Preveli Palm Beach and Damnoni Beach Day Trip from Rethymno

Preveli Palm Beach

Preveli Beach lies where the Megalopotamos river flows out of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge into the Libyan Sea, about 35 km south of Rethymno. The river forms a long freshwater lagoon framed by a grove of Cretan date palms, a wild palm species that grows naturally only in Crete and a few spots in the Aegean, and the result looks more like a tropical oasis than a Greek beach. You can swim in the sea, wade up the cool river under the palms, or simply relax on the sandy strip between the two.

The grove was badly burned in 2010 but has grown back strongly. Is Preveli Beach worth visiting? It is one of the most photographed places in Crete, and reaching it by boat avoids the long, steep path down from the cliffs. On this Preveli Beach tour the boat ticket is paid on site, and your guide gives you the return time.

Plakias

Plakias is a small resort village on a wide bay of the south coast, sheltered by high mountains that turn golden in the late afternoon. Its long beach of sand and fine shingle, its harbourfront cafes and its relaxed pace make it one of the favourite bases for travellers who prefer a quieter side of Crete. The village is also the usual departure point for the boats that run along the coast to Preveli Beach.

During the stop you have time to walk along the seafront, have a coffee or a snack and look out over the Libyan Sea towards the open horizon. The water here is noticeably cooler and clearer than on the north coast because of the deep sea just offshore, a pleasant surprise in the heat of July and August.

Damnoni Beach

Just east of Plakias, Damnoni Beach curves around a sheltered bay of golden sand with shallow, crystal-clear water that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Tamarisk trees give some natural shade, and small rocky coves nearby, such as Ammoudi, add to the charm of this stretch of coastline. It is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the south coast, with a gentle slope into the water.

This is the main swimming stop of the day, so bring your swimwear and a towel. Sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be rented, and small tavernas behind the beach serve fresh Cretan dishes if you want lunch, which is at your own cost. The best time to visit Damnoni Beach is from late May to early October, when the sea is warm and calm.

Kotsifou Gorge

On the way south the coach follows the road through the Kotsifou Gorge, a narrow ravine near the village of Kanevos where sheer limestone walls rise on both sides of the road. At its entrance stands a tiny white chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, built right into the rock, and in spring the slopes are covered in wild herbs and flowers.

The drive is short but spectacular, and it shows how the mountains of central Crete separate the busy north coast from the quiet villages and beaches of the south. Your guide explains the landscape and the traditions of the region as you go, and on clear days you can see the first glimpse of the Libyan Sea as the road drops towards Plakias.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a rocky canyon about 3 km long that carries the Megalopotamos river down to Preveli. Its name comes from the rattling sound the wind makes as it blows through the narrow walls. A stone stairway leads down from the road to the springs at the bottom, where clear water gushes from the rock beside the small chapel of Saint Nicholas and forms pools and little waterfalls.

Entry to the lower gorge is optional and paid on site; the walk down and back takes around 20 to 30 minutes and involves many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Even from the road the views of the cliffs and the green river valley are impressive, and many travellers count this stop among the highlights of the day.