South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn
Overview
• An exciting journey from the North to the South of Crete Island!
• The route passes through the entire island capturing part of the Psiloritis massif. From the foot of the mountains stretches the delightful beauty of Messara valley, which has been the island's breadbasket for centuries.
• During the ride you will hear the information about the history of the island and the sights that you will visit. Then, you can enjoy a walk in the preserved part of the ancient Roman capital of Crete Gortis, which is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sights in Greece.
• Finally you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Matala beach, relax or dine in one of the traditional taverns located along the coast.
What's Included
- Additional insurance for tour participants
- Pick-up (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel or no more than 800m walk)
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Information about the route and sights during the bus ride
- Entrance to Gortina: Adult (discounts apply for some age groups)
Meeting and Pickup
• After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. • We pick up from the tourist bus stops, a maximum 800m walk from your hotel. • For remotely located hotels and Airbnb's, please, contact us to clarify the closest pick-up point or any extra transfer arrangements. • Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up.
Ξανθουδίδη και
Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Gortyna
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Matala Beach
3 hours 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
- Wednesday: English, German, French, Italian
- Thursday: English, German, French
- Sunday: English, German, French, Italian
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-121353P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Additional insurance for tour participants.
- Pick-up (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel or no more than 800m walk).
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus.
- Information about the route and sights during the bus ride.
- Entrance to Gortina: Adult (discounts apply for some age groups).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Additional insurance for tour participants
- Pick-up (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel or no more than 800m walk)
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Information about the route and sights during the bus ride
- Entrance to Gortina: Adult (discounts apply for some age groups)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
- Wednesday: English, German, French, Italian
- Thursday: English, German, French
- Sunday: English, German, French, Italian
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
