Preveli Beach: A One-of-a-kind Beach with a Lush Palm Forest

Preveli Beach is located 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) south of Rethymno and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) east of Plakias. Preveli Beach is one of Crete’s most gorgeous beaches and one of the hardest to reach. Preveli beach, commonly known as Palm Beach, is situated on the south side of Crete. The Preveli beach is a lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water. Crete, in general, offers plenty of tourist attractions. Including its beautiful beaches that are accessible to their tourists. Tourism is very prominent on Preveli Beach. There are many things to explore in the one-of-a-kind Beach of Preveli, with a lush palm forest. According to the exceptional reviews of the tourists at Preveli beach, it has incredible crystal-clear water with a clean area that feels relaxing. Tourists stay in nearby hotels such as Villa Palm River, Plakias Cretan Resorts, and Ammoudi Hotel. The best time for tourists to visit Preveli beach is from July to September. However, the peak of tourists is from July to August.
Rethymno is a fine-looking and relaxing place to visit. The beaches in Rethymno have golden sand and deep, clean water that is well-maintained and conveniently located near the city’s facilities. In terms of transportation, buses and taxis are available that tourists use to travel around Crete. However, another type of transportation is car rental, a more private mode of transportation. Car rental, most of the time, is a must when going around and travelling in Crete. Tourists need a car for them to be able to reach the tourist destinations they wish to visit. There are different car rental companies that tourists opt to rent their vehicle in Crete during their stay. It is an excellent option for those who want private transportation when going to their destination, especially during the pandemic. The beach contributes to Crete’s identity. Together with the rest of the museums, archaeological sites, palaces, and its other beaches, these embody the island’s identity.

Find below a table with the main features of Preveli Beach.

What is Preveli Beach?

Preveli beach, commonly known as Palm Beach, is situated on the south side of Crete. The Preveli beach is a lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water. A river surrounded by palm trees separates the beach from a magnificent gorge. Preveli Beach is one of Crete’s most gorgeous beaches and one of the hardest to reach. Preveli Beach is among the top attractions and things to do in Preveli Monastery. Local legends believe the King of Ithaca, Odysseus, remained in the broader area of Lake Preveli. It happened after the Trojan war’s end, on the King’s return to Ithaca from Troy. The Preveli beach is a popular tourist destination because of the river and the forest with plan trees in the gorge. Additionally, the beach is sandy with clear water. The locals said there is a rock in the shape of a heart on the beach. The rock is called “The stone of lovers”. Preveli gets its name from the nearby historic monastery of Preveli. The monastery is a “men-only monastery” founded in the 16th or 17th century. The monastery of Preveli is dedicated to St. John the Theologian. There are two monasteries, the old and the new, called Piso and Kato Mastery, respectively. The old monastery is abandoned and located a few metres south of the old stone bridge of Preveli.

Where is Preveli Beach located?

Preveli beach is about 35 kilometres (21.7 miles) south of Rethymno and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) east of Plakias. The coast of Previli, sometimes known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows. Preveli Beach is certainly famous in southern Crete, which accepts thousands of visitors every summer.

How does the Preveli Beach Map look?

Tourists remember Preveli Beach because of the lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water. It is located in the south of Rethymno, in Crete. Preveli beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island. Accompanying secluded hidden beaches and rocky landscapes with majestic views from the seaside. The map of Preveli beach gives a glimpse of the route and one understands why it should be part of a bucket list when visiting the island of Crete.

Below is the image of the Preveli Beach map.

What are the activities in Preveli Beach?

Crete has many attractions to offer. Archaeological sites, museums, and hiking should be the top things to do in Crete besides beaches. The island of Crete has plenty of historical ruins that surprise each tourist. The historical monastery of Preveli is located near Preveli beach, which is definitely worth a visit. Monastery of Preveli is one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Crete. Additionally, there are camping sites, snorkelling activities and an enjoyable swimming experience at Preveli Beach. One of the things to do in Preveli Beach is to explore the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The magnificent Kourtaliotiko Gorge has been created by the same river that flows into the sea at Preveli beach. Additionally, there are nearby beaches to enjoy the stay in Preveli Beach. The closest bigger resort town is in Plakias. Furthermore, most tourists admire the Venetian Bridge and the Resistance and Peace Memorial. The charming little bridge is known as Preveli bridge. Locals built the bridge with the help of the monks from the monastery.

When is the best time to visit Preveli Beach?

Preveli Beach is most popular in the summer months. The peak of the tourist season is in July and August. These mentioned months mean a lot of visitors to Preveli Beach. It is recommended to arrive early to find parking and grab a good spot on the sand. Tourist boats begin to arrive at the beach around 10 in the morning. However, the truth is that the best time to visit Preveli Beach is outside the high tourist season. These months are the months of June and September, when there are fewer people. Yet, the temperature is still warm enough to enjoy the experience.

How is Preveli Beach preserved?

The Preveli beach is very much preserved and has not been developed much, unlike some other beaches in Crete. The Preveli beach maintains palm trees in its surroundings for the tourists to be able to enjoy the experience. Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, a natural reserve. To further preserve the beauty of the beach, there are no overnight lodgings available in the area. It is recommended for tourists to have a day trip when planning to visit Preveli Beach.

How do you get to Preveli Beach?

There are two options to access Preveli Beach, which are from the west or the east. Following the relevant signs, the first option is to drive from Plakias to the Monastery Preveli. 1.5 kilometres after the Kato Monastery of Preveli, stop at a large car park, where a path that descends to the beach starts.  The car park is near towering vertical cliffs, the west part of the beach. The footpath takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the beach walk. However, the return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep. To avoid the difficult climb, the second option is on the paved road leading to nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi and walking the short path that leads to Preveli within just 5 minutes. However, the second option misses the chance to see the spectacular view from the tall cliffs on the west side. Lastly, small boats are running to Preveli from Agia Galini and Plakias.

What are nearby attractions in Preveli Beach?

Listed below are the nearby attractions in Preveli Beach:

• Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located in southern Crete, 9.5km north to Preveli beach. It offers a dramatic landscape with unique geological formations, splendid waterfalls, and untouched nature. It begins south of Koxare Village and is easily accessible by car, making it an excellent destination for a day trip. After exploring Kourtaliotiko gorge, visitors often visit Preveli Beach. A Car rental is advised for convenience and the ability to visit other nearby sights such as the Preveli Monastery, Damnoni and Skinaria beaches. Accommodation is available in nearby villages and resorts.
• Preveli Monastery: Preveli Monastery is situated on the rocky hills of Preveli canyon in Rethymnon Prefecture, Crete. It comprises two establishments: the Lower (Kato Preveli) and the Upper (Pisso Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos). Monks primarily reside in Kato Preveli, centered around the church of St. John the Baptist. Historically, Preveli Monastery served as a refuge for soldiers and rebels during Crete’s freedom struggle, thus holding significant historical value. Now, it’s a popular tourist spot offering excellent mountain views and insight into ancient Greek history. Preveli Monastery is 2.1 km away from Preveli beach. The journey duration by car is 5 minutes.
  
• Damnoni beach: Damnoni Beach is located about 10km away from Preveli Beach. It is a picturesque beach near Plakias in Crete’s southern coast. Damnoni beach is backed by mountains and enclosed by rock formations. It features white sand, turquoise waters and numerous services and activities. Despite its beauty, it remains relatively uncrowded most of the year. Tourists rate Damnoni Beach highly for its relaxation factor and stunning landscape. Accommodations such as Hapimag Resort, Anna Angeliki Hotel, and Plakias Bay Hotel are nearby. Tourist visits peak from July to August, but April and October are also ideal months to visit.
• Skinaria Beach: Skinaria Beach, is a small, secluded beach approximately 9.8km from Preveli Beach. Skinaria Beach is known for its pure and clear waters. The beach attracts professional divers and is sometimes likened to swimming in an aquarium due to its aquatic life. Visitors can expect basic amenities for a day tour, but no major infrastructure like resorts. The beach is small, featuring fine, white sand, a shallow seabed, and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain.
• Triopetra beach: Triopetra beach is located on the South coast of Crete and 20.9 km away from Preveli beach. The name Triopetra was derived from the three sea-rocks. Triopetra is perfect for holidays away from mass tourism. The beach is never overcrowded, even during high season. Triopetra features a sandy beach. There are few amenities in the area, only a few tavernas on the Triopetra beach.

What is Preveli Monastery?

Preveli Monastery, or Moni Preveli, is set on the rocky hills of Preveli canyon in southern Rethymnon Prefecture, Crete, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) south of the main island. The complex comprises two main sections: the Lower Monastery (Kato Preveli), with the central church of St. John the Baptist, serving as the primary site for monastic life, and the Upper Monastery (Pisso Preveli), about 3 kilometers (2 miles) away, which sees less activity. The Upper Monastery, still functional, is also known as the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and sits at 35.1574° N latitude and 24.45658° E longitude.

During Crete’s struggle for independence, Preveli Monastery played a pivotal role by sheltering soldiers and rebels, with monks risking their lives to protect them, embedding the monastery deeply in Cretan history. Today, it is open to the public, offering scenic views of Crete’s mountains and attracting visitors with its historical significance. The monastery can be reached by hiking trails, combining exploration with physical activity, while public buses also serve the area, with travelers advised to confirm schedules for convenience.

The earliest recorded date for Preveli Monastery is 1594, marked on its bell. Despite multiple destructions, the monastery was continually restored, supported notably by the noble Preveli family in the 18th century. For over 300 years, it served as a key religious and social center for the Saint Vassilios and Sfakia areas. Preveli, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, became a resistance hub during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 under Abbott Melchizedek Tsouderos, who led local uprisings against Ottoman rule, resulting in its temporary destruction. During World War II, the monastery aided Allied forces in the Battle of Crete, providing shelter and an escape route for Australian, New Zealand, and British soldiers, with monks like Agathangelos Lagouvardos facilitating supply efforts. After German forces discovered this support, they destroyed the lower monastery.

Visitors pay an entrance fee of 2.5 € ($2.65, £2.18) to enter Preveli Monastery, while those aged 18 and under can enter free of charge. Preveli Monastery is open daily from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Today, Preveli Monastery attracts many visitors, especially during the summer months. Nearby, Preveli Palm Beach, popular from July to August, experiences warm temperatures ranging from 27 °C to 29 °C (80.6 ℉ to 84.2 ℉).

How to get to Preveli Beach?

Reach Preveli Beach in Crete by driving from Chania, covering 90 kilometers (56 miles) in approximately 1.5 hours. Renting a car in Crete provides flexibility for nearby exploration, such as Kourtaliotiko Gorge waterfalls and Rethymno.

Public buses also provide access to Preveli Beach, though planning is essential. From Rethymno, two direct buses depart daily at 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM, with return trips at 12:00 PM and 6:15 PM. The one-way fare is €4.50 ($4.80, £3.90), and the journey takes about an hour, including a stop at Preveli Monastery, 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the beach.

An alternative way to reach Preveli Beach is by taking a boat from Plakias, 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. Plakias Finikas Cruises offers three daily trips at 10:20 AM, 12:20 PM, and 2:00 PM, with returns at 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Tickets are €17 ($18, £15) for adults and €9 ($9.50, £7.70) for children. Arriving by car requires a short hike; drivers can park at Preveli Beach Parking for €2 ($2.10, £1.70) per day, leading to a 10-15 minute walk on a rocky path. Alternatively, parking at Drimiskiano Ammoudi Beach offers a shorter five-minute walk. Visiting in May, June, September, or October provides a quieter experience, avoiding peak tourist crowds.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.

• Driver’s age: The legal age requirement when driving in Crete is 18 years old. The driver must have a valid driving licence and essential documents like an ID or passport.
• Driver’s gender: Women and men are able to drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 21, driving is permitted in Crete, regardless of gender.
• Car type: Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to choose from. Selecting a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow. The car type is one big factor in how to choose the right car to rent in Crete.
• Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a vehicle is a valid driving licence. However, a credit or debit card is presented, including a passport or an ID card.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Exploring the beautiful island of Crete using a rented car is highly recommended. Tourists quickly get to Crete’s top destinations using a rented car. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, destination, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week costs an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend costs around €78. Crete car rental rates differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental shops in Crete offer an online booking system whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before availing of a rental car service in Crete, make sure to check and secure all the requirements needed.

How much does it cost to get to Preveli Beach?

Enjoy Preveli Beach at affordable costs while having a fantastic view of crystal-clear waters and one-of-a-kind beach with a lush palm forest. The food in Preveli Beach is affordable yet delicious. Regarding transportation, the daily average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40. A car rented for a whole week costs an average of €250. The car rental fee varies during the weekend and costs around €78.

Where to stay near Preveli Beach?

There are no available accommodation options next to Preveli Beach. However, a wide range of hotels, guest houses, studios, and private flats are found in the villages surrounding the beach. Additionally, tourists have the option to stay in the resort town of Plakias. There are three best hotels near Preveli Beach such as, Villa Palm River, Plakias Cretan Resorts, and in Ammoudi Hotel. The Villa Palm River is the ideal accommodation for family holidays and gardens surround it with olive groves and palm trees. The accommodation is located just a few minutes away from Preveli Beach. Plakias Cretan Resorts is located right next to the beautiful beach in Plakias town. The resort is splendid, which has a complex of private studios and flats. It is one of the most upscale accommodations in the area. Lastly, the Ammoudi Hotel, which is located right next to the charming Ammoudi Beach. It is 15 kilometres away from Preveli Beach. The Ammoudi Beach has charming rooms overlooking the sea and the mountains. Additionally, it offers a delicious Crete restaurant and all the necessary amenities.

Where to eat near Preveli Beach?

South Crete is known for its delicious food, location, and services in Greece. Cretan foods, European, Mediterranean, and Greek cuisines are made from fresh ingredients. The view, ambiance, and service are the factors that tourists and visitors look for. There are highly rated restaurants to eat near Preveli Beach such as Gefyra Tavern, Agia Fotini Tavern and Dionysos Tavern. Firstly, the Gefyra Tavern is just a few minutes from Preveli Beach. The charming tavern is situated next to the old Venetian Bridge. The restaurant offers traditional homemade food with fresh ingredients. Additionally, there are meats, plates of seafood, and dessert recipes that are extremely appreciated on their menu. Secondly, the Agia Fotini Tavern, is located in the pleasant village of Agia Fotini which is just 4 kilometres from Preveli Beach. The tavern offers amazing food with a combination of traditional Cretan dishes and Mediterranean specialities. The restaurant has overlooked the sea and is praised by previous guests. Lastly, the Dionysos Tavern, which is located just a few hundred metres from Preveli Beach to the east. The small family tavern has a terrace overlooking the sea and serves delicious Cretan meals for lunch and dinner. The location is extremely well-reviewed by its guests for the great food and warm hospitality.

Is Preveli Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Preveli Beach is worth visiting. Preveli Beach is worth visiting and is recommended by tourists. Tourists love the beach surrounded by palm trees, a lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water, and the peaceful vibe. Additionally, most tourists enjoy the nearby secluded best beaches in Crete, easy hikes, and ancient ruins. The beach is ideal for those tourists who want to spend the summer holidays in a quiet place with beautiful beaches and many sightseeing opportunities. Moreover, it is one of Crete’s most gorgeous beaches. However, it is one of the hardest to reach.

Is Preveli Beach safe?

Yes, Preveli Beach is safe. Crime rates in Preveli Beach are typically low, just like in any other part of Greece. Since there are many police officers on the island, assistance is never far away should an accident occur. Like other Mediterranean islands that tourists have visited, Preveli Beach is thought to be a secure tourist destination. The locals at Preveli Beach are welcoming and friendly. Anyone is free to explore the beach and feel safe and relaxed. However, keeping an eye on one’s belongings and avoiding walking late at night alone are just a few sensible things to consider when travelling.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Preveli Beach?

Yes, it is recommended to book in advance to visit Preveli Beach. Booking ahead of time secures a perfect spot, especially during the peak of the tourist season. The peak of the tourist season is in July and August.

Are children permitted at the Preveli Beach?

Yes, children are allowed at Preveli Beach. The entire area of Preveli Beach looks like a giant water park for young kids. Children surely enjoy activities like snorkelling in shallow, clear waters. The beautiful long stretches of a lovely crescent of sand with turquoise blue clear water are just a few reasons why Preveli Beach is among the best beaches in Crete for babies and kids. Everyone enjoys their stay at Preveli Beach, there are several activities in the area that people from different age groups have to try. A walk along the river under the beautiful palm trees is a must when in Preveli Beach with children. The beautiful landscape takes the tourists to a local jungle that is remarkable. The children find it adventurous as it is needed to climb over trees. Additionally, the swimming experience in the chilling river with the turtles.