Messara Plain

After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s - 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs

A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica and was first inhabited around 3200 BC. After the visit of Gortyna, we drive through valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. After our visit to Phaistos, we drive to Matala where you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and optional lunch. Finally we arrive to Zaros, attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Late in the afternoon at 17:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Explore the highlights of southern Crete on a guided full-day trip from Heraklion. Enjoy a small-group tour of some of the region's most popular sights.  Meet your guide at your hotel and hop on the bus that will take you to your first stop, Phaistos. Along the way, take in scenic views of the Messara winegrowing region's mountains and vineyards. At Phaistos, explore the ruins of a medieval city and the second-largest palace in Crete. Learn more about the history of the complex from your guide and enjoy panoramic views of the Ida Mountains and the Lassithi Massif. Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea in the former fishing village of Matala and take a walk to the world-famous cliffside caves. Then, tuck into a delicious lunch with views over the bay. On the way back to Heraklion, stop at the monastery of Odigitria. Here, witness 2 tholos tombs and let yourself be enchanted by the monastery's charm before heading back to your hotel.

Join us on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning valleys of Malevizi and Messara, home to millions of olive trees. Experience the thrill of an off-road jeep ride through the Asterousia mountain range, exploring rarely seen areas, and stopping at an observation deck at the peak of the mountains to admire eagles and the breathtaking canyon and Libyan Sea in the background. During our trip to southern Crete, you'll learn about the local tradition of goat-keeping from a shepherd. He'll show you how to feed, milk, and catch goats. Then, you'll cook Cretan goat cheese with him inside a cave, which is a unique experience. Finally, you'll get to taste the delicious cheese you made together. We'll have lunch at a charming seaside tavern, take a refreshing swim at the tranquil Tripitis beach, make a wish at a picturesque church, and experience a true Cretan farewell with the hospitable old man who owns the tavern and takes care of the church. This adventure is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting and unique experience in Crete. Book your trip with us now and let us take you on an unforgettable journey.

We start driving through the route of the vineyards of Crete. The villages we will cross are famous for the grape varieties and their wines and that is why there are many well-known wineries on our way. Our first stop is at AGIOS THOMAS a village at an altitude of 760 meters, dating back to 1371 AD. In the village there are Byzantine churches, ruins of the Byzantine aqueduct as well as Roman era tombs. Going down, we will cross the MESSARA valley and following a route through olive groves, we will reach the MONASTERY of ODIGITRIA one of the most famous monasteries of Crete, dating back to the 14thcentury. You will be amazed by the beauty of the monastery and you will have the opportunity to visit the museum with objects of the daily life of Cretans. Following we driving through a beautiful dirt road we reach MATALA, the famous village of southern Crete where the HIPPIES lived in the 70s. You will have free time to admire the beauties of the village and visit the caves of the HIPPIES. We return to the hotel through a beautiful route. This journey will amaze and fill you with pictures that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries. In the afternoon, tuck in the bohemian vibe of Matala that captivated Bob Dylan & Janis Joplin. Bask in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind in the charming village irresistible for its freshly caught grilled fish & finest ouzo. To us, travel means putting fire in your soul with the best stories.

Over the centuries, Cretans have imbued this ancient land with the vivid presence of Christianity by founding monasteries, churches, & chapels of great religious import. Journey to Central Crete from North to South in the paths of Apostle Paul to the land of generosity. An untouched paradise on earth, beloved by our forefathers, where fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves seem to stretch toward the horizon. Succumb to the expert knowledge of our local guides as you visit religious monuments always built-in stunning landscapes. Some of them were fortified & others are situated on the sites of archaic temples illuminating the long devotion to Christianity in Crete. Let us take you on a true passage of time meandering through the Minoan wonders of Messara Plain to embrace the magnificent views of Phaistos Palace. In the afternoon, visit the village of Matala. Bask in the waters of the Libyan Sea & unwind at the delicious fish tavernas on the waterfront.

Learn more: https://transfer-plus.gr/tour/faistos-palace-tour-matala/ Embark on a journey through time to explore the Palace of King Radamanthys, a stunning relic of the Minoan Civilization nestled amidst the fertile plains of Messara. Located between the imposing peaks of Psiloritis and Asteroysia Mountain, this archaeological gem offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Crete. As you wander through the well-preserved ruins of the palace, you'll be transported back to a bygone era, where Minoan kings ruled over vast territories and flourishing cities. Learn about the intricate trade routes that connected Crete to distant lands, fostering a thriving economy and cultural exchange. Marvel at the architectural marvels of Phaistos, renowned for the discovery of the enigmatic Phaistos disc - an ancient artifact inscribed with mysterious symbols in Linear A script, the meaning of which continues to elude scholars to this day. Housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, this iconic relic serves as a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of the Minoan civilization. Immerse yourself in the art and culture of ancient Crete as you explore the palace's storied halls and chambers, adorned with vibrant frescoes and intricate carvings that offer a window into Minoan life. From religious rituals to everyday activities, each mural tells a story of a society steeped in myth and tradition. As you soak in the atmosphere of this ancient site, don't forget to capture the moment with your camera - the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. A visit to the Palace of King Radamanthys is more than just a journey through history - it's an opportunity to connect with the legacy of one of the world's most fascinating civilizations. So come, explore the wonders of the Minoan past, and discover the secrets of a bygone era that continue to captivate and intrigue us today. And then, Matala invites you to immerse yourselves in its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and bohemian charm. Renowned for its stunning sandy beaches and crystalline waters, this coastal village beckons sun-seekers and water enthusiasts alike to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine and take a refreshing dip in the azure sea. But Matala is more than just a beach destination. The iconic caves carved into the cliffsides serve as a reminder of the village's storied past, once famously inhabited by hippies seeking refuge in the 1960s. Today, these caves offer a glimpse into a bygone era, while the vibrant waterfront promenade buzzes with life, lined with cozy tavernas, lively bars, and colorful shops offering a taste of local culture. Whether you're exploring the ancient Roman ruins, marveling at the breathtaking views from the cliffs above, or simply soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, a visit to Matala promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Crete's coastal charm.

Explore the wild beauty of the secluded beaches of southern Crete with this tour starting from the North coast of Heraklion. We will lead to the vertical road passing through vineyards and olive groves, and as we will reach the rich plain of Messara with scattered greenhouses for vegetable production. Our first stop will be at a local award-winning winery where we will meet the people behind these amazing wines. We will take part in a tasting of five different labels based on local varieties. The next stop will be at an undisclosed beach on the south coast of Crete. Crystal Waters perfect spot for a nice swim. The second stop is in a magical place. A Greek Orthodox Monastery was founded in the 14th century and related to the Kallergides family to which it belonged. The next stop will be our secret beach spending time swimming and sunbathing and then we will head to Kaloi Limenes fishing village for swimming and lunch