Preveli and Kourtaliotiko Gorge Jeep Safari Rethymno

Prasses gorge and the Potamon dam

Just a short drive south of Rethymno the landscape changes fast. After the village of Giannoudi the 4x4 reaches the Prasses gorge, a narrow limestone canyon with steep walls where griffon vultures nest; with a wingspan of more than two and a half metres, they are often seen gliding on the thermals above the cliffs in the late morning.

A little further on lies the Potamon dam, whose reservoir fills a green valley among the hills. The calm water reflecting the mountains makes it one of the best photo stops of the day, and your guide explains how the dam supplies water to the Rethymno area. The village of Karines, known for its hospitality and old stone houses, follows on the route towards the south coast.

Kourtaliotiko gorge

The Kourtaliotiko gorge is about three kilometres long, with sheer rock walls that rise several hundred metres above the road. Its name comes from the Greek word for a rattle, after the clapping sound the wind makes as it rushes through the narrow passage. At the bottom, the springs near the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos give birth to the Megalopotamos river, which flows all year down to Preveli.

The safari stops at a viewpoint over the gorge so you can admire its wild cliffs, and on most days there is time to walk down the stone steps to the chapel and the springs, where cool water pours from the rocks even in midsummer. It is one of the most impressive natural sights of southern Crete and a highlight of this Kourtaliotiko gorge tour from Rethymno.

Preveli palm beach

Preveli beach lies where the Megalopotamos river reaches the Libyan Sea, forming a freshwater lagoon lined with a forest of rare Cretan date palms. The river winds between the palms and the cliffs, and the sandy beach separates it from the deep blue sea. The area is protected, and the palms have grown back strongly after a fire more than a decade ago.

This is the main swim stop of the safari. You can swim in the sea, wade up the cool river under the palms or relax on the sand. Is Preveli beach worth visiting? It is one of the most unusual landscapes on Crete, and the safari makes it easy to reach. Note that the path down from the parking area to the beach is steep with many steps, so wear good shoes and take your time on the way back up.

Cretan lunch in the villages

Southern Rethymno is a land of small farming villages where life still follows the seasons. Olive groves, sheep and goats, wild greens and mountain herbs shape the local cooking, and the village taverns serve dishes made with their own oil, cheese and vegetables.

After the beach the safari stops at a traditional tavern for a Cretan lunch with salads, local cheese, vegetables cooked in olive oil and grilled or oven-baked meat. A vegetarian option is available on request, and the guide is happy to explain each dish. Halal meals are limited on Crete, so tell us your needs when booking and we will advise. Extra soft drinks are paid locally.

Spili village and its lion-head fountains

Spili is a pretty mountain village on the main road between Rethymno and the south coast, set at the foot of Mount Kedros among plane trees and running water. Its famous sight is the Venetian fountain in the village square, where cold spring water pours from a long row of carved lion heads into a stone basin all year round.

You have time to stroll through the lanes, fill your bottle at the fountain and visit the small shops selling herbs, honey and handmade goods. On the drive back north, the route climbs past more villages to a viewpoint with a sweeping view over the town of Rethymno and the sea, a fitting end before we drop you back at your hotel.