PREVELI PALM BEACH

PREVELI PALM BEACH – Takes place every Monday

• Most Famous beach of Southern Crete
• Visit the 2nd largest palm forest of Crete
• Swim in the Crystal Clear Waters
• Walk through the River surrounded by Palms

MUST HAVE

• Comfortable clothes & shoes for bus trip
• Beach equipment.
• Hat
• Sunscreen.

Indicative Time-Table

• 07:15- 09:10 pick up time
• 10:15 Arrival to Spili -coffe break
• 10:45 Departure from Spili to Damnoni – boarding the boat
• 11:30 Departure from Damnoni to Preveli beach by boat
• 12:00 Arrival to Preveli beach
• 15:15 Departure from Preveli beach to Damnoni by boat
• 15:45 Arrival to Damnoni – bus transfer to Plakias
• 16:00 Arrival to Plakias
• 17:30 Departure from Plakias
• 18:00 Photo stop Kourtaliotiko gorge
• 18:10 Departure from Kourtaliotiko gorge
• 20:00-20:30 Arrival to Chania

* the schedule may be subject to change. Αlways check with the guide!

General Information

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. A sandy beach is formed at the exit of the river with a pebbly bottom and the waters are very cool due to 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.

More Info

Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis Gorge, where the Great River (“Megas Potamos” in Greek) flows. It is certainly one of the most famous beaches in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. During the 60s and 70s, Preveli used to be a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Great River there is a large colony of “Theophrastus” palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge.. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected (belongs to NATURA network), without any umbrellas. Staying overnight is officially prohibited.