
Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala
Traveler rating
Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala worth booking?
Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala is a 5-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $1,142 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 42 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $1,142 per person
Join us on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Crete, starting with our departure from your hotel. Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Gortyna, approximately one hour away. Gortyna, once a thriving ancient city, now stands as a testament to the island's rich history. Next, we'll embark on a short 20-minute journey to our second stop, Phaistos. Here, amidst the picturesque Cretan landscape, you'll discover the remains of the legendary Phaistos Palace. Our final destination is the charming coastal village of Matala, which is just a short drive away. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious meal, explore the famed Hippie Caves, and unwind on the beaches of the Libyan Sea.
What you get
About this experience
Join us on a captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Crete, starting with our departure from your hotel. Our first stop will be the archaeological site of Gortyna, approximately one hour away. Gortyna, once a thriving ancient city, now stands as a testament to the island's rich history. Next, we'll embark on a short 20-minute journey to our second stop, Phaistos. Here, amidst the picturesque Cretan landscape, you'll discover the remains of the legendary Phaistos Palace. Our final destination is the charming coastal village of Matala, which is just a short drive away. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious meal, explore the famed Hippie Caves, and unwind on the beaches of the Libyan Sea.
What's included
Included
- Beach umbrellas (on request).
- Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites
- Accompaniment by a professional guide.
- Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver.
- Pick-up/drop-off at your hotel.
Not included
- Personal expenses, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Customary tips to your drivers, guides, and escorts.
What you'll see and do
Explore the fascinating Archaeological Site of Gortyna! Step back in time as you wander through the ancient ruins of Gortyna, once one of the most important cities in ancient Crete. Discover the remnants of a once-thriving civilization, from the impressive Roman Odeon to the intricate mosaic floors of the Praetorium. Led by our knowledgeable guides, you'll unravel the mysteries of this ancient city and learn about its rich history, including its role as the birthplace of the first written code of law in Europe, the Gortyn Code. As you explore the site, marvel at the well-preserved ruins of temples, theaters, and baths, and imagine life in ancient Crete. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the past and uncover the secrets of Gortyna!
45 minutes here · Admission included
As you wander through the remnants of this ancient city, you'll be transported back in time to the Bronze Age, where Phaistos flourished as a major center of trade and culture. Explore the sprawling grounds of the archaeological site, where you'll discover remnants of houses, workshops, and religious sanctuaries that provide insight into daily life in ancient Phaistos. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll unravel the mysteries of Phaistos and learn about its significance in Minoan history. From the enigmatic Phaistos Disk to the ancient theater overlooking the valley below, every corner of this archaeological site holds a story waiting to be discovered.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Matala
Discover the Magic of Matala Matala, a picturesque village on the southern coast of Crete, is famous for its amazing beaches, wild cliffs and rich history. Relax on the golden sands of Matala Beach, where crystal clear waters invite you for a refreshing swim. Marvel at the emblematic Matala Rocks, famous ancient caves that were once inhabited by hippies in the 1960s. Enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine at the fish taverns along the shore, enjoying fresh seafood and traditional delicacies. Explore nearby archaeological sites, including Roman tombs carved into the cliffs above the beach. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Matale, where every moment is filled with the wonders of history and nature! Return to the hotel; the travel time is approximately one hour.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Up to 10 pax
Mercedes Sprinter Pickup included
Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MOYSIDIS TRAVEL
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses, and Hat Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
- Health Notice: For the safety and well-being of all participants, please inform us in advance if any member of your group has severe allergies (such as bee stings or food allergies/intolerances) or any medical/health issues that we should be aware of. Rest assured that any information provided will be treated with the utmost discretion and used solely for safety purposes. Your privacy is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Health Insurance: While our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance, we strongly recommend that each participant obtain health and travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Crete. This additional coverage ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
Photos





Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,142 to $1,480
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by MOYSIDIS TRAVEL, who run 31 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.3.
See everything MOYSIDIS TRAVEL runsWhy this scores 42
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala cost?
+
Prices start at $1,142 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala take?
+
Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
+
Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
+
On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
+
Included: Beach umbrellas (on request); Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles; Entrance fees to archaeological sites; Accompaniment by a professional guide; and Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver. Not included: Personal expenses, drinks, lunch/dinner; and Customary tips to your drivers, guides, and escorts. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1222 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala offered in?
+
It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Up to 10 pax, Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala.
Pick your date




