Phaistos Palace
was a Minoan city on Crete, the ruins of which are located 55km south of Heraklion.
The city was already inhabited since 6000BC and prospered concurrently with the city of
Knossos, till the 1st century BC. Phaistos is famous for its Minoan palace,
which is a visitable archaeological site and receives thousands of visitors every year. The palace of Phaistos was built on a low hill in the plain of Messara, with panoramic views to the surrounding area. It is the second largest after Knossos and occupies an area of 18 acres.
Matala Beach
Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period. A safe natural harbour on the Bay of Messara, blessed with a gently sweeping sand and pebble beach, the place in legend where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull with Europa on his back. Although it has become a popular tourist destination it still retains the charm and character of the quiet fishing village it started as at the beginning of the 20th-century, and the laid-back lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70's lives on. Half the beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, leading the eye on to impressive formations of sandstone rock cliffs with their famous caves sliding into the sea at an odd angle, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island.
Vehicle & Driver Prices:
- Up to 3 pax: 250,00€ (extra hour / 45,00€)
- From 4-7 pax: 280,00€ (extra hour / 50,00 €)
- Duration: 5 hours minimum (depending the starting point)
What is included in this tour?
- Hotel pick up and drop off.
- Transport by air-conditioned luxury vehicles.
- Excellent English-speaking Driver
- Wi-Fi
- Child seats upon request
- Natural mineral water.
- All legal taxes.
What is NOT included in this tour?
- Food & Beverages
- Entrance Phaistos Palace: 8,00€
- Gratuities
- Tour Guide (upon request and availability)
Notes & Terms:
- Free cancellation (cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund).
- The order of the excursion may change depending on the state of the weather conditions.
- This tour can also be tailor made to your wishes, depending on availability and time requested.
