Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private
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
What's 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
- Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
- Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
- Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
- Lunch is an Optional Experience
- Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
Meeting and Pickup
Pick-Up Point: Outside your Hotel Reception. -For Cruise Passengers: Outside the main Heraklion Port Passenger Terminal BuildingPick-ups outside the designated area -Available upon request (extra fee may apply)
What To Expect
Book Online
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Archaeological Site of Phaistos
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Matala Beach
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Matala Caves
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lake of Zaros Votomos
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-484854P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- 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.
- Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18).
- Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee.
- Personal expenses, tips & gratuities.
- Lunch is an Optional Experience.
- Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge).
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Matala Beach + Caves, Phaistos Palace & Southern Charm | Private will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's 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
- Phaistos Palace (Free: EU <25 / Non-EU <18)
- Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
- Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
- Lunch is an Optional Experience
- Licensed Guide (multi-language, optional, extra charge)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
