Discover 3 of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Crete. Travel through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge where you will stop to see the magnificent waterfalls and the springs of the river Preveli that flow inside the gorge and which result in the river at Preveli Beach. The first stop in the south is at the sandy beach Damnoni, where the boat is waiting to take you to Palm Beach Preveli at the south-end of Kourtaliotis Gorge, at the mouth of the river Preveli. Enjoy some time for a splendid swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathe and relax, and embark on a short hike through the tropical forest. Visit the south of Crete and stop at the viewpoint above where you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and take some fantastic pictures. Hop on the boat to take you to Preveli, a unique mixture of the sandy beach and the green river which is flanked by palm forests and rocky surroundings. Here you will have time to enjoy the refreshing Libyan sea and the Cretan Sun. Continue to the sandy beach of Damnoni, where the boat is waiting to take you to Palm Beach Preveli at the south-end of Kourtaliotis Gorge, at the mouth of the river Preveli. Enjoy some time for a splendid swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea, sunbathe and relax, and embark on a short hike through the tropical forest. Hop back on the boat and return back to the sandy beach of Damnoni. The next stop is the small resort Plakias, situated in a natural bay. Here you can have lunch, go for another swim or do some shopping. We will take another road to return to Rethymno, driving through the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.

Starting from the Horse Riding Center, the riders will head west through the olive groves, towards the 1.4 klm long, sandy beach of Plakias. As soon as they reach the coast, they will canter along the shoreline and while the Libyan sea breeze will be caressing their face. Important Information All our horses are well trained & behaved. Οur horses are equipped with all the necessary gear to ensure the safety of the horse and the rider. Highly experienced Guides or Escorts (depending on the riding level) accompany all trips. We provide all the mandatory safety equipment for the riders as well. Riding pace depends on the riders skills or/and preference. Τhis trip is only available in the early morning hours. Mandatory Equipment: Safety Helmet Optional Equipment: Chaps Safety Vest (for children) Suggested Clothing: Long, comfortable trousers Closed-toe shoes Riding Level: All

Embark on a thrilling river trekking through the biggest gorge in Rethymnon, right in the center of the island of Crete. Follow the river’s shore through special paths away from crowds with our experience guide and get the chance to explore the hidden forest of the gorge, splash into natural pools, and witness the huge waterfall that falls into the canyon. Once we arrive above the gorge we will provide you with neoprene suits, helmets, walking sticks and after a short briefing about the route that we follow, we immediately start the adventure! The first part includes an amazing view of the great waterfall! The flow never stops and the amount of water coming down from the mountains is simply amazing! A small and safe jump will cool you up as the place is perfect for some instagramik pictures We continue down the river by splashing into natural pools and having fun next to the river’s shore. Passing by the amazing route down the gorge, you will see some plane trees around us, which create the perfect scenery – A place away from crowds – you will love. After walking for about 2 more hours into the gorge, we finally reach an old olive grove, which is our exit point from the gorge. There we will go at a hidden paradise on earth called “Banana Garden” to have a refreshment and talk about our experience! Overall, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge trek is a moderate hike that is suitable for most fitness levels. It offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most stunning natural wonders of Crete and is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Discover one of the most famous beaches on the south coast of Crete. Travel through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge where you will stop to see the magnificent landscapes and the springs of the river Preveli that flow inside the gorge and which result in the river at Preveli Beach. Visit the south of Crete and stop at the viewpoint above where you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and take some fantastic pictures. Enjoy a full-day excursion from Heraklion to Preveli Beach on a bus trip with a local guide. Discover South Crete's Grand River, Kourtaliotikos Gorge, and a colony of Theophrastus palm trees. Sunbathe on the sandy beach, swim in the turquoise waters, watch for wildlife, or hike regional trails.  Begin your tour with a bus ride from the north coast to Preveli Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water or stroll along the beach. Look for a rock shaped like a heart, known as The Stone of Lovers, and marvel at the steep cliffs and misty hilltops of nearby Kourtaliotikos Gorge.  Continue your tour by hiking along the banks of the Grand River to discover the Forest full of Theophrastus palm trees. Hike further up the river trail to a canyon and beach where you can further swim, hike, or sunbathe, before heading back down the path to the bus and returning to Heraklion. 10:45 Arrival at Preveli – free time 15:00 Departure from Preveli 16:50 Arrival in Heraklion Route: 210 km Duration: app. 7hours

Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach.  Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride. Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain. Connected to Preveli beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited. Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forest, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.

Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka. What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees. Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve. Kourtaliotiko gorge is believed to have been used as a natural fortress by the ancient Minoans, who lived on the island of Crete more than 4,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the gorge was used as a route for transporting goods between the towns of Plakias and Koxare.In modern times, Kourtaliotiko gorge has become a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to explore its rugged landscape and take in the stunning views. The gorge is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Despite its popularity, the gorge remains an important part of the local culture and traditions, and efforts are being made to preserve its natural beauty and cultural significance for future generations. Damnoni beach in an idyllic bay just a few kilometres from the more famous resort of Plakias. It is about 35 km south of the city of Rethymno, on the southern coast of the island, on the southern coast of the island. The beach of Damnoni is backed by mountains and closed in by splendid rock formations, with white sand and turquoise waters.Another advantage of visiting Damnoni is that it is relatively uncrowded for most of the year.

Is there a place in Greece that combines a gorge, a river, a lagoon, a wonderful sand beach and a palm forest? The answer is positive and it is the Preveli beach. The beach is located at the exit of Kourtaliotis gorge, where the homonymous river ends. It is one of the most famous beaches of South Crete and receives thousands of visitors every summer. Behind the impressive sandy beach begins the second largest palm forest of 40 hectares, which hosts the endemic Cretan palm tree of Theophrastus. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2010, 70% of this forest was burnt down. Nevertheless, natural reforestation proceeded quickly, the forest regained its character and the area is now protected by the Natura 2000 network. In the heart of the forest, the visitor loses the sense of time and space. You can follow the marked path (and it is advisable not to step off it) and enjoy pictures full of greenery and listen to the sounds of running water. The river forms a small 500m long lake at its exit to the sea with year-round water. In the large swimming pools that form every now and then you can take a refreshing swim. At the mouth of the river there is a sandy beach with a pebble bottom and the water is very cool due to the influence of the river. In the eastern part of the beach there is an impressive rock in the sea that resembles a mast or a heart. As for the sandy beach, it has managed to maintain its naturalness as it has no umbrellas and sunbeds. There is of course a canteen where you can get the essentials but that's the maximum service you'll get here, hence make sure you're organised. Your day starts after we pick you up with our bus from the designated pick up location and we head towards Damnoni. On our way you will make a 30 min stop at Spili village for a coffee break in order to enjoy the beautiful historical village of Spili. After that you are on your way again to Damnoni, in order to catch the ferry that will departure at 11:30. The guide will collect the money in order to bring you the ferry tickets. The ferry needs about 30 minutes to arrive at Preveli beach where you will be able to stay there for 3 hours and explore the Kourtaliotis gorge with the Palm tree forest or relax at the beach. The scheduled time of departure from Preveli beach is at 15:15 (always check with the guide for the exact time !) to Damnoni where you will catch the bus and head to the village of Plakias as you will have free time of 1:30h and you will be able to have lunch and drink at one of the taverns. In the end on our way back, we will make a brief photo stop and enjoy the stunning view of Kourtaliotis gorge. Your drop off will be at the same point you got picked up in the morning !

On this Beach Safari, you will the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and unique beaches of the south coast of Crete. We will visit Ammoudi, a slightly organised beach near Plakias, with crystal clear waters, as well as the most famous beach in South crete, the Palm Beach of Preveli. Our first destination will be Ammoudi. Ammoudi is a beach complex located 4km east of Plakias , where you will have about 2 hours to relax and enjoy the sun. Its characteristic green slippery rock in the middle, is what makes it so special. The beach is slightly organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds and some taverns nearby. Ammoudi has thick white sand and rocky seabed, ideal for diving and snorkeling, and the waters have a bright green color. Next to the beach there are many tamarisk trees, under which you can find shade and camp. From there on a walking distance (~200m) you can find Klisidi and Ammoudaki (small ammoudi) two small yet gorgeous beaches with crystal-clear blue waters. Next, we move to Preveli beach. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows. It is undeniably the most famous beach in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. The area has nothing to envy from tropical seas, with palm trees reflected in the calm waters of the “Lake”. Protagonists in our setting are the bodies of the mountains, the water, the canyon and at its exit an oasis, an exotic forest with Theophrastus palm trees. You can walk along the river, under the palm trees and start ascending in the beautiful canyon and have the opportunity to swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. Preveli is a protected beach (Natura 2000), therefor it is not well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, but you can relax and enjoy the diamond waters of the Libyan Sea and the shade of the trees, in total harmony with the environment around you. There is one tavern on one side of the beach where you can have a refreshment or a snack. After 2 hours the van will wait you at the drop-off point in Preveli beach to take you back in Plakias, filled with joy and the most beutiful pictures of the most famous destinations in South Crete and ready for your next advanture with us!

Discover the raw beauty of Crete on this guided day tour from Rethymno to Preveli. Take the opportunity to visit Preveli Beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan Sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach. Relax ─ your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride. Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli Beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain. Connected to Preveli Beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited. Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forests, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge

Create lasting memories in Crete as you enjoy an olive oil tasting experience under the shade of olive trees. This entire experience will be enjoyed in the middle of a 2,000-year-old monumental olive grove. Discover the history, culture, and Cretan civilization of olive oil throughout the centuries. During your walk around the peaceful olive groves such as the holy Gethsemane Garden, you will discover the beauty of the Cretan landscape as well as the myths, flavors, and aromas of olive oil. The activity includes an olive oil tasting of 4 different olive oils at a tasting table in the shade of some olive trees. During the tasting you will be pairing food with more types of olive oil, and you will receive tips on how taste, preserve, choose, cook, and fry olive oil. You'll also receive more information about harvesting and olive oil extraction.