South Crete

This tour to South Heraklion will include a visit to two unique and important destinations.

Gortys, also known as Gortyna or Gortyn, is an ancient archaeological site located in the central-southern part of Crete, Greece. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, and visiting the site provides a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Visiting the Gortys archaeological site offers a rewarding experience for history enthusiasts, providing a connection to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

On the other hand, Matala is a picturesque village located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. Known for its unique beauty, stunning beaches, and fascinating history, Matala has become a popular destination for travelers. Matala gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a gathering place for the hippie counterculture. Many travelers, including hippies, used to inhabit the caves carved into the cliffs around Matala. While most of the caves are now closed, the site still retains its historic charm.

The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a laid-back atmosphere makes the region a charming destination for those seeking seaside as well as history experience in Crete.

Highlights

Visit the Archaeological Site of Gortys
Spend a day in Matala Hippies Beach.
Explore the famous caves by the beach
Swim in the crystal-clear waters
Have lunch by the sea and stroll around the village.

Included

Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus
Professional Driver
Tour Guide
All the legal taxes
Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ

Not Included

Entrance to the caves 4 €
Food/Drinks
Archaeological Site Entrance 6 €

Know before you go

We provide pick-up from a variety of locations, including bus stops and hotels. We will get in touch with you as soon as you make the reservation to confirm the precise location and time of the pick-up, which will be closer to the hotel you are staying in.

If required, the excursion operator retains the right to rearrange the schedule in order to better accommodate guests or ensure their safety.

If ordered by the government COVID regulation, passengers must carry and wear face masks when traveling by bus and in indoor areas.

This excursion is suitable for disabled people.

Full Description

Morning Pick up:

In the morning, we will begin collecting the passengers from the designated pick-up locations.

The bus ride will vary based on where your hotel or apartment is located.

Bus Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes

1st stop: Gortys Site – 1 hour stay

You will explore this unique archaeological site located in the southern region of Crete, with treasures from every era of the region's 5,000-year history.

Bus Drive: 20 minutes

2nd stop: Matala – 4 hours 30 minutes stay

Arrival at Matala's hippie beach. There will be plenty of free time for our participants to go swimming, visit the famous hippie caves, or eat lunch in the most well-liked hippie shelter from the 1960s and 1970s.

End of the tour – Return to resorts:

As soon as the Buses are filled with passengers, we will head back to the hotels where we will meet up with the people attending in the morning.

The bus ride for the return will vary based on the traffic and each person's pick-up location in the morning.

Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: 1 hour 30 minutes

Here are some additional Tips: