Matala Caves Tour: Explore Ancient 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
  • Odigìtria Monastery - Discover one of South Crete’s most historic and spiritually significant monasteries. Established in the 14th century, Odigitria Monastery is celebrated for its serene environment, fortified architecture, and profound ties to Crete’s religious traditions. Stroll through the stone courtyard, appreciate the historic church, and…
What's Included
  • Local product tastings (olive oil, honey, raki, where available)
  • Child seats & boosters available upon request
  • Private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Flexible pick-up & drop-off time from your location
  • Professional local driver-guide (English speaking)
  • Fully customizable itinerary based on your interests
  • Bottled water…
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees to attractions or sites (if applicable)
  • Food & drinks at restaurants or tavernas (optional lunch stop)
  • Beach amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports equipment)
  • Personal expenses
Additional Information

Embark on a private, full-day adventure to uncover the true essence of South Crete, blending spiritual heritage, stunning coastal views, and serene natural settings. Tailored for those eager to explore away from the crowds, this adaptable journey lets you discover Crete’s most significant and picturesque spots at your own pace.
Travel in comfort with a…

Location
Chania gate
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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Christophedy4497kl
Sep 15, 2025
The crest has even absolutely - Many beautiful things to visit and especially understand the history of the island Beautiful landscapes and small towns Welcoming of the inhabitants is friendly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
From $288 (Per Vehicle)
up to 15 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).