Explore the Treasures of Crete: Gortyna, Phaistos and Matala
Duration
5 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Explore ancient ruins of Gortyna and learn local history
Visit the legendary Phaistos Palace amidst scenic landscapes
Relax on Matala beach and enjoy the Libyan Sea
Explore the famous Hippie Caves in Matala
€ 999
€ 919.08
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Discover the timeless treasures of Crete on a journey to Gortyna, Phaistos, and Matala. Begin your adventure with a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyna, an ancient city that tells the story of Crete’s rich history. Explore its ruins and learn about the culture, architecture, and life of past civilizations. Next, enjoy a short drive to Phaistos, where the legendary Minoan palace rises amidst the scenic Cretan landscape. Wander through the remains of this ancient palace and uncover the stories of the people who once lived there.
The final stop is the charming coastal village of Matala. Relax on the beaches of the Libyan Sea, explore the famous Hippie Caves, and enjoy a delicious meal at a local tavern. This full-day tour combines history, culture, and leisure, allowing you to experience Crete at a comfortable pace. Travel in a comfortable vehicle with Wi-fi and water on board, guided by a professional to ensure you do not miss any detail. Private hotel pick-up and drop-off make the experience seamless and convenient, perfect for exploring the best of Crete’s ancient and coastal attractions.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Comfortable vehicle and professional driver
Guide accompaniment
Wi-fi and water
Entrance fees to archaeological sites
Beach umbrellas
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Food & drinks
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera
Not wheelchair accessible
Public transportation nearby
Children should be supervised at all times
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: MOYSIDIS TRAVEL
Customer Reviews
Mark
What a hidden gem Gortyna is. Great little shop, nice cappuccino, clean toilets. What more can you ask? Oh yes, maybe more information on the info sheet. It's a bit sparse. But a good excursion for a morning drive out.
Alexandra
I came for the famous tree of Zeus and Europa, as I am obsessed with Greek mythology. This area is truly worth visiting. I was very impressed by the Odeon, which once seated around 300 people for gatherings and celebrations. You can still see the oldest law code, which is remarkable. Entry is free on weekends! Don’t forget to stop by the Museum of Mesara nearby, which adds even more context to the site.
KATHY
You can explore it on your own and learn a little more about Crete's history. Once this was a thriving city. Now you can still find remains of the Basilica of Agios Titos and the Odeion with the wall on which the laws of Gortys are written. It would probably be more interesting if some explanations were given.
João
I will make the same comment as to other archeological sites in Crete: for the entry fee, the site should be more visitor-centered, including additional notes, maps or labels tourists could read and enjoy along the way. Gortyne is quite a treat, even though the paid portion of the site is actually pretty small (but magnificent). You start with the Saint Tito's Church remnants and then are faced with the incredible Laws of Gorytne inscribed in a huge wall made of tablets, quite well preserved. Finally, you can find the legendary tree that is part of Zeus' and Europa's myth. Now...outside the site, there are many other elements to see, but these are either closed (e.g., Theatre) or accessible for free (e.g., the Praetorium) but within walking distance. A very nice coffee shop is available on site.
Louie
Major Attractions at the Site: 1. The Law Code of Gortyna: • A massive 5th-century BCE legal inscription, carved in boustrophedon (alternating direction) on the wall of a public building. • It’s the most complete example of ancient Greek law and provides insight into legal practices regarding property, family, and civil rights. 2. The Odeon: • A Roman-era theater where the law code inscription is found. • Built during the 1st century CE and used for musical and rhetorical performances. 3. Saint Titus Basilica: • A 6th-century church dedicated to Saint Titus. • An important early Christian structure with mosaic floors and architectural remains. 4. The Praetorium: • The Roman governor’s palace, featuring courtyards and administrative rooms. 5. Acropolis & Temples: • Temples dedicated to deities such as Apollo and Athena. • Ruins of older Minoan structures exist, though less visible. ⸻ Visiting Info: • Location: South-central Crete, around 45 km from Heraklion. • Opening Hours: Typically 8:00–20:00 in summer, shorter hours in winter (confirm locally). • Entrance Fee: Modest; free for EU students and some discounts apply. • Accessibility: The site is largely outdoors, with uneven terrain.