8 Hours
Private Tour
English
Up to 19 Guests
Gortys, Festos & Matala Beach Private Tour
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Gortys, Festos & Matala Beach Private tour
- Gortys
- Festos
- Matala Beach
Itinerary
Step into Crete’s rich past and breathtaking landscapes on a journey that blends archaeology, mythology, and seaside relaxation. Explore the ancient city of Gortys, uncover the mysteries of the Minoan Palace of Festos, and soak in the laid-back charm of Matala Beach, a coastal retreat with a legendary hippie history. This tour offers a perfect balance of historical exploration and tranquil seaside moments, immersing you in Crete’s ancient legacy and modern cultural vibrancy.
Your adventure begins in Gortys (Gortyna), one of Crete’s most important historical sites, dating back thousands of years. Once the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrene, Gortys played a pivotal role during both the Roman and Byzantine periods. Among its most notable landmarks is the Chamber of the Law Code, where the earliest recorded legal code in Europe is etched onto massive stone slabs. These inscriptions, dating back to the 5th century BC, provide a fascinating look at the legal and social structures of the time.
As you wander through the ruins, visit St. Titus’ Church, an early Christian basilica dedicated to Titus, a disciple of Saint Paul, marking Crete’s transition to Christianity under Roman rule. Continue your exploration at the Roman Odeon, a well-preserved theater that once hosted musical performances and political gatherings, enriching the cultural life of the city. Amidst these historical wonders, you’ll also find centuries-old olive trees and a sacred plane tree, where, according to Greek mythology, Zeus and Europa’s wedding took place, intertwining Gortys with Crete’s legendary past.
Next, you will be driven to Festos (Phaistos), a key archaeological treasure of the Minoan civilization. Dating back to 6000 BC, this powerful Minoan center thrived during the Bronze Age. Perched atop a hill, the Minoan Palace of Festos boasts stunning views of the Messara Plain, a fertile region that supported early Cretan settlements.
The palace is best known for its mysterious Phaistos Disc, a clay tablet inscribed with an undeciphered script dating back to 1700 BC. Despite extensive research, the meaning of this artifact remains unknown, making it one of the world’s greatest archaeological enigmas. As you walk through the palace ruins, envision the vibrant daily life of traders, artisans, and noble families who once inhabited this sophisticated city, which played a crucial role in the Minoan world.
Leaving behind the archaeological wonders, your final destination is Matala Beach, a place where history and counterculture collide. Once an ancient Minoan harbor and later a Roman settlement, Matala is now famous for its 1960s and 1970s hippie movement, attracting free-spirited artists and musicians from around the world. Legends of Matala include visits from iconic figures like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Cat Stevens, who were captivated by its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
One of Matala’s most unique features is its prehistoric caves, carved into the limestone cliffs overlooking the Libyan Sea. Initially used as Roman tombs, these caves later became makeshift homes for hippies, solidifying Matala’s bohemian reputation. Today, visitors can explore these ancient dwellings, reliving the free-spirited era that made Matala a symbol of alternative culture and artistic inspiration.
Unwind on Matala’s golden sands, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the warm Mediterranean sun. Savor a delicious seaside lunch at a local taverna, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes, all while gazing out at the breathtaking Aegean horizon.
This tour is a perfect fusion of history, mythology, and scenic tranquility, making it an ideal experience for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike. From the ancient laws of Gortys and the enigmatic ruins of Festos to the free-spirited charm of Matala, this journey reveals the diverse beauty and timeless legacy of Crete in one extraordinary day.
Inclusions - Exclusions
Private Tours are personal and flexible just for you and your party.
Inclusions:
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Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history [Not licensed to accompany you in any site]
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Transport by private vehicle
- Bottled water
Exclusions:
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Entrance Fees [25€ per person]
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Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability [Additional cost]
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Food & Drinks
History
Gortys (Gortyna):
Gortys (or Gortyna) is one of the most historically significant ancient cities of Crete, with origins dating back to the Minoan era (circa 3000 BCE). However, its peak prominence came during the Roman period, when it became the capital of Crete and Cyrenaica (modern-day Libya) under Roman rule. By the 1st century BCE, Gortys had grown into a major administrative, political, and economic center, thriving under Roman governance.
One of the most remarkable landmarks in Gortys is the Chamber of the Law Code, where the earliest known written legal code in Europe is inscribed on large limestone blocks. Dating to the 5th century BCE, these Doric Greek inscriptions detail laws governing family, property, and civil rights, offering one of the most comprehensive insights into ancient Greek law before the rise of Athens.
During the early Christian period, Gortys was one of the first places in Crete to embrace Christianity, thanks to Saint Titus, a disciple of Saint Paul, who is said to have preached there. The Basilica of St. Titus, one of the earliest Christian churches in Crete (built around the 6th century CE), still stands as a testament to the city’s religious importance.
Additionally, Greek mythology ties Gortys to Zeus and Europa—it is believed that beneath a sacred plane tree in Gortys, Zeus united with Europa, leading to the birth of Minos, the legendary king of Crete.
Today, Gortys stands as an archaeological site, featuring ruins of Roman temples, an ancient theater (Odeon), aqueducts, and public buildings, providing a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s Roman and early Christian history.
Festos (Phaistos):
Festos (Phaistos) is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, home to a grand Minoan palace that flourished during the Bronze Age (circa 2000–1400 BCE). The Palace of Festos was a major political, religious, and economic hub of the Minoan civilization, second in significance only to Knossos.
Unlike Knossos, which was extensively restored, Festos remains largely untouched, offering a more authentic look into Minoan architecture and urban planning. The palace was strategically built on a hill overlooking the fertile Messara Plain, allowing for control over the agricultural wealth of the region.
One of the most famous discoveries from Festos is the Phaistos Disc, a clay tablet with an undeciphered script, dating to 1700 BCE. The disc features symbols arranged in a spiral, and its purpose remains one of the greatest mysteries in archaeology. Some theories suggest it was used for religious, administrative, or ceremonial purposes, but its exact meaning remains unknown.
Festos was destroyed around 1450 BCE, likely due to the same catastrophic events that led to the decline of Minoan civilization, possibly linked to the Thera (Santorini) eruption. Despite its fall, Festos played a role in the later Greek and Roman periods, remaining an important cultural site. Today, visitors can explore its ruined palace complex, courtyards, staircases, storage rooms, and sanctuaries, offering a rare look into Minoan Crete.
Matala Beach:
Matala, a picturesque coastal village along the Libyan Sea, has been inhabited since antiquity and played a crucial role in Minoan and Roman times. Originally, Matala served as the port of Phaistos, facilitating trade and maritime activity across the Mediterranean. During the Roman period, the village became part of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica, evidence of which remains in the form of ancient tombs carved into the limestone cliffs.
These man-made caves, initially used as Roman burial chambers, would later gain worldwide fame for a very different reason—they became the temporary homes of hippies in the 1960s and 70s.
The Hippie Movement in Matala (1960s–70s):
During the 1960s and 1970s, Matala became a countercultural haven, attracting hippies, artists, and musicians from around the world. The caves, once Roman tombs, became makeshift dwellings for a generation seeking freedom, simplicity, and a connection to nature.
Among the famous figures drawn to Matala were Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Cat Stevens, who spent time in the village, inspired by its unspoiled beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Joni Mitchell’s song “Carey”, from her 1971 album Blue, was written about her time living among the hippies in Matala, capturing the spirit of free love and self-discovery that defined the era.
The village became an international symbol of alternative living, where people lived communally, practiced art and music, and rejected the materialistic lifestyle of modern society. However, by the late 1970s, the Greek government evicted the hippie settlers, and Matala transformed into a more traditional tourist destination.
Today, Matala still retains its bohemian charm, with the famous caves open for exploration and a vibrant annual Matala Beach Festival celebrating music, freedom, and creativity, keeping the hippie legacy alive.
Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be confirmed by Olive Sea Travel.
Regarding the Day Tours:
Cancellations up to 4 days before your service date are 100% refundable.
Cancellation Policy:
- Licensed Tour Guides and Hotels are external co-operators & they have their own cancellation policy.
- Apart from the above cancellation limits, NO refunds will be made. If though, you fail to make your appointment for reasons that are out of your hands, that would be, in connection with the operation of your airline or cruise ship or strikes, extreme weather conditions or mechanical failure, you will be refunded 100% of the paid amount.
- If your cancellation date is over TWO (2) months away from your reservation date, It has been known for third-party providers such as credit card companies, PayPal, etc. to charge a levy fee usually somewhere between 2-4%.
- Olive Sea Travel reserves the right to cancel your booking at any time, when reasons beyond our control arise, such as strikes, prevailing weather conditions, mechanical failures, etc. occur. In this unfortunate case, you shall be immediately notified via the email address you used when making your reservation and your payment WILL be refunded 100%.