Preveli Beach: Where River meets the See

Introduction

Preveli Beach is a must-see destination located on the stunning south coast of western Crete. This unique beach is known for its characterful atmosphere and picturesque scenery, including the meandering Megalo Potamos river that flows through the Kourtaliotikos Gorge along towering mountains and a stunning coastal palm forest.

The river forms a small lake before it is shed to the Lybian Sea which is impressive.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a virtual tour of Preveli Beach and its natural environment, including the nearby Monastery of Preveli. We'll explore the history and unique features of this beach, which is one of the most interesting and beloved destinations in Crete. With its iconic palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views, Preveli Beach is a true paradise.

So, come along and discover the beauty of Preveli Palm Beach, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, take a dip in the refreshing water, or explore the nearby attractions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Don't miss out on the chance to visit this amazing destination and see why it's one of the most beloved places in Crete.

Getting to Preveli Beach by Car

Preveli Beach is located on the south coast of western Crete, approximately 35 km from Rethymno and about 11 km from Plakias.

The easiest way to get to the beach is by car, and there are several ways to reach the beach depending on your starting point.

From Rethymno

Take the main road towards the south which is Epar. Od. Rethimou-Agias Galinis and follow the signs for Preveli Beach. The drive takes around 50 minutes and will take you through picturesque villages and stunning landscapes.

From Plakias

To Preveli Beach, simply follow the signs to the east and drive for roughly 20 minutes until you arrive at the big, well-maintained parking lot on the hill.

While the road leading to the parking lot may be narrow and winding, the spectacular views along the way make the drive an enjoyable experience to the beach.

Follow the path down from the parking lot to the beach

To reach the beautiful Preveli Beach, you'll need to descend from the parking lot via a path that can be quite steep. It's important to wear proper shoes for the journey as the hike down  can take around 15-20 minutes.

The journey to the beach is not the easiest, but once you get there, you'll understand why it is a popular destination for visitors to Crete.

Take a Boat Trip to Preveli Beach

Agia Galini and Plakias are the most popular departure points for boat tours to Preveli Beach. This scenic journey takes you along the rugged coastline, passing picturesque fishing villages and stunning cliffs before arriving at the beach.

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Preveli is by boat, as it drops you off directly on the beach without the need to descend from the parking lot. During the tour, you can take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the warm Mediterranean breeze.

Things to discover around Preveli Beach

There are many natural and cultural sites to discover around Preveli Beach that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top things to see and do:

Palm Forest: The palm forest opens from Preveli Beach is a rare and unique ecosystem featuring thousands of palm trees. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the forest and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Preveli Monastery: A short distance from the beach lies the Monastery of Preveli, a historic landmark and significant religious site in Crete. The monastery was founded in the 17th century and played a crucial role in the Cretan resistance against the Ottomans in the 19th century.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Just inland from Preveli Beach, visitors can discover the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge, a natural wonder of Crete. Hiking through the gorge offers an opportunity to admire stunning rock formations and waterfalls.

Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails around Preveli Beach that offer stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. One popular trail leads to the nearby village of Lefkogia, which is a good opportunity to explore the local culture.

Discover a Tropical Oasis: Preveli Palm Beach

Preveli Palm Beach is one of the most stunning destinations in Crete, perfect for anyone seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway. The beach boasts crystal-clear sea and fresh river water, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.

Swimming, sunbathing, and exploring are all popular activities at the beach. It's recommended to visit in the morning to avoid large crowds. While the water can be deep in some parts, there are also shallow areas for kids to play in. Don't remember to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Funny part: Watch out for the geese, which can be quite unfriendly.

There are no umbrellas or beach chairs, but the palm trees offer ample shade for visitors. The beach offers countless photo opportunities, with high rock walls enclosing the area. The sound of red-rumped swallows and house martins chirping above is a delightful accompaniment to your visit, and if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring above the gorge.

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Get a glimpse of the best hotels in Crete through this handy guide:

Budget: Cocoon City Hostel in Chania, Sofia Hotel in Heraklion, Michael Apartments in Rethymno, Victoria Hotel in Agios Nicolaos

Mid-range: Mosaic in Chania, 7Rizes Luxury Living in Heraklion, Archipelagos Hotel in Rethymno, Bellevue Suites in Agios Nicolaos

Luxury: The Tanneries Hotel & Spa in Chania, Legacy Gastro Suites in Heraklion, Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels in Rethymno, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas in Agios Nicolaos

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A small cafe with two toilets is located on the beach, providing cold water and coffee. It's recommended to bring your own food. While the beach can get crowded in the summer months, Preveli Palm Beach is still a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the beauty of nature.

Trekking Through Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Megali Gefyra Bridge - Preveli Beach

One of the most popular hiking routes to get to Preveli Beach is from Megali Gefyra Bridge which is a moderately challenging route that covers a distance of 4 kilometres and takes an average of 1 hour to complete. This popular area for hiking is open year-round and offers stunning views along the way.

The trail follows the Magalopotamos River, passing through the beautiful Kourtaliotiko Gorge and towards the sea. The view of the river and the sea is breathtaking, and the famous Palm Forest adds to the beauty of the landscape.

As you make your way towards the beach, you'll come across one of the most stunning palm tree forests.

There is a sense of tranquillity that comes from being surrounded by such natural beauty. It is a great opportunity to connect with nature and take a break from the stresses of daily life.

The beach itself is also a highlight of the hike. Its crystal clear waters are inviting and refreshing, and the pebbled-sandy shore is impressive.

The Majestic River Lagoon and Palm Forest

This stunning location boasts a large variety of flora and fauna and is a great addition to your beach trip.

It's important to note that in 2010, a great part of the famous Palm Forest of Preveli was burned during wildfires that broke out in the southern part of Rethymnon Prefecture. However, the forest has regenerated quite quickly, and now, the palms and oleanders have created a shady tropical paradise.

The Palm Forest at Preveli Beach is home to the precious Phoenix Theophrasti, a rare species of palm tree that is currently under extinction. Its presence in the forest makes it all the more special and worth a visit.

Visit the Monastery of Preveli

The Holy Monastery of Preveli, placed in the mountains, offers visitors an old-world charm that is hard to find in modern times. The cost to enter is a reasonable 3 Euros, and it's well worth the price of admission.

As you make your way through the monastery's grounds, you'll notice a little museum inside, as well as a small shop where the monks sell quality Cretan honey they produce themselves.

One of the highlights of the monastery is the nice animal sanctuary that is home to deer, peacocks, birds, and lots of cats.

The spectacular views from the Monastery of Preveli are breathtaking, and the small church is interesting to explore.

For those who are up for a bit of a hike, you can walk up to the monastery from Preveli Beach, which takes approximately 1 hour one way. The hike itself is a beautiful journey that showcases the natural beauty of the area, including magnificent views of Gavros and the Libyan Sea.

World War II

The monastery of Preveli was also very important during World War II, as the monks helped thousands of New Zealand and Australian soldiers during the war.

Visiting the monastery offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area and the important role the monks played in supporting their community.

Where to Stay in Preveli, Crete

If you're wondering where to stay during your trip to Preveli Beach in Crete, there are a variety of options available to suit different budgets and preferences. One excellent option is Lamon Hotel, situated just a few steps from the stunning sandy beach of Plakias.

Another great choice is Dionysos Tavern & Rooms, located just a short distance from Preveli Beach. The comfortable and affordable rooms come equipped with modern amenities, and guests can enjoy delicious traditional Greek cuisine at the on-site tavern. The friendly and helpful staff will ensure you feel right at home during your stay.

There are also a variety of other options available, such as Archontika Apartments, Konaki Apartments Kerames, and a range of other hotels, villas, and apartments to choose from. Whether you want to stay near the beach in a village or in a unique and secluded location, there are options available to suit your needs.

Discover More Stunning Beaches in Crete

Crete boasts many beautiful beaches, each with its own distinctive appeal. If you're planning a visit to this Greek island, be sure to include these other stunning beaches on your itinerary:

Elafonisi Beach: Situated on the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonisi Beach is renowned for its pink sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.

Balos Beach: Tucked away on the northwest coast of Crete, Balos Beach is a hidden gem with breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. It's not the easiest beach to access, but the effort is well worth it.

Vai Beach: Vai Beach is famous for its palm forest, which is one of the largest in Europe. The beach is located on the east coast of Crete and boasts soft white sand and clear blue waters.

Falassarna Beach: Found on the west coast of Crete, Falassarna Beach is known for its mesmerizing sunsets and a long stretch of golden sand.

Matala Beach: This beautiful beach is situated on the south coast of Crete and is renowned for its distinctive rock formations and caves. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the surrounding area.

Whether you're seeking a serene paradise or a vibrant beach scene, Crete has an abundance of options. Be sure to add these other stunning beaches to your list when you visit this breathtaking island.

Preveli beach in Google maps

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