Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit
Excursions & day trips

Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

4.2/5
Excellent
Based on 49 reviews
from
£49.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Why you’ll love this…
  • Soak up the sun on the pink sands of Elafonisi beach, one of Crete's top beaches
  • Discover popular myths and beliefs at the coastal Chrissoskalitissa Monastery
  • Admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites at the cave of Agia Sophia
  • Enjoy a drive through the jaw-dropping scenery of the rugged Topolia Gorge
  • Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Crete and its countryside
What to expect

The uninhabited islet of Elafonisi in southwestern Crete is bursting with natural beauty and cultural riches. Topolia Gorge, Agia Sophia Cave, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and a beach many consider the best on the island are among the star turns of this day trip. Rena, one of our local guides, says, ‘This tour combines the best of the Cretan highlands with the idyllic pink-sand beach of Elafonisi on the south coast.'

It's a laidback start to the day, with a pit stop for coffee in a family-run taverna in the farming hamlet of Voulgaro. From here, a dramatic drive south through the Topolia Gorge awaits. The views on the deep ravine to your left are epic. We'll then visit the cave of Agia Sophia, which is famed for its stalactites. Linked to a variety of legends, it's said that the hoof print of St George's horse can be found here. And if you look hard enough, you'll find what looks like a horseshoe print in a rock.

Next up is the Chrissoskalitissa Monastery. Built on a hill overlooking the coastline, this 1,000-year-old retreat offers timeless charm. Its name means ‘golden steps' and it's steeped in myth. According to some, one of the steps is golden – but is only visible to the religious. The last port of call is nothing short of postcard-perfect. Rena says: ‘You can reach Elafonisi islet walking through a shallow stretch of water from Elafonisi beach.' Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing and taking in the top-tier views, then we'll finish the day at Paleochora fishing village.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Coffee stop and local snack
What to remember
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
  • Food and drinks not included
  • Admissions not included
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a hat
  • Bring a towel
Read more
Provider
TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.2/5

Based on 49 reviews from verified customers

41%
45%
14%
0%
0%

Review categories

Value for money

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Service

4.4/5

Staff

4.4/5

  • Claus

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Stéphane D

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Nous avons passé une très agréable journée. Malgré les routes très sinueuses dans les gorges, le chauffeur du bus a très bien roulé, dommage que toute ...

  • Mihai

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Very nice guy , we really enjoy the trip !

  • Sofie

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Mycket bra och proffsig guide. Lite kort om tid vid vissa stopp. Hade gärna haft lite mer tid vid Elafonisi och kanske tagit bort klostret. Lite maxat ...

  • Kristine

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Dani u Drea

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Überraschenderweise ist der Aufenthalt der Tour in Elafonissi am Strand mit 2,5h doch zu kurz.. Der Strand ist schöner als bei anderen Ausflügen.

You might also like

Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge
Extras

Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge

Make your wait at the airport a breeze with our VIP airport service. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check-in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Greeted on arrival at Heraklion Airport, the VIP service sees you sail through check-in and security with our fast track pass – giving you more time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi and access to TV, magazines and newspapers, allowing you to relax right up to take off.

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Scene Malia White Party at Apollo Club
Excursions & day trips

Scene Malia White Party at Apollo Club

Get ready to glow at the White Party. Rock your best all-white fit and soak up the hottest urban beats from top DJs til the early hours, spicing up the Old Skool classics with new jams. With our hype MC and fire-breathing dancers in glam white, the vibe's electric. It's the ultimate blend of elegance and wild party energy, making it the must-attend event where the night's vibe is as fresh as your fit.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Amazonas Park and glass-bottom boat tour
Activities

Amazonas Park and glass-bottom boat tour

It's all about Crete's wild side on this tour. You'll come face-to-face with monkeys, meerkats lemurs and more at Amazonas Park nature reserve and see a world below the waves with a glass-bottom boat trip. And in between, there's free time to chill out in Agios Nikolaos.Your destination for the morning is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you'll get up-close to some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.At Agios Nikolaos town, you'll have a couple of hours to shop or grab lunch overlooking Mirabello Bay. Next, hop on to a glass-bottom boat for a trip in the bay. You'll glide out into the bay aboard a semi-submarine which features windows beneath the surface. Kids and adults will have a great time spotting the likes of loggerhead sea turtles and multicoloured fish darting around the rocks.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
Excursions & day trips

Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour

A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Dia Island Boat Cruise
Excursions & day trips

Dia Island Boat Cruise

Legend has it that the gods created Dia Island and there's certainly something heavenly about it. On this trip, you'll set sail to the mythical isle whilst enjoying all-inclusive drinks and a tasty lunch onboard. What's more, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling and even a spot of fishing too, this trip really gets the holiday vibes going.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Rethymnon Town & Market Tour
Excursions & day trips

Rethymnon Town & Market Tour

With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, this morning trip to the romantic town of Rethymnon is as relaxing as they come. You'll journey along the west coast of Crete to Rethymnon where you'll discover history, architecture and charm by the bucket-load.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park
Activities

Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park

This action-packed day brings the essence of Crete to life for all the family. Discover Greek mythology as you explore scenic mountain trails on an off-road adventure leading to the Lassithi plateau. There's a chance to have a go at making ceramics and a visit to the Mythological Park, too. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, enthusiastically says, ‘Lassithi plateau is a personal favourite on this tour. You'll be greeted by the sight of dozens of windmills that dot the landscape. They were built in the 19th century to grind grain, and are now a symbol of the region.'Kick off on a trail which climbs into the mountains to reach the first stop at the Aposelimi dam. From here we'll make our way to a viewpoint where we can see across the Lassithi plateau, a high, fertile plain that legend states was the birthplace of Zeus.Rumbling down to the plateau, we'll head to a ceramics workshop and olive oil producer. It's a fun stop for the kids who will have plenty of time to have a go at making their own pottery creations. Next up is the Mythological park, where you'll find out all about ancient Greek myths - the special lighting and sound effects alongside the audio tour make the park enjoyable for all ages. Round off the day with lunch in a taverna, before calling in at the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year old plane tree and has a natural spring water source.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, nl 

Heraklion Watercity Waterpark with Transfer
Tickets and events

Heraklion Watercity Waterpark with Transfer

A day in the waterpark is the ultimate family holiday activity. The mix of high-octane thrills and relaxing fun means there's something for everyone and very mood. And that's Watercity themed waterpark down to a T.

free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
Malia Scene Pass
Attractions & guided tours

Malia Scene Pass

Looking to let loose in Malia? We got you. Bag your Scene Pass for access to the some of Crete's best nights out, including pool parties, beachside raves and more...

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Spinalonga self-guided audio tour on your phone
Activities

Spinalonga self-guided audio tour on your phone

Buy this audio tour of Spinalonga Island downloadable on your smartphone! Explore at your own pace, listen to fascinating stories, and gain great insights into the island!

free cancellation
Available in:

en