The unique palm beach of Preveli
On a small bay of the Libyan Sea on the south coast of Crete is the unique palm beach of Preveli. Behind the sandy beach is a mountain stream that runs into a gorge lined with Cretan date palms. This unique 'tropical landscape' is certainly one of the most photographed bays on the island. Do as the locals do and enjoy the view again and again while relaxing on the descent.
There is no road leading to Preveli Beach and the palm canyon. You can either get there in the morning by boat from Plakias and Agia Galini - or you can hike down in about 20-30 minutes from the large car park. You reach it via a spur road from the road to the Piso Preveli monastery.
Soon after the Ottoman bridge at the Kato Preveli monastery, the Megalopotamos enters a desert-like canyon with reddish rock walls. For the last kilometre, this canyon resembles a palm oasis. Then the river widens and winds over a coarse sandy beach and loses itself in the Libyan Sea.
On the shadeless beach, sunbathers lie between warm salt and cold fresh water. Trails lead into the palm grove. Clambering, wading and partly swimming, you can hike up the river over cataracts - an adventurous pleasure even for older children. When the river has relatively little water in autumn, you can even hike to the Ottoman Bridge and back again - but great caution is called for. You also need a waterproof bag for your valuables.
You are in category:
You might also be interested in:
Experience Crete Your itinerary contains 1 experience
gorgeous
beaches romantic
old towns fascinating
ancient sites imposing
gorges delightful
boat trips extraordinary
stalactite caves adventure
& thrills secluded
monasteries gourmet
restaurants culinary
products
How to book a room or suite
Our secure 3-step booking procedure with personal support by your dedicated booking advisor.
- 1. Room Selection Please choose your desired room type on your prefered travel dates, select any extra options available and add the room to your personal room selection. You may add multiple rooms to your selection, if required.
- 2. Booking Request When you are ready, just send us your selection as a booking request, using the corresponding form. The booking request is absolutely non-binding. You will not be charged and you can cancel your booking request any time. Our dedicated team will get back to you to answer all questions or queries you may have, to confirm the current room availability and, if required, to assist you find the best available flights to Crete. We will also take care of your transfer from the airport to the hotel and back. Our personal support will be provided in writing by e-mail or in a follow up phone call, if you wish so.
- 3. Booking Confirmation To complete your booking, we kindly ask for a deposit of 20% of the total room rate. The balance can be settled upon arrival at the hotel. You can cancel free of charge (with deposit refund) at any time up to 15 days before arrival or alter your booking depending on availability.