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Outdoor seating by a coastal cliff with a view of the sea. 1
A boat anchored near a rocky shoreline with clear blue water and a mountainous backdrop. 2
A coastal landscape with a rocky cliff and clear blue sea. 3
A riverside wooden structure with a roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a calm river. 4
A calm lake with a person fishing. 5
By SunSud Tours

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is $92 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • • Private experience • Flexible pace • Personalized routing

    Private full-day tour to Phaistos Palace and Matala Beach & Caves, combining South Crete’s archaeological heritage with relaxed coastal time by the Libyan Sea.

    The day begins at Phaistos Palace, overlooking the Messara Plain, with historical background provided outside the site and free time to explore independently.

    The tour continues to Matala Beach & Caves, known for their ancient use and later hippie-era cultural history. Free time is available for swimming, walking, or relaxing by the sea.

    One optional stop may be added, depending on interests, timing, and day flow:

    • Olive oil estate with tasting and lunch by Zaros Lake
    • Family-run winery with views
    • Seaside lunch by the Libyan Sea
    • Ancient Gortyn, former Roman capital
    • Kalyviani Monastery, a quiet spiritual stop

    You deserve the high standards of SunSud Tours.

    Crete • Private day trip • Shore excursion • Cruise-friendly
    From Heraklion Port • Hersonissos

Activity location

  • Archaeological Site of Phaistos
    • 70200, Vori, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Archaeological Site of Phaistos
    • 70200, Vori, Greece

Check availability

Heraklion Region & Port

  • Earn $16.82
  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Pick-Up Areas Heraklion City,: Port,Gouves,Kokkini, Gournes, Ammouda,Agia Pelagia,
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
$280.30 x 2 Adults$560.60
Paid at activity$33.64
Total
Price is $594.24
Until Thu, Oct 29

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Bottled water
  • Inclusions
    Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
  • Inclusions
    Olive Oil & Premium Local Products Tasting Fee
  • Inclusions
    Knowledgeable Local Driver-Host Fluent in English
  • Inclusions
    Planning & Organization of your Personalized Tour
  • Inclusions
    Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
  • Inclusions
    Liability Insurance
  • Inclusions
    Hygiene Amenities and First Aid Kit
  • Inclusions
    Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
  • Inclusions
    Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup & Drop-Off
  • Exclusions
    Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
  • Exclusions
    Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
  • Exclusions
    Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
  • Exclusions
    Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
  • Exclusions
    Lunch is an Optional Experience

Know before you book

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Your Driver-Host provides historical background, local context, and logistics throughout the day outside archaeological sites. Greek law requires a Licensed Guide for tours inside sites and museums; these can be arranged upon request for an in-depth visit.
    • Travelers from Cruise ships should take the earliest possible option
    • Travelers should bring swimwear & a beach towel
    • Travelers should wear suitable shoes & clothes
    • We can accommodate big groups. For groups of 9 or more, please contact us directly

Activity itinerary

Archaeological Site of Phaistos

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
This significant archaeological site features the ruins of a grand Minoan palace, offering insights into one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe, and is home to the enigmatic Phaistos Disc.

Matala Beach

  • 1h
Matala Beach, with its golden sands, turquoise waters, and ancient cliffside caves, exudes a laid-back, bohemian vibe reminiscent of its 1960s hippie days. Known for inspiring artists and musicians, the beach continues to radiate a sense of freedom and creativity. The breathtaking sunshine over the Libyan Sea, casting a warm glow on the cliffs, enhances its unforgettable charm. - Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen!

Matala Caves

  • 30m
  • Admission ticket not included
Carved into the cliffs, these ancient Roman and early Christian tombs were later inhabited by 1960s hippies, creating a unique blend of ancient history and modern counterculture.

Lake of Zaros Votomos

  • 1h 30m
Located at the base of Mount Psiloritis, Zaros Lake is a serene freshwater lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for relaxing, hiking, and enjoying traditional Cretan hospitality. Zaros Lake is renowned for its tavernas, which serves fresh fish caught directly from the lake. -A stop for lunch here is optional but highly recommended.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Archaeological Site of Phaistos
    • 70200, Vori, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Archaeological Site of Phaistos
    • 70200, Vori, Greece

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