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Things to do in Preveli

Our most recommended things to do in Preveli

From Rethymno: Day Trip to Preveli Beach & Damnoni Beach

1. From Rethymno: Day Trip to Preveli Beach & Damnoni Beach

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.

From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

2. From Rethymno/Chania: Day Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, and the resort village of Plakias on this tour 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. The next stop is the small resort of Plakias, situated near Souda Beach. Have free time go for lunch, swim or go shopping. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.

From Rethymno: Full-Day Land Rover Safari to Preveli

3. From Rethymno: Full-Day Land Rover Safari to Preveli

Benefit from pickup at your hotel in the Rethymno region in your shared or private group. Start by taking in a breathtaking view of the Prasses Gorge. Look for resident wildlife, including the impressive vultures that live in the gorge. Continue to the Potamon Dam and admire the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island. Pass through typical villages, such as Karines and Spili and learn about the local customs and habits. Savor an authentic raki produced in the village along with other specialties at a traditional tavern overlooking the Libyan Sea. Swim in the crystal clear waters of Preveli and explore the palm forest. Feel the wind in your hair as you get back to nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. End with a panoramic view of Rethymno before drop off at your hotel.

From Rethymno: Damnoni and Preveli Palm Beach Tour

4. From Rethymno: Damnoni and Preveli Palm Beach Tour

Following pick-up at your hotel, journey to the traditional village of Spili to admire the Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi with its 19 lion heads. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Kourtaliótiko Gorge as you make your way to the beautiful beach of Preveli. Get breathtaking views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea contrasting with the lush green of the palm forest and lagoon. After your visit to Spili the next stop is Damnoni beach. From here you will take the boat over to Palm beach. Take some free time to soak in all the beauty of the clear blue waters combined with the lagoon and palm forest. Enjoy time to purchase lunch and refreshments in Damnoni and admire its beautiful clean beach. Journey back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival.

Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

5. Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

Morning Pickup: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive to the destination will differ (between 2.5 - 4 hours). 1st stop: Damnioni Beach Arrive by bus at the beach of Damnioni and embark on the boat which will take you to the unique Palm Forest of Preveli. Boat Trip: 30 minutes 2nd stop: Preveli Palm Beach – 1 hour 30 minutes Arrive at the famous beach of Preveli. Our participants will have plenty of free time to swim and explore a unique mix of sandy beach and green river flanked by palm forests and rocky surroundings. Chill out and enjoy the exotic landscape of the south coast. Boat Trip: 30 minutes 3rd stop: Damnioni Beach – 1 hour Arrival at Damnioni, free time for 1 hour to enjoy lunch at a local tavern (optional, with extra charge). Bus Drive: 20 minutes 4th stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge – 10 minutes Experience the wild natural landscapes of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Our participants will have 10 minutes of free time to admire the view of Cretan Nature and take some pictures! Bus Drive: 30 minutes 5th stop: Rethymnon Town – 1 hour 20 minutes Visit the picturesque old town of Rethymno. Enjoy your free time walking along the old port, its iconic small streets with local cafes, and its beautiful beach road. End of the tour – Arrival at resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Bus Drive: between 2-3 hours Depending on traffic and the hotel location, the time of the journey back to the hotel will differ.

From Heraklion: Preveli Tropical Beach and Palm Forest

6. From Heraklion: Preveli Tropical Beach and Palm Forest

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 beaches, 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 the sandy beaches. 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.

Rethymno Land Rover Safari in Southwest Crete

7. Rethymno Land Rover Safari in Southwest Crete

Get off the road and out into the wilderness of southwest Crete on this 8-hour Land Rover safari of stunning mountains and remote beaches. A professional driver will navigate the difficult terrain, taking you to places inaccessible to other vehicles, while teaching you about Cretan culture. The day starts with a drive through the wilderness, up to high altitudes, where you will get aerial views of the magnificent gorges. Look out for vultures and eagles high above. Pass through small traditional villages full of character, and make a brief stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages. Back in the vehicle, drive through the mountains to the village of Spili, famous for its spring water. Located under the shadow of Mount Vorizi, the village has a Venetian fountain with a row of more than 25 lion heads supplying cold mountain water all year round. Stroll around the small shops selling handmade souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Continue along dirt tracks and bumpy roads through more villages, where time has virtually stood still. Passing Kerame, guests will see panoramic views of the southern Cretan coast and the Libyan Sea. Stop for a swim at Preveli Beach to wash off the dirt and dust. Fringed with tall palm trees and boasting crystal clear water, Preveli is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, and was chosen by Bacardi as an ideal location for its TV adverts. It is also the only beach in Crete where you can swim in cold mountain water or ocean water in the same place! Working up an appetite, walk back from the beach and stop for a traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine. After lunch, drive back into the mountains for more dramatic scenery, and more photos as you climb through the stunning Gorge of Kroustaliotico. As you head back towards the end of the tour, look at a magnificent panorama of the entire city of Rethymno from the top of a mountain that can only be reached by Land Rover.

From Elounda:West Crete & Venetian Rethymno Private Day Tour

8. From Elounda:West Crete & Venetian Rethymno Private Day Tour

Pair up with our top local insider & journey along the golden expanse of West Crete by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. Submerge into a bespoke adventure fueled by the shimmering authenticity of ancient villages, hospitable locals who live close to untouched nature, lavish gorges spilling their rivers into the sea & storied Byzantine Monasteries nestled among utopian wonders. Tuck into the genuine flavors of our legendary forefathers. Unearth the archaic hamlet of King Agamemnon where water resources are pure, the temperature is ideal, & the local knowledge of food is an art. Prepare to be mesmerized by delicious aromas of slow-grilled lamb & melt-in-mouth river fish placed around an open fire straight in front of you. Luxuriate along the seaside town of Rethymno wallowing in the charm of the labyrinthian streets & Venetian fortification. Revel in the glamour of the old town that makes it a minor playground for authentic street markets & eclectic wine-cocktail bars.

Day Trip To Preveli Palm Beach-Damnoni-Rethymno City

9. Day Trip To Preveli Palm Beach-Damnoni-Rethymno City

On this unforgettable beach tour we visit the south of Crete and the boat will take us to the beautiful beaches of Damnoni and Preveli . Our route starts at 08:00–09:00 in the morning from Heraklion, pick up service near the hotel. On the way to the south coast we arrive at Damnoni beach where the boat will pick up to bring us to Preveli Beach,(the boat trip takes approximately 30 min. of time). Preveli is an idyllic and incredibly beautiful beach, we have 1.30 hours to enjoy a splendid swim in the crystal clear water of the Libyan Sea to sunbathe and relax as well as to undertake an adventurous walk through the tropical palm tree forest or have a coffee. Then we will have 1 hour free time at Damnoni beach to enjoy lunch at a local tavern. We drive through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge, where we stop to visit the magnificent waterfalls and the springs of the little river Preveli. Kourtaliotis Gorge is very small compared to other Cretan gorges, yet it is of magical beauty. Actually, it is perhaps the most wonderful natural attraction in the whole of Rethymno Prefecture. The gorge is an important biotope, since rare species of birds of prey live in the caves formed on its slopes. Our last stop is at Rethymno City. You will have free time to explore Rethymno town. About 20:00 we will be back at Heraklion.

Heraklion: Private Day Trip to Western Crete and Rethymno

10. Heraklion: Private Day Trip to Western Crete and Rethymno

Pair up with a local insider and journey along the golden expanse of west Crete in the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle on this day trip from Heraklion. Choose from a range of vehicles that range from 3-12 seats. Visit destinations like the mountain village of Argyroupoli.  Be picked up from your accommodation in Agia Pelagia, Heraklion, or Hersonissos and begin your journey into western Crete. Sip on mineral water and snack on fresh fruit during the drive. Wander the village of Spili which is known for its monuments and medicinal herb garden. Travel to the foot of a mountain to visit the Byzantine Monastery of Preveli which overlooks the vast blue Libyan Sea. Expereince views the Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifou gorges. Encounter hospitable locals who live close to untouched nature.  Visit the village of Argyroupoli a local spring give birth to the Mouselas river. Get local recommendations on where to tuck into the genuine flavors of Crete. Unearth the archaic hamlet of King Agamemnon where water resources are pure, the temperature is ideal, and the food is an art.  Prepare to be mesmerized by the delicious aromas of slow-grilled lamb, melt-in-your-mouth river fish placed around an open fire. Go for a stroll in the seaside town of Rethymno and admire the charm of the labyrinthian streets and Venetian fortifications. Revel in the glamour of the old town's authentic street markets and eclectic wine-cocktail bars. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour. 

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What people are saying about Preveli

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 435 reviews

Good experience! You will first be picked up by a small minibus near the hotel and then transferred to a larger coach. From Heraklion it takes a little under 3 hours from pick-up to arrival Preveli with a break in between. The large bus was comfortably air-conditioned and the ride was quiet too. Overall, the trip was on schedule and well organized. The guide was very friendly and in between gave valuable information about the area in different languages. Preveli is a beautiful place with many palm trees and a visit is recommended. The descent/ascent is rocky but can also be done with good flip-flops.

I really wanted to know a little more about the life of the Cretan people, their everyday life. Certainly, the best choice was this Land Rover safari in the central part of Crete from Rethymno to the coast of Preveli. I don't want to reveal all the details ☺️, but you should know that Dionysos, our driver, managed the whole day very professionally, many real stories, and facts about the island, but most importantly; Dionysos has a good sense of humor. The whole day is an unforgettable experience in my life. Thanks Dionysos!

The transfer was on time, the tour guide Barbara was very friendly, the bus ride wasn't boring because we learned a lot about Crete, and the stops were really well chosen, the longest route was about 50 minutes to an hour. The palm beach was of course the highlight & really recommendable, but the other stops were also nice. All in all a really nice trip! Any time :)

A wonderful trip, enough time for everything. Great Spili, the beautiful Monastery of Prevelli and an amazing beach. Thank you very much for the day spent together. Magda, Piotr, Julia and Szymon from Gdańsk

The trip was really well organised and the boat ride plus Preveli beach were amazing experiences.