Welcome to charming Preveli beach. One of the most stunning and sought-after beaches on the island of Crete, it lies in the Preveli area, in the district of Rethymno, approximately 30 kilometres south of the town of the same name. Flanked by the Kourtaliotiko and Megalopotamos rivers, this stretch of fine sand is famous for its lush palm forest and crystal-clear waters. Whether you want to swim, bask in the sun or simply unwind, Preveli beach is the ideal place for unforgettable moments.
Preveli has won the hearts of travellers from all over the world. During my last stay on the island, I was captivated by Preveli's breathtaking beauty and its history.
Preveli beach and palm grove
Preveli beach is like no other, offering an extraordinary landscape that combines the serenity of a sun-drenched shore with the tranquillity of a verdant palm grove. A freshwater river winds through the forest, forming a lovely lagoon where it meets the sea. This rare and picturesque setting leaves visitors spellbound, making Preveli a must-see destination in Crete.
An exceptional palm grove
Steeped in history, the Preveli palm grove bears witness to the area's cultural importance. The nearby Preveli monastery played a vital role during the Battle of Crete in the Second World War, providing shelter and support to Allied soldiers. The region's rich past adds another layer of depth to this picturesque haven.
To me, what makes Preveli beach truly exceptional is the harmonious blend of its natural splendour and its historical essence. The idyllic setting offers visitors an out-of-the-ordinary experience, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. Preveli is without doubt a special place that begs to be explored, and I'm delighted to share this remarkable journey with you.
Planning your trip? Find all the essentials in our complete guide to Crete and check when to visit Crete with our month-by-month weather guide.
How to get to Preveli beach
By car
Renting a car is a great way to enjoy Crete's picturesque scenery. From Rethymno, allow approximately 45 minutes, or 1h30 from Chania. I recommend using Google Maps to find the route across the island.
Renting a car in Crete
Reliable car rental companies such as Hertz and Avis offer a wide range of options to suit your needs. Expect to pay approximately €25 to €45 per day, depending on the season and the type of vehicle. When driving in Crete, remember that the roads can be narrow and winding. Stay careful!
By public transport
Public buses are an affordable way to reach Preveli beach. From Rethymno, take the KTEL bus to Plakias, then change to a bus bound for Preveli. Note that buses may run less frequently outside the peak summer season.
Check the KTEL Rethymno website for up-to-date timetables and fares. In my experience, buses in Crete are clean and punctual, but plan your trip ahead to ensure smooth connections.
By boat
The most fun option is to take a boat to Preveli beach. Daily boat services run from Plakias and Agia Galini, usually from May to October. From Plakias (two departures a day, around 10:15 and 12:15, with a possible stop at Damnoni), the crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs €10 one way or €20 return (2026 fares); from Agia Galini, the trip takes approximately 1h to 1h30 and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
I find boat trips a fantastic way to explore the south coast of Crete, with chances to spot hidden coves and soak up the sun. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the trip.
Things to do at Preveli beach
Activités
Preveli beach offers a range of activities while you enjoy its magnificent setting. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or bask in the sun as you lounge on the soft sand.
For the more adventurous, the hiking trails around the beach offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the chance to explore the lush palm forest.
Personally, I found wandering through the palm grove and dipping my toes in the river a truly magical experience. I loved making my way down the river from the waterfalls to the beach — it was great fun!
Preveli monastery
Perched on a hilltop a few kilometres from the beach, the venerable Preveli monastery showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. As you enter the monastery, you'll be greeted by its striking architecture, beautifully adorned with intricate frescoes and religious icons.
During my visit, I was moved by the stories of the crucial role the monastery played in sheltering and supporting Allied soldiers during the Second World War. I highly recommend a visit to this historic site, where you can not only admire its architectural beauty but also deepen your understanding of the region's fascinating past. Not to mention the many adorable cats that have made the monastery their home!
Kourtaliotiko gorge
Nestled near Preveli beach, the impressive Kourtaliotiko gorge is a natural treasure. As you venture into the gorge, you'll be greeted by towering cliffs covered in lush vegetation, and by the soothing sound of the Kourtaliotis river flowing below.
A must for budding young explorers! By heading down to the right of the dam's small artificial waterfall, you can follow the river's course and discover incredible secret spots, hidden from the crowds who don't venture into these unmarked areas. You'll find superb swimming spots and enchanting scenery, all in an intimate and exclusive setting! A must-see experience.
Admire the Venetian bridge and the Memorial to Resistance and Peace
This picturesque bridge, sometimes called the Preveli bridge, was built through a collaboration between local residents and the monks of the nearby monastery. Dating from the 18th century, it stands almost 2 km north of the venerable Preveli monastery. In my view, this bridge is a remarkable piece of architecture, and it also serves as the starting point for various hikes through the sublime Kourtaliotiko gorge. On the way to Preveli beach from the new monastery, you'll come across a moving monument honouring the Cretans and the Allied soldiers from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom who fought in the Battle of Crete. This memorial pays tribute to the bravery and determination of those who fought for freedom.
Où se restaurer à Preveli
A visit to Preveli beach isn't complete without tasting the delicious local cuisine. Here are my top picks for places to eat nearby:
Rousolakos Preveli : Located right next to the car park, this restaurant offers a delicious selection of traditional Cretan dishes. Don't miss their delicious moussaka!
Dionysos Tavern & Rooms: Located in Preveli, this tavern serves mouth-watering seafood and mezes. The grilled octopus was one of my favourites.
Other restaurants in Plakias : For more variety, head to Plakias, where you'll find several restaurants, including Taverna Mariou, GioMa Taverna, Plateia Myrthios, Kri Kri, Taverna Sirocco, Restaurant Vrisi, Taverna Dionyssos and Elia. Each offers its own take on Cretan cuisine, with delicious dishes such as dakos, souvlaki and fresh fish.
Chapka Insurance
Travel with peace of mind with the best travel insurance
Stay covered in every situation with the best insurance for your next trip.
Where to stay near Preveli beach
Hôtels
Looking for a comfortable and charming place to stay in Preveli, Crete? Look no further than Dionysos Rooms! Located on the first floor, the rooms offer breathtaking sea views and a range of amenities, including air conditioning, a small fridge and a balcony.
The hotel also offers free private parking and has an on-site restaurant, Dionysos, which serves delicious home-cooked dishes and grilled meats made with fresh produce from their garden. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, Preveli Crete Rooms is the ideal place to relax and feel at home.
Conclusion
In short, Preveli beach is a true Cretan paradise, offering a unique blend of natural splendour, historical intrigue and a host of activities. From its crystal-clear waters and lush palm forest to the captivating views of Preveli monastery and the Kourtaliotiko gorge, there's something for everyone. With a variety of accommodation options and culinary experiences available, a trip to Preveli beach promises an unforgettable journey. I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit and discover for yourself the enchanting beauty of this exceptional destination.
FAQ — Visiting Preveli beach
Preveli beach can be reached by car or by boat from various places on the island. There is also a car park near the beach.
Camping is prohibited on Preveli beach. However, there is accommodation nearby, such as hotels and apartments.
Popular activities at Preveli beach include swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. There are also hiking trails nearby.
Yes, Preveli beach can get crowded in summer because of its popularity. It's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Âme Bohème exists thanks to you
Some links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you book or purchase a product through these links, we receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It's thanks to this support that we can continue creating free, quality content.
You can also buy us a coffee, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
