Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private

5.0 (22 reviews) 7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

22 reviews

5.0

Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Ports of Call Tours Likely to Sell Out Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: SunSud Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Adults (3–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
Included: Olive Oil & Premium Local Products Tasting Fee
Included: Knowledgeable Local Driver-Host Fluent in English
Included: Planning & Organization of your Personalized Tour
Included: Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
Included: Liability Insurance
Included: Hygiene Amenities and First Aid Kit
Included: Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
Included: Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup & Drop-Off

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees: Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
Not included: Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
Not included: Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
Not included: Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
Not included: Lunch is an Optional Experience

Itinerary

Archaeological Site of Phaistos

one hour Admission 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

one hour

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

30 min Admission 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

1 h 30 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Pela
Hotel Kallia
Andys Plaza
Lili Hotel
Noble Hotel Suites
MariRena Hotel
El Greco Hotel
Malena Hotel & Suites - Adults Only
Castello City Hotel
Karteros Hotel
Irini Hotel
Metropole Urban Hotel

and 211 more pickup points

Pick-Up Point: Outside your Hotel Reception. -For Cruise Passengers: Outside the main Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal Building

Pick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply)

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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

Options

Heraklion Region & Port

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

Pickup included
Once

Once

Pickup included