Excursion Description
VIP Private Tour
Matala - the legendary caves, ancient tombs and the hippie coastline. Matala is where layered histories meet in one vivid cove: Roman rock-cut tombs carved into the red sandstone cliffs became cliff-dwellings, and in the 1960s the caves were famously adopted by international travellers and artists seeking freedom, music and a Mediterranean sunset. Today Matala retains that bohemian spirit - a relaxed village, a red-sand beach and dramatic cliff paths that invite exploration and photography.
Your private day begins with a scenic southern drive from Heraklion in our Premium Mercedes-Vito (VIP leather seats, panoramic tinted windows, A/C, onboard Wi-Fi). Enjoy coastal and mountain panoramas, stop at a handpicked local café for coffee and local stories, then arrive at Matala where cliff caves, waterfront tavernas and the gentle Libyan Sea form a timeless scene. Walk the cliff paths, explore the caves (originally tombs), swim from the sandy shore, and soak up the village atmosphere. Combine this with an expert guided visit to Phaistos - a nearby Minoan palace - to link ancient archaeology with 20th-century counterculture. With our VIP service you skip queues, avoid crowded transfers and enjoy the freedom to pause for photos, extra stops and a private cove moment with light refreshments.
Optional experience: private cove moment or a guided breathwork mini-retreat on the beach to close the day in calm and balance.
What’s Included
- Pick-up from your place or hotel, apartment, villa, port, airport.
- Brand new luxury Mercedes-Vito with VIP leather seats.
- Private driver & guide with local insights (ENG/UA/RUS/POL/GR).
- Premium air-conditioning (all levels).
- Free onboard Wi-Fi for your comfort.
- Panoramic views from large tinted windows.
- Ample separate luggage storage space (up to 8 large bags / also suitable for wet swimwear after the beach).
- Welcoming with a cold Cretan mineral water during the ride.
- Complimentary coffee at an exclusive local "secret spot".
- Scenic drive along the southern coast with photo stops.
- Stop in a traditional Cretan village (e.g., Pitsidia or Agia Galini) for coffee.
- Guided walk and exploration of Matala Beach & sandstone caves.
- Private secluded cove moment with light refreshments.
- Guided visit to Phaistos archaeological site (Entrance €8 p.p. included).
- Beautiful seaside ride (Optionally: Lunch/dinner at a local taverna ~€15–€25 p.p. | Extra).
- Private transfer back to your place in luxury Mercedes Vito.
- Volanna Travel “Memory Presents” (handpicked local gift pack).
Optionally
- Lunch/dinner at a local Taverna or Restaurant (~€15–€25 | Extra).
- Sunbeds & umbrellas at nearby beaches (Extra).
- Transfer to the Kissamos Port for the boat trip or to the optimal hiking departure point.
- Transfer to a nearby organized beach (e.g., Falassarna) for extra swim and facilities.
- Optional Add-on: Capture all the magic — professional drone + cinematic photo/video coverage:
- "Group Pack" – €100 total (covers everyone).
- "Solo Option" – €15 per person.
- Optionally: Licensed Professional Bodyguard (€75 per hour | Extra).
Perfect for
Travellers who value comfort, privacy and want the lagoon & fortress experience without stress, crowds, hustle & bustle. Ideal for families, couples, adventure seekers, photo hunters, nature lovers and small groups up to 8 people.
Tour Timeline
- 07:30 - 08:15 — Private pick-up from your location (complimentary cold bottle of Cretan mineral water on board).
- 08:15 - 10:00 — Scenic southern drive through olive groves and seaside villages, with a coffee stop.
- 10:00 - 12:00 — Arrival at Matala for a guided exploration of sandstone caves, cliff paths, and beach time.
- 12:00 - 13:00 — Private secluded cove moment with light refreshments.
- 13:00 - 14:30 — Transfer to Phaistos archaeological site for a guided visit (Entrance €8 p.p. included).
- 14:30 - 15:30 — Optional lunch/dinner at a local Taverna or Restaurant (~€15–€25 | Extra).
- 15:30 - 17:00 — Scenic return with a luxury private transfer back to your place.
- 17:00 — Volanna Travel gift on arrival. Final Touch: a handpicked Cretan memory gift box to end your perfect day.
