Preveli Palm Beach

Preveli Palm Beach not only entices visitors with warm waters, it also offers a unique feature: a freshwater lagoon that flows from the Kourtaliotis River and sweeps across the back of the beach. Swim and relax on the sandy beach, or explore the river by paddleboat or canoe, spotting waterfalls and caves along the way.

Hiking is also a popular activity at Preveli Palm Beach. Trek through the shade of the palm trees leads to the hilltop Preveli Monastery—the most important monastery in the region—and see panoramic views of the coastline. You can also take a 4-wheel-drive tour of the region to see Preveli Palm Beach and the area’s dramatic gorges and quaint villages.

• Preveli Palm Beach is part of a protected area, so there are no umbrellas or lounge chairs for visitors; pack a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

• Make sure to bring food and drinks with you; there are limited facilities at the beach.

• Nearby parking lots charge for entry during the summer, but you can park for free in the low season.

Preveli Palm Beach is located on the southern coast of Crete, approximately 27 miles (43km) from Rethymno and 6 miles (10km) east of Plakias. To reach the beach, you can trek down fairly steep steps from the main parking area, located about a mile (1.5km) down the road from the lower (kato) complex of the Preveli Monastery; the walk to the beach takes 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a path from Drimiskiano Amoudi beach, which will take you to Preveli Palm Beach in around 5 minutes.

As with most beaches on the island, Preveli Palm Beach is most popular in the summer months, so arrive early to find parking and grab a good spot on the sand. Tourist boats begin to arrive at the beach around 10am.

Combine a visit to Preveli Palm Beach with a trip to the photogenic village of Spili, located about 12.5 miles (20km) away. Visit to enjoy the quaint charm of a traditional Cretan village and its lush surroundings, and enjoy the exhibits at the Folk Museum, which is located in a traditional two-storey house and displays traditional rooms as well as agricultural tools, looms, and other everyday objects.