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

Name: Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private
Brand: Viator
Price: 96.32 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (20 reviews)

5.0(20)7 hours - 8 hoursEnglishBook 1 hour aheadHeraklion, Greece

From

$96

Book on Viator

• 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

Included

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

Not included

Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
Lunch is an Optional Experience

Choose your option

2 options

Check availability on Viator

What you'll do

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.
1 hourAdmission not included
Matala Beach, with its golden sands, turquoise waters, and ancient cliffside cav
es, 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!
1 hour
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.
30 minAdmission not included
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.
1h 30m

Meeting and pickup

50 locations

Pickup details

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)

Meeting points50

Pick one when you book

Meeting
Pela
Kato Gouves, Greece
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Meeting
Anastasia Star Beach Hotel & Spa
5 Mpoumpoulinas, Hersonissos Harbour, Limenas Chersonisou, Greece
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Meeting
Hotel Kallia
Platanias, Greece
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Meeting
Andys Plaza
Kyteou 5 Street, Agia Pelagia, Greece
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Meeting
Lili Hotel
Melinas Merkouti Street, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Miramare Hotel
11 Filonidou Zotou st., Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
MariRena Hotel
Andrea Papandreou 120 & Naxou 8, Gazi-Ammoudara, Amoudara, Greece
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Meeting
El Greco Hotel
4, Str. 1821, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Kassavetis Center - Hotel Studios & Apartments
Oulof Palme, Limenas Chersonisou, Greece
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Meeting
Castello City Hotel
62 Martyron 1 Avenue, Therisou, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Karteros Hotel
Old National Way, Amnissos Beach, Karteros, Greece
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Meeting
Irini Hotel
4, Idomeneos Str., Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Hersonissos Maris Hotel
Hersonisou Beach 46, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Metropole Urban Hotel
Platia Agias Ekaterinis, Agia Aikaterini Square, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Sofia Hotel
57 Stadiou Str, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Arina Beach Resort
Palaia EO Irakleioi - Agioi Nikolaoi, Kokkini Hani, Greece
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Meeting
Hotel Ilios
2 Omirou St., Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Creta Sun Hotel Studios
Eleftheriou Venizelou & Agias Pelagias Sts, Agia Pelagia, Greece
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Meeting
Saradari Apartments
Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Tsalos Beach
Analipsi, Greece
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Meeting
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
2, Ygias Street, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Metaxa Hotel Heraklion
43 Eleftherias Square, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Dorian Boutique Apartments
Eleftheriou Venizelou 81, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Peninsula Resort & Spa
Agia Pelagia, Greece
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Meeting
Sunset Beach Hotel
Kokkini Hani, Greece
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Meeting
Simple Hotel Hersonissos Sun
6 El Venizelou Str, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Hara Ilios Village
Agiou Panteleimonos, Kato Gouves, Greece
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Meeting
Casa Blu
Central Road, Piskopiano, Greece
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Meeting
Europa Beach Hotel & Spa
Analipsi, Analipsi, Greece
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Meeting
Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa
Main Street, Kokkini Hani, Greece
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Meeting
Marin Hotel
46 Epimenidou Str, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Kalia Beach Hotel
Gouves Pediados, Kato Gouves, Greece
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Meeting
Out of the Blue Resort & Spa
2 Eleftherios Venizelos, Agia Pelagia, Greece
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Meeting
Senseana Sea Side Resort & Aquadventure
Aposelemis, Greece
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Meeting
Ilaira Hotel
1 Epimenidou, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Canvas by Mitsis Cretan Village
Limenas, Anissaras, Greece
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Meeting
Lyttos Beach
Anissaras, Analipsi, Greece
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Meeting
Yianna Caravel by Checkin
Dios 20, Skafidaras, Greece
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Meeting
Esperia Hotel
22 Idomeneos, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Poseidon Hotel
Sof. Venizelou 61, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Apollo City Hotel - Maliatim
Fr. Tsagkaraki 2, Malia, Greece
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Meeting
Hotel Lyktos
28 Andrea Papandreou, Amoudara, Greece
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Meeting
Paradise Island Villas
Prodromos S.A, Anissaras, Greece
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Meeting
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
75 Dimokratias Ave, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Village Heights Resort
Ano Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Casa Orama Boutique Hotel
4 Dedalou, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Roxani Hotel
Andrea Papandreou 267, Amoudara, Greece
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Meeting
Pasiphae Self Hotel
Naxou 1, Heraklion, Greece
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Meeting
Albatros Spa & Resort Hotel
Dedalou Street 1, Hersonissos, Greece
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Meeting
Belvedere Village
Agia Pelagia, Main Street, Agia Pelagia, Greece
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End point

End

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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