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

Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit

4.1/5
Excellent
Based on 66 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

4.1/5

Based on 66 reviews from verified customers

36%
47%
14%
2%
2%

Review categories

Value for money

4.2/5

Safety

4.2/5

Service

4.2/5

Staff

4.2/5

  • Charlotte N

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Virkelig god græsk guide. TUI guide var usynlig

  • Colin

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Enjoyed the whole day

  • Marit, Norge

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Veldig fin tur med interessante og hyggelige opplevelser, det gjelder både grotten, klosteret og Elafonisi-stranden. Men opplevde at det siste stoppes ...

  • Sandra

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Plage rose ! Bof … sur le bord en effet quelques grains rosés. Plage bondée de touristes ! 2h de temps sur la plage et puis 1h dans le 2ieme village o ...

  • Birgit Helgheim

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Variert og interessant og spennende program. Det var varmt derfor godt med et forfriskende bad. Nydelig natur fra ett sted til et annet! Nydelig lokal ...

  • Chris

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    La plage était très jolie et le monastère aussi. Le premier arrêt avant le monastère n'était pas utile mais dans l'ensemble, c'était super et très *** ...

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