Matala Caves Tour: Explore Ancient Gortyn & Festos

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…
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
What's Not Included
  • 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…

Location
Gortyna
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(13 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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
Sheldonv429
Mar 12, 2025
Great day! - Had an awesome tour with Leonidas in March. We would definitely recommend booking if you like going off the beaten path.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rishavdhar
Nov 17, 2024
Wonderful day trip - Pick up from hotel, followed by a wonderful day trip out to Matala Caves and beach, along with historic sites along the way. Leonidas provided water bottles and ample information along the journey to learn more about the local environment. Happy to recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriciaca8617mq
Sep 17, 2024
Great view - Leonides was a great guide and accommodating "on the fly" to our groups needs. Fabulous views and swimming at Malta Beach.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $473 (Per Vehicle)
up to 8 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).