(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Matala Beach+Caves, Palace of Phaistos & Zaros Lake | Private

12 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers | Heraklion, Greece

Loading Options

6 to 7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Unforgettable South Crete Private Tour: History, Coast & Culture!

Discover South Crete's diverse beauty: vibrant Matala Beach & Caves (Hippy history!) and ancient wonders of Phaistos. Plus, choose your adventure: Scenic Lake + Olive Oil Tasting, Signature Winery, Lunch with great views of the Libyan Sea, or Gortyn's ruins.

Great for families & explorers!

________
Day Trip - Private Tour -Shore Excursion- Cruise Friendly- Heraklion Port - Crete - From Heraklion -Elounda

What's Included

  • Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
  • Olive Oil & Premium Local Products Tasting Fee
  • Bottled water
  • Knossos Palace (Free for EU citizens <25 / Non-EU<18 Y.O.) EUR 20.00 per person
  • Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
  • Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
See 7 moreSee 8 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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

Archaeological Site of Phaistos

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.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Matala Beach

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!
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Matala Caves

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake of Zaros Votomos

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.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 2 more stops

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
  • Travelers from Cruise ships should take the earliest possible option
  • Travelers should bring swimwear & a beach towel
  • Travelers should wear suitable shoes & clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Matala Beach+Caves, Palace of Phaistos & Zaros Lake | Private?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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 (EEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-484854P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
12 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Ecobike tour in historic Heraklion

Ecobike tour in historic Heraklion

 3 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$85.62

Best of East Crete (2-Days private tour)

Best of East Crete (2-Days private tour)

New To The Site!
 2 days  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$853.37

Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch

Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch

4
 6 to 7 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$216.90

Full-Day Guided Semi-Private Tour in a Breathtaking Crete Island
Likely to Sell Out

Full-Day Guided Semi-Private Tour in a Breathtaking Crete Island

 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$648.56

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus Lasithi & Olive Oil Factory
Likely to Sell Out

Full Day Trip to Knossos Cave of Zeus Lasithi & Olive Oil Factory

 7 to 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$119.47

Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old Wind Mills-Olive Oil Factory-Small Group.

Zeus Cave-Traditional-Villages-Old Wind Mills-Olive Oil Factory-Small Group.

 7 hours 30 minutes  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$129.71

Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch
Likely to Sell Out

Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch

 6 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$225.29

Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities

Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities

 5 hours 30 minutes  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$91.03

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Onboard Wi-Fi and Fast Charger
  • Olive Oil & Premium Local Products Tasting Fee
  • Bottled water
  • Fuel, Tolls, Taxes, and Fees
  • Hotel, Harbor, or Meeting Point Pickup and Drop-Off
  • Hygiene Amenities and First Aid Kit
  • Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van
  • Private Local Driver-Guide Fluent in English
  • Knossos Palace (Free for EU citizens <25 / Non-EU<18 Y.O.) EUR 20.00 per person
  • Winery Tour & Tasting of Indigenous Wines Fee
  • Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
  • Lunch is an Optional Experience
  • Licensed Tourist Guide – Available in multiple languages (optional, extra charge)

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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
  • The remaining time will be spend on the road traveling from one place to another
  • Travelers from Cruise ships should take the earliest possible option
  • Travelers should bring swimwear & a beach towel
  • Travelers should wear suitable shoes & clothes
  • Please note that only Licensed Tourist Guides are permitted to escort visitors within archaeological sites

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • 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 (EEST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.