water, sunbathe on the sand, browse the village shops and cafés on the hillside, or pay the €5 entry to walk inside the caves themselves: ancient dwellings carved directly into the rock face that overlook the sea.

Is the winery tasting included in the tour price?

The winery visit is included and guided, but the wine tasting costs €11 extra if you want to participate. You can also skip the tasting and spend the time exploring the vineyard grounds or relaxing instead.

Do I need to bring anything, or is there a shop to buy supplies?

Bring water, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a sea towel. Matala village has shops and cafés, but it's better to arrive prepared, especially sunscreen and water for the beach and caves.