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Private tour to Matala and Phaistos - Southern Crete

Activity ID : 3859
Easy
8 hours
Jan - Dec
For all ages
English, Greek
Reviews

Activity Description

Matala is a village located 75 km southwest of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Once, it was a small fishing village but became very popular when people from all over the world were living in the 1960s having a very different way of life since then, the little village turns a must for tourists.

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and certainly the most famous beach of south Heraklion prefecture. Worth seeing the caves that people from all over the world were living in in 1960 shaving a very different way of life. It is believed that the Matala Caves were originally used as tombs during Roman occupation over 2,000 years ago. Hippies all over the World overtook Matala in the ’60s and ’70s, a place and time when they could live a simple and natural life, made of love, peace… and probably other ingredients too! In the era of the Minoans – the Bronze Age civilization of Crete – Matala served as the port of the Palace of Phaistos. Later, in the Roman era, this was the port of Gortyn. Historians estimate that the caves were used as tombs in the Roman or Christian period. Both the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor.

On the way to Matala the second-largest and most famous ancient city in Crete after Knossos, the city of Phaistos. Both cities are built in the Minoan era. Built on the top of the Agios Ioannis hill and looking to the Messara plains, was discovered by archaeologist Halbherr at the beginning of the 20th century. The archaeological site of Phaistos is located 62 km south of Iraklion, at an altitude of 100 m from sea level. According to mythology, Phaistos was the seat of king Radamanthis, brother of Minos, and king of Knossos. Here are found very interesting artifacts from the Minoan era set at the Heraklion Museum now. The famous Phaistos Disk was found here. It was found in one of the eastern rooms of Phaistos. The script on both of its surfaces resembles hieroglyphs and has not been deciphered yet.


Included

• Pick up & Drop off from your hotel/port
• Professional English speaking Driver/Guide
• 1 bottle of water per participant
• All entrances fees at the suggested sites
• All services charges and taxes
• Lunch in a traditional taverna with Cretan food, homemade wine, and water
• Liability insurance
• WiFi on board

Not included

• Personal expenses
• Extra food and drinks
• Tips and gratuities (optional)

Do nοt forget

• Hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
Cancellation policy

Cancellation policy

 

  • Cancellation 24 hours before the start date of the agreed activity. You will be automatically refunded for the full price of the activity.
  • Cancellation 24 hours or later before the start date of the agreed activity is what we call last minute cancellations. No refunds will be made.

 

* If the activity is canceled by the activity provider (due to weather, non-completion of minimum entries, force majeure, etc.), the price of your activity, is refunded in full.


  •  Many activities are based on the weather, so it is recommended that you contact the company before the activity.
  • It is a good idea to be at the meeting point on time, before the scheduled start time.
  • After your reservation it is enough to give your details to the cooperating company so that you can carry out your activity. However, it is recommended that you have the booking confirmed in digital or printed form.
  • Read the benefits of the activity carefully to avoid possible extra charges from additional optional services.
  • Read the cancellation policy carefully before booking.

Location

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Meeting Point

Region: Irakleio

Address: Heraklion Crete

Notes: Pick up & Drop off from your hotel/port

See also

Half Day Lasithi Jeep Tour
Irakleio, Irakleio
6 hours
from 89.00 € / person
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