Discover the breathtaking beauty of Preveli Palm Beach on this unforgettable tour. Explore its iconic palm forest, crystal-clear river, and stunning beach where nature meets history. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this experience offers a unique glimpse into one of Crete’s most enchanting destinations.

The area is a protected Natura 2000 site featuring a combination of sandy beach, freshwater river, and a lush palm forest.

Preveli Palm Beach, located on the south side of Crete, is famous for its palm forest and the river that flows from the Kourtaliotiko Gorge into the sea. Once a popular destination for the hippie community in the 60s and 70s, it is now a protected natural reserve under the Natura 2000 network. The nearby Kourtaliotiko Gorge is not only one of the island’s most beautiful gorges but also an important habitat for rare bird species of prey.

According to a local legend, the King of Ithaca, Odysseus, remained in the wider area of Lake Preveli after the end of the Trojan War, on his return to Ithaca from Troy. The area is a popular tourist destination due to the river, the forest with palm trees in the gorge, and the sandy beach with clear waters. On the beach, there is a rock in the shape of a heart “The stone of lovers” according to the locals. The beach is regularly served by tourist boats from the nearby resort of Plakias.

On August 22, 2010, a large proportion of the palm grove was destroyed in a fire but by 2011 had totally and rapidly naturally re-generated .^[3][4] There are many positive signs that P. theophrasti not only is able generally to re-generate successfully but the oldest and youngest palms of this palm forest, too, were totally re-generated by the summer of 2011.

Our journey begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, setting the stage for a day filled with breathtaking landscapes and cultural exploration. Our first stop is the serene Damnoni Beach, where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before we continue our adventure.

Next, we arrive at the renowned Preveli Beach, where you’ll have 2.5 hours of free time to explore the stunning palm forest and the river that flows from the Kourtaliotiko Gorge into the sea. This magical spot, once a favorite of the 60s and 70s hippies, remains a protected natural reserve, offering a peaceful escape into nature. The beach is largely unorganized, with no hotels, sunbeds, or umbrellas, protecting its wild nature. However, a small canteen is available near the entrance.

Our journey continues as we head to the charming Plakias Village, where you’ll have 1 hour and 15 minutes to savor a delicious lunch and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Afterward, we make a quick stop to capture the breathtaking views of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of Crete’s most beautiful gorges and an important habitat for rare bird species. he Kourtaliotikos Canyon has a length of 3km and its cliffs reach up to 600m high. It is one of the most impressive natural attractions of Rethymno. You will be able to see numerous caves, springs, waterfalls and fauna. At the end of the canyon lies Preveli palm forest and beach.

There are studies of excarvations that were found in the Gorge of Preveli, that suggest that this beautiful paradise may have been a place of interest to the so called Homo Erectus who supposedly used to swim there.

As our day winds down, we make our way back to your hotel, where we expect to arrive around 18:30-19:00, leaving you with lasting memories of Crete’s natural wonders.