Crete Jeep Safari: Jeep Safari Tour to Agiofarago Gorge and Matala from Heraklion4x4 Jeep safari & quad bike tours

Go Crete Safari

Overview

Join a Crete jeep safari and discover the stunning beauties of Crete on a 4x4 Landrover Defender jeep from Heraklion. Drive your jeep through the fantastic landscape of this magical island to the hippies' heaven village of Matala, through the beautiful Agiofarago Gorge. Enhance your Crete jeep safari experience with a delicious lunch and visit the famous monastery of Odigitria.

◾ Set off on an exhilarating jeep adventure through breathtaking vineyards, allowing you to marvel at the captivating Cretan landscape.
◾ Discover the serene and sacred atmosphere of the Monastery of Odigirtia, a place of beauty and spiritual significance.
◾ Embark on an invigorating hike through Agiofareago, immersing yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of Southern Crete.
◾ Step back in time and uncover the allure of Matala, a place that became a haven for hippies during the 1960s.

About this Experience

✔ Health & safety measures apply
✔ Small-group tour
✔ No booking fees

DURATION: 8 hours
STARTING TIME: 9.00 am
MEETING POINT: At your hotel, Heraklion area (tell us the name of your hotel and location during the booking)
OPEN SEASON: March to October
DISTANCE COVERED: 190 km
LANGUAGES: English, German, French, Russian
WHO CAN COME: This Crete jeep safari is suitable for all. Not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant women

Description - What to expect

Start your full-day Crete jeep safari tour to Agiofarago Gorge and the famous Matala driving through impressive vineyards and Mediterranean landscapes. The whole area is renowned for its quality grape varieties and the excellent wine it produces. No wonder why you meet on your way to so many wineries!! Your first stop is at Agios Thomas, a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village, you can see Byzantine churches, ruins of an aqueduct as well as Roman-era tombs.

Driving downhill, you will cross the Messara Valley. Following a route through olive groves, you will reach the Monastery of Odigitria, one of the most famous monasteries of Crete, dating back to the 14th century. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery, and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with traditional artifacts of the daily life of Cretans. Following a beautiful dirt road, you arrive at the entrance of Agiofarago Gorge and start crossing it on foot. Walking through the gorge, you may encounter sheep and goats grazing peacefully. After 20 minutes of walking, you will end up on a beach with beautiful pebbles that will enchant you.

After lots of swimming and relaxing on the beach, you will return to continue your drive through a beautiful dirt road towards Matala. Matala used to be the hippies' heaven during the 60s and 70s. Nowadays, there are no hippies anymore, but the coastal village has kept all its beauty and charm. After a day full of excitement, fun, and adventure, your Crete jeep safari comes to an end and you will start your return journey to Heraklion through a beautiful scenic route.

What's included, what's not

✔ Hotel pick up/drop off service
✔ Experienced guide
✔ Full lunch
✔ Insurance coverage

Free Cancellation

Free cancellation is available for this Crete jeep safari up to 48 hours before the start of the experience

About the area

Matala, nestled along the sun-kissed coast of Crete, holds a captivating narrative that transports visitors to a bygone era. Once a haven for the free-spirited and unconventional, this coastal village became synonymous with the hippie culture that thrived during the 1960s. As you wander through its winding streets, you'll encounter remnants of that vibrant past – cave dwellings carved into the cliffs, adorned with colorful murals that tell stories of love, freedom, and self-discovery.

The bohemian atmosphere still lingers, inviting you to embrace the laid-back vibe and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Matala's sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets. Feel the echoes of a time when music filled the air, friendships were forged, and dreams were pursued, as Matala continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of those who seek a touch of nostalgia and a taste of freedom.