How to Reach and Enjoy Preveli Beach in Crete, Greece
Preveli Beach in Crete, Greece, is a stunning destination that stands out among the island’s many wild and beautiful nature spots. Unlike your typical beach, Preveli Beach requires a hike to reach, adding to its unique charm. Situated along Crete’s southern shoreline, it is surrounded by high mountains, with a serene palm forest nestled between them. The Kissano Faraggi River flows into the clear blue sea, creating a picturesque and tranquil oasis. This combination of dramatic mountains, lush palm forests, and a flowing river makes Preveli Beach a must-visit destination.
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How to Get to Preveli Beach from Different Cities
Preveli Beach on the southern part of Crete can be visited from the west and east sides through a hike. Both sides have parking lots before the hike.
BY CAR
Reaching Preveli Beach by car is the most convenient option. The roads are well-maintained, allowing you to plan your visit at your own pace. Parking lots on both sides of the beach, before the hiking trails. For a more scenic hike with better views, park on the west side, which we chose. If you prefer an easier hike with fewer stairs, park on the east side. Both routes offer beautiful scenery, but the west side is higher and steeper.
Distances from major cities to Preveli Beach:
Rethymno: 34 km / 21mi / 45 min
Chania: 89 km / 55 mi/ 1 h 33 min
Heraklion: 113 km / 70 mi / 1 h 45 min
Agios Nikolaos: 171 km / 106 mi / 2 h 27 min
BY BUS
Traveling to Preveli Beach by bus is possible, but the only direct route is from Rethimno. First, reach Rethimno, then transfer to a bus heading to Preveli Beach. Using Rome2Rio can help you find the best departure options and travel times. From the bus stop, walk 650 meters along a paved road to the start of the trail, which then extends another 675 meters over steep, rocky terrain with stairs.
BY BOAT
While there are fewer options for reaching Preveli Beach by boat, it’s still feasible. From Damonoi Beach or Plakias, you can book a trip, take a private cruise, or rent a boat to visit Preveli Beach. These routes offer a unique perspective of the coastline and are great alternatives for those who prefer to avoid hiking.
Hiking Details for Reaching Preveli Beach
To reach Preveli Beach by land, hiking is the only option available. There are two main trails to choose from: one starts from the west side of the beach at the Preveli Beach parking lot, covering approximately 675 meters. It takes about 12 minutes downhill and double the time when coming back. Alternatively, the trail from the east side parking lot spans about 629 meters, taking around 14 minutes to descend to the beach and a similar time to return.
Map source: mapy.cz
I hiked the west side trail, which features numerous stairs and rocky terrain. This route is higher and steeper compared to the east side trail. For an easier hike, I recommend choosing the east side trail.
Insider Tips
Good shoes: It’s essential to wear hiking shoes or sturdy sports shoes for the hike to Preveli Beach. Flip-flops or sandals are not recommended due to the rugged terrain. You can bring them along for comfort during beach time, but if you plan to explore the palm forest, good shoes are necessary, especially for navigating larger rocks.
Water shoes: Bringing water shoes is advisable because the beach has both sand and pebbles, ensuring a comfortable walk along the shore.
Umbrella/Cap/Water: Carry plenty of water for hydration during your hike and beach visit. In summer, protect yourself with a cap and sunscreen. Consider bringing your umbrella since there are no sunbeds; alternatively, shade is available under the palm trees.
Things to Do at Preveli Beach
This hidden gem is protected by the Natura 2000 program, which prohibits human intervention at the beach. Facilities are limited to showers and toilets, and there are no sunbeds or umbrellas provided. However, there is a canteen where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Personally, I appreciate its minimalistic amenities and the fact that it remains relatively untouched. Here are a few ideas for things to do when you visit:
- Explore the Kourtaliotis Gorge: Wander through the scenic Kourtaliotis Gorge nearby, known for its dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation.
- Take a Walk in the Palm Forest: Stroll through the serene palm forest lining the Kissano Faraggi River, offering shade and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Hike Around the Area: Venture on hiking trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the beach and surrounding landscapes, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Eat at the Snack Bar at the Beach: Although it has limited offerings, it’s a pleasant spot to enjoy a meal, snack, or drinks.
- Swim in the Sea and the River: Take a dip in the clear blue sea or in the freshwater of the Kissano Faraggi River, perfect for cooling off on a warm day.
- Photograph Nature: Capture the natural beauty, from its palm-fringed coastline to the unique flora and fauna in the surrounding area.
Best Time to Visit Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach is a destination you can enjoy all year round. However, in my opinion, the best time to visit is during the off-season. While July and August offer the warmest weather, they also bring the largest crowds. For a more peaceful experience with milder temperatures, consider visiting in May, June, or September. If you prefer even fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal times. Additionally, arriving early in the morning ensures better parking options and cooler temperatures, while late afternoon visits benefit from fewer boats and reduced crowds. I visited in June, and the weather was already warm, as was the water.
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