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Matala Caves Tour: Explore Ancient Gortyn & Festos
5.0
17 Ratings
Agioi Deka
Explore Matala Caves, Ancient Gortyn, and Phaistos on a private tour. Discover history, adventure, and scenic beauty in southern Crete.
Explore Matala Caves, Ancient Gortyn, and Phaistos on a private tour. Discover history, adventure, and scenic beauty in southern Crete.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gortyna - Step back in time as you visit the ancient city of Gortyn, once one of the most prominent and influential centers of Crete. Home to a rich tapestry of historical ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Odeon, Gortyn offers a fascinating insight into Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Wander through the remnants of ancient…
- Gortyna - Step back in time as you visit the ancient city of Gortyn, once one of the most prominent and influential centers of Crete. Home to a rich tapestry of historical ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Odeon, Gortyn offers a fascinating insight into Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Wander through the remnants of ancient streets, marvel at intricate mosaics, and imagine life in this bustling city centuries ago.
- Matala Caves - Nestled along the southern coast of Crete, Matala Caves boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Carved into the soft sandstone cliffs, these caves were famously inhabited by hippies in the 1960s, adding to their mystique. While the caves themselves offer a glimpse into a bygone era, the surrounding turquoise waters and golden sands provide a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
- Matala Beach - Nestled on Crete’s southern coast, Matala Beach is a tranquil haven of golden sands and turquoise waters. Framed by towering cliffs adorned with ancient caves, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and bohemian charm. Whether you’re lounging on the soft sands, exploring the caves, or enjoying water sports, Matala Beach promises a serene escape from the ordinary. Join us and discover the magic of this timeless coastal gem.
- Palace of Faistos - Perched atop a hill overlooking the lush Messara Plain, the archaeological site of Phaistos, also known as Festos, exudes an aura of ancient grandeur. This Minoan palace complex, dating back to the Bronze Age, showcases remarkable architectural feats and intricate artwork, including the enigmatic Phaistos Disc. Stroll through the labyrinthine ruins, admire the panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the myths and legends of this storied site.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Liability Insurance and Local Taxes
- USB sockets to charge your devices
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexibly adjusted time
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Liability Insurance and Local Taxes
- USB sockets to charge your devices
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexibly adjusted time
What's Not Included
- Entrance tickets (18€ total)
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance tickets (18€ total)
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
Embark on a journey through time and culture with our Matala Caves, Ancient Gortyn & Festos tour. Led by a knowledgeable driver, you’ll experience a blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Your day starts with a scenic coastal drive to Matala, where you’ll explore iconic caves steeped in history. Next, venture inland to Gortyn, marveling at…
Embark on a journey through time and culture with our Matala Caves, Ancient Gortyn & Festos tour. Led by a knowledgeable driver, you’ll experience a blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Your day starts with a scenic coastal drive to Matala, where you’ll explore iconic caves steeped in history. Next, venture inland to Gortyn, marveling at ancient ruins that shaped history.
Finally, journey through picturesque countryside to Phaistos, where you’ll unravel Minoan mysteries. While your driver won’t guide you inside, they’ll provide insightful commentary and ensure a seamless experience.
Experience the freedom to explore each site at your own pace, immersing yourself in the beauty and history of southern Crete. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Matala Caves, Ancient Gortyn & Festos.
Location
Gortyna
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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1 star
Susanhz1911oo
Sep 12, 2025
Interesting day - We really enjoyed the day. The private tour was great because it gave us the flexibility to spend the time the way we wanted to, rather than being rushed through the sites. Leonidas recommended an extra museum, which was great. Otherwise he didn’t volunteer much information but always answered the questions we asked.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loritg7925di
Jul 5, 2025
Great Mix of History and Beach - We had a fun day exploring ancient ruins and then relaxing at a beautiful beach with clear water and caves. It was the perfect mix of sightseeing and chill time. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
262vipulg
Jul 4, 2025
Best tour experience - We feel incredibly lucky to have discovered this tour company! From beginning to end, everything was handled with professionalism and ease. Communication was smooth, and the service was top-notch. Our guide, Leo was punctual, knowledgeable, and put together an unforgettable itinerary. He truly went above and beyond! We enjoyed the experience so much that we decided to book another tour right away.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Delanoh868
Jun 27, 2025
Great summer tour - We really enjoyed spending the day at the beach, and exploring the ancient ruins. This was the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation, and I can’t recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
527percyd
Jun 19, 2025
A fantastic day! - We had an amazing tour with Leo! Not only did we visit all the sites listed, but he also took us to a few extra hidden gems he personally recommended. Leo was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and always happy to answer any questions we had. His passion for the area really made the experience special. We would absolutely book another tour with Leo and highly recommend him to our friends and family!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosajf9125ba
May 10, 2025
Thanks to Leonidas - This tour was a perfect blend of everything! Thanks to Leonidas we were able to visit all of the locations of our interest, and have a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
288sarikam
Apr 29, 2025
Stunning Locations - The guide was incredibly friendly and kind, making sure everything ran smoothly for everyone. The organization was flawless, with well-respected schedules. The destination itself was breathtaking — truly a paradise, full of unique charm. I absolutely loved every moment and have no regrets!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Orvillet2025
Apr 18, 2025
Beautiful day in south Heraklion - Thanks to Leonidas’s excellent recommendation, we had an unforgettable day in southern Crete. Matala Beach captivated us with its golden sand and fascinating caves, which the kids loved exploring while playing in the waves. The ancient beauty of Festos Palace left us in awe, offering a glimpse into Crete’s rich past. To end the day, we relaxed by the peaceful Lake Zaros, enjoyed incredibly fresh trout, and watched the children happily feed the fish and play by the water. This part of the island is definitely worth seeing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidcu9588qk
Apr 17, 2025
Exceptional Tour with a Personal Touch - We had a fantastic time on this tour! Our driver was not only friendly and welcoming but also incredibly informative throughout the journey. He went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable at all times. One of the highlights was being able to visit a few extra locations that weren’t on the original itinerary, simply because we had time. That unexpected flexibility made the experience even more special. We would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable and well-organized outing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F9402qujosefw
Mar 28, 2025
South Crete - Our journey through South Crete was nothing short of extraordinary! Walking along the golden sands of Matala Beach, with its legendary caves steeped in history, felt like stepping into another era. The Minoan Palace of Phaistos and Gortyn transported us back in time, revealing the grandeur of ancient civilizations. A day woven with history, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local culture—an adventure to cherish forever!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
