From Heraklion: South Crete Festos and Matala With Lunch

Explore the captivating ruins of Phaistos and the charming coastal town of Matala on this immersive South Crete tour. Travelers can expect an enriching day filled with ancient history, stunning vistas, and a delectable local lunch. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this excursion promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. With convenient pickup and a knowledgeable guide, it’s an opportunity to explore the heart of Crete’s cultural heritage.

Key Points

• The 8-hour tour departs from Heraklion and explores the ancient ruins of Phaistos and the picturesque coastal town of Matala on the south coast of Crete.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, a licensed tour guide, German audio guide, lunch, and entrance fees, priced at £50.48 per person.
• Visitors can marvel at the architectural wonders of Phaistos, including the central courtyard, storerooms, and advanced drainage system.
• The tour offers breathtaking views of the Ida Mountains, Lassithi Massif, olive groves, vineyards, and the Libyan Sea.
• The itinerary also includes a visit to the monastery of Odigitria, with its ancient tholos tombs and serene atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an 8-hour excursion to the south coast of Crete, exploring the ancient site of Phaistos and the picturesque town of Matala.

Priced from £50.48 per person, the activity includes hotel pickup, a licensed tour guide, and an audio guide available in German.

Priced from £50.48 per person, the activity includes hotel pickup, a licensed tour guide, and an audio guide available in German.

Lunch and entrance fees are also covered. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments. Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sun protection.

Exploring Phaistos

Though the second-largest palace in Crete, Phaistos boasts a rich history that captivates visitors. The archaeologists’ excavations have unveiled a complex architectural layout, offering insights into the Minoan civilization. Visitors can wander through the ruins, tracing the footsteps of ancient inhabitants.

| Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Courtyard | The central hub, once bustling with activities |

| Storerooms | Remnants of pottery and other artifacts |

| Throne Room | Remnants of the ruler’s seat of power |

| Workshops | Evidence of ceramic, stone, and metalwork production |

| Drainage System | An advanced network of drainage channels |

Exploring Phaistos grants visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of Minoan Crete.

Scenic Vistas

What captivating vistas greet visitors as they traverse the South Crete landscape? Panoramic views of the majestic Ida Mountains and the rugged Lassithi Massif unfold.

The rolling hills are blanketed in olive groves, vineyards, and wildflowers. Reaching the hilltops, one is rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Libyan Sea, its azure waters glistening in the Mediterranean sun.

Rolling hills blanketed in olive groves, vineyards, and wildflowers. Sweeping vistas of the glistening Libyan Sea from hilltops.

This coastal region showcases Crete’s natural splendor, from the dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea to the serene, idyllic valleys.

Travelers are immersed in the island’s breathtaking scenery, a feast for the senses that lingers long after the tour concludes.

Discovering Matala

Where do visitors discover the famed Matala, a picturesque coastal town along South Crete’s Libyan Sea? Matala’s main attraction is its iconic cliffside caves, once used as ancient dwellings. Visitors can swim in the turquoise waters and explore the historic caves.

| Experiences | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Swimming | Picturesque Caves |

| Beachcombing | Charming Seaside Town |

| Exploring Caves | Turquoise Waters |

The town’s laid-back vibe and stunning scenery make it a must-visit on this South Crete tour. Travelers can enjoy Matala’s unique atmosphere and uncover its rich history.

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Visiting the Monastery

After exploring the charming Matala, the tour moves on to the next stop – the monastery of Odigitria.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to:

See the tholos tombs, ancient circular structures that date back centuries. Experience the monastery’s serene atmosphere and soak in its historic charm. Learn about the site’s cultural and religious significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.

1. See the tholos tombs, ancient circular structures that date back centuries.

2. Experience the monastery’s serene atmosphere and soak in its historic charm.

3. Learn about the site’s cultural and religious significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.

This monastery visit provides a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s rich heritage, complementing the day’s other highlights like the Phaistos ruins and scenic vistas.

Inclusions and Pricing

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed tour guide, an audio guide, lunch, drinks, and entrance fees of 15.00 euros per person.

The total price for the 8-hour South Crete Festos and Matala tour is from £50.48 per person. This small-group tour is available in German, with the option of using the included audio guide.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance. However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What to Bring

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen when embarking on the South Crete Festos and Matala tour.

The tour involves outdoor activities and exploration, so it’s essential to be prepared. Key items to pack include:

• Passport or ID card for entry into archaeological sites

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ancient ruins and caves

• Swimwear and a towel for taking a dip in the Libyan Sea at Matala

Plus, sunscreen is recommended to protect against the Mediterranean sun during the day-long excursion.

Customer Feedback

How do customers rate the South Crete Festos and Matala tour? Based on 5 reviews, the overall rating is 4.4 out of 5.

Customers praise the informative tour guide and the tasty lunch. However, some express disappointment regarding the group size, which was advertised as small but had around 50 participants.

The tour guide was informative, and the lunch was tasty, but the group size was larger than advertised, disappointing some customers.

Despite this, reviewers comment positively on the well-designed day and informative explanations at the sites visited, including the ruins of Phaistos and the Matala caves.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues, this tour offers an engaging experience exploring the highlights of southern Crete.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow pets. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so it’s unlikely they’ll accommodate animals. The focus is on exploring historical sites and scenic views, so bringing a pet wouldn’t be practical.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not appear to offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price listed is a per person rate, and there is no mention of special pricing for these groups in the provided information.

How Much Free Time Is There to Explore on Our Own?

The tour provides some free time for independent exploration at Phaistos and Matala. Participants can spend around 1-2 hours exploring the sites on their own before rejoining the group for the next activity.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Unfortunately, the tour has a pre-set itinerary and doesn’t allow much flexibility for customization. While there may be some free time at certain sites, the overall schedule is fixed. Travelers should expect to follow the provided itinerary during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. The tour provider offers flexibility to customize the itinerary and duration to meet individual preferences, subject to availability and additional fees. Customers should inquire with the tour provider about extending the tour.

Final Words

This South Crete tour offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery, and local culture. Visitors will marvel at the remnants of Phaistos, explore the iconic caves of Matala, and savor a delicious lunch. With hotel pickup and a knowledgeable guide, this excursion provides an immersive, hassle-free way to experience the stunning highlights of South Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: