South Crete day tour
Heraklion → Zaros → Phaistos → Matala
From the city to the Libyan Sea.
One full day, four places. We collect you in Heraklion, pause in the mountain village of Zaros, walk the Minoan palace of Phaistos, then swim beneath the caves at Matala.
✓ Hotel pickup in Heraklion
✓ Zaros, Phaistos & Matala
✓ Small group, about 9 hours
From
€400
for up to 4
4 stops
Heraklion to the sea
The route
Mountains, a palace, then the sea.
The day runs south from Heraklion. Zaros comes first, in the foothills of Psiloritis. Phaistos sits above the Messara plain. Matala is the last stop, on the Libyan Sea.
Photos: Kato Zaros and the Phaistos palace by Georgios Pazios; Matala caves by Jebulon. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Your itinerary
A clear day, southbound.
About nine hours, with time to walk, look, and swim. Lunch is your choice along the way.
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0108:30
Heraklion pickup
We collect you from your hotel in Heraklion and drive southwest, up toward the mountains.
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0209:45 – 11:15
Zaros
Walk the village and the shore of Lake Votomos. Zaros is known for its spring water, old watermills, and trout from the local farms.
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0311:45 – 13:00
Phaistos
Explore the Minoan palace on its ridge above the Messara plain. This is where the Phaistos Disc was found, with views toward the Asterousia mountains and the sea.
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0413:20 – 16:15
Matala
Free time in the beach village. Visit the caves cut into the cliff — Neolithic dwellings that became a 1960s hippie haven — and swim if you want to.
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0517:30
Back in Heraklion
The return drive takes a little over an hour. We drop you at your hotel in the late afternoon.
4
stops, one day
Heraklion, then Zaros, then Phaistos, then Matala. Home again before dinner
Good to know
We handle the driving.
You bring walking shoes and a swimsuit. Entrance tickets are paid on site.
DurationAbout 9 hours
GroupUp to 8
Price€400 up to 4
PickupHeraklion hotels
StopsZaros · Phaistos · Matala
LanguageEnglish
Included
The day is organised for you
- Hotel pickup and return in Heraklion
- Stops at Zaros, Phaistos, and Matala
- Professional local guide
- Air-conditioned transport
- 24/7 emergency support
- No booking fees
Not included
A few small extras
- Phaistos entrance fee, paid on site
- Matala Caves entrance fee, paid on site
- Lunch, drinks, and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional gratuities
Questions, answered
Plan the day.
Send a note with your booking if your hotel is outside central Heraklion.
Pickup in Heraklion is at 08:30. You are back at your hotel around 17:30. The exact drop-off depends on traffic and how long you stay in Matala.
Heraklion, then Zaros, then the palace at Phaistos, then Matala, then the drive home. That order follows the road south from the mountains to the coast.
No. There is time for a coffee or a light bite in Zaros, and free time in Matala where you can eat by the beach if you want to.
Phaistos has uneven ancient paths and some steps. The Zaros lake walk is gentle. The Matala caves are reached by a path above the beach. Comfortable shoes help.
Yes. We offer free cancellation and never charge booking fees, so you can reserve with peace of mind.
South Crete day tour
Save a seat for the south.
Groups are limited to eight guests. Choose your day, tell us your Heraklion hotel, and we will confirm pickup.
€400
minimum (up to 4)
Then €100 / person
Then €100 / person