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Located in the south coast of Crete Island, Preveli Beach is a one-of-a-kind destination, situated approximately 100 km from the capital of Heraklion and the island’s main airport. The beach is located closer to Chania and its airport, but still an hour away by car. The city of Rethymnon is 43 km away, while the town of Plakias is only 10 km away. Besides the beach and the lagoon, the area also offers the famous and beautiful Monastery of Preveli located close to the main parking area and the stunning Preveli Gorge.
The trip from Heraklion takes approximately one and a half hours and follows the coastal road towards the west before driving south through the heart of the island. A parking area near the beach is available, and visitors will have to walk the rest of the way, following the stairs down from the cliff. It takes about 10-15 minutes to go down the trail and double that time to come back up.
There are no direct buses to Preveli, so the best option is to rent a car and drive there. Alternatively, visitors can take boats to the beach from the nearby town of Plakias or the village of Agia Galini, sold as boat trips and half (or full) day excursions.
Despite its remote location, Preveli Beach offers a unique experience that can be an adventure in itself. There are many fantastic sights close to the beach, and others are a short drive away. Visiting the beach with family is very safe, although during the high season, it can become quite crowded. The fine sand and clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the charming palm trees offer shade on hot summer days. Sunbeds and umbrellas are not available on this small beach because it is inside a natural protected area. However, there is only a small restaurant on Preveli Beach that sells souvenirs as well. The cold river that forms a lagoon and the palm trees make for an unforgettable experience.
To enjoy a perfect day at Preveli Beach, travelers can spend a few hours enjoying the sun and the sea before visiting the other attractions in the vicinity. These include the famous Preveli Monastery, the spectacular gorge of Kourtaliotiko, the smaller Preveli Gorge, the beautiful Venetian Gorge, and many others.
The Monastery of Theologos, also known as the Monastery of Preveli, is one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Crete. Founded in the 17th century on the site of an older 10th-century chapel, visitors can admire the church, icons, and other relics inside the museum while learning about the history of Crete. Visitors should not miss the Lower Monastery of Preveli (Kato Preveli), which is deserted now and offers a fascinating insight into the area’s past. It was founded in the Middle Ages during the Venetian rule over Crete and destroyed by the Ottomans centuries later. It has a few restored buildings and a small museum.
The spectacular Kourtaliotiko Gorge, created by the same river that flows into the sea at Preveli Beach, is another must-see attraction. Over the course of millennia, the river has created a deep gorge for about 3 km, creating some magnificent natural wonders along the way. The gorge starts from the village of Koxare, and there are several hiking trails to discover its treasures. The steep ridges of the gorge are covered in lush vegetation, and the river runs through the bottom, creating waterfalls and natural pools. Visitors can hike through the gorge and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
The smaller Preveli Gorge is located near the Monastery of Preveli and offers a shorter hiking trail for those who prefer a less challenging trek. It is a beautiful walk through the gorge, surrounded by stunning scenery and impressive rock formations. The Venetian Gorge, on the other hand, is a bit further away, near the town of Chora Sfakion, but it is worth the trip. The gorge is a natural wonder, and visitors can hike through it to discover its stunning beauty. In conclusion, Preveli Beach and its surroundings offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Crete. From the beach’s clear blue waters and charming palm trees to the nearby monasteries, gorges, and hiking trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. While it may require a bit of effort to get there, the stunning natural beauty of the area makes it all worth it.