Preveli Beach — locally called Finikodasos, meaning "palm forest" — is one of the most photographed places in all of Greece. A Libyan Sea cove where a palm-fringed river mouth meets crystal-clear turquoise water, backed by steep limestone cliffs. It sits 35 km south of Rethymno on the south coast of central Crete.
What Makes Preveli Unique
Preveli is the only naturally occurring European palm forest at sea level. The Megalopotamos river flows year-round through a narrow gorge lined with Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti), the same species found in the Vai palm grove in the east. The palms crowd right to the water's edge, creating a scene more Caribbean than Greek. The beach itself is split by the river: a small, shaded cove on the eastern side and a wider exposed bay to the west.
How to Get to Preveli Beach
You have three options, each with different trade-offs.
By Boat from Plakias (easiest, most scenic)
The daily boat service from Plakias runs May to October (check current times at the Plakias waterfront; typically 10:30 and 12:00 outbound, returning at 15:30 and 17:00). The 30-minute crossing cuts the gorge approach on foot and lands you directly on the beach. Return fare is around 15 euros. From Plakias you can also reach Agia Galini by boat on the same coastal service.
By Car to the Upper Car Park, then on Foot
Drive south from Rethymno on the E75, then follow signs toward Plakias and Preveli. The upper car park (signed "Preveli Beach / Parking") sits 2 km above the beach on the cliff edge; parking is 3 euros. From there a stepped path descends steeply to the sea — about 20 minutes down, 30-35 minutes back up. The views on the descent into the gorge are spectacular.
By Car to the Lower Car Park (shorter walk)
A second, smaller car park sits much closer to the beach on the Megalopotamos gorge floor. Access is via a rougher road through Lefkogeia village; the walk to the beach is under 10 minutes. This car park fills very early in July and August.
On Foot from Plakias (gorge walk, 2 hours one-way)
The most rewarding approach: walk the Megalopotamos gorge from Plakias village, following the river upstream through the palm forest to the beach. A beautiful 2-hour walk each way on a mostly flat path. Best done morning or late afternoon.
Preveli Monastery
Perched on the cliff 4 km above the beach, the Moni Preveli (Monastery of Preveli) is one of the most historically significant monasteries in Crete. Founded in the 17th century, it played a crucial role in the 1821 War of Independence and again in World War II, when the abbot helped shelter and evacuate Allied soldiers after the Battle of Crete.
The monastery is home to a fragment of the True Cross in a gilded reliquary — one of the most venerated relics in Crete — and a small museum of ecclesiastical silver, manuscripts and WWII memorabilia. Opening hours: 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00 daily (summer); closed on some religious feast days. Modest dress required (no shorts or bare shoulders; scarves provided at the entrance). Entry fee: 3 euros.
The terrace of the monastery has extraordinary views south over the Libyan Sea and west toward the Plakias bay.
The Palm Gorge (Kourtaliotiko Gorge)
North of the beach and monastery, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge cuts up into the mountains toward Spili. The gorge road (paved, one-lane) passes between vertical limestone walls 200 m high. Several chapels and hermitages are cut into the cliff face. The gorge is part of the Rethymno region interior and makes an excellent driving loop combined with the village of Spili (famous for its Lion Fountain) and a stop at Plakias on the way back to Rethymno.
Best Time to Visit
May and June: The river is full, the palms are lush, and the crowds are manageable. Water is cool but swimmable.
July and August: Peak crowds. The boat from Plakias is essential — the upper car park road can queue for 45 minutes. Arrive at the beach before 10:00 or after 16:00.
September and October: The sweet spot. Warm sea (still 24-25°C), sparse crowds, and the autumn light on the palms is beautiful. The best photography month is October.
Practical Notes
- Shade: The eastern cove (river side) has natural shade under the palms. The western beach is fully exposed — bring an umbrella.
- Facilities: A seasonal canteen operates on the beach (June-September). No sunbed rental — it's a natural beach.
- Swimming: The river mouth creates a shallow, calm lagoon ideal for swimming. The western bay faces south and can have surf in Meltemi winds (July-August).
- Snorkelling: Good off the rocks at the sides of the western bay. Clear visibility to 10 m.
- Photography: The classic shot is taken from the hillside path looking down at the palm canopy and turquoise lagoon. Come in the morning for front-lit palms.
- Accommodation: Plakias (5 km west) is the most convenient base with hotels, rooms and tavernas. See the Rethymno hotels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim at Preveli Beach?
Yes — the river lagoon is shallow, calm and ideal for swimming. The western bay faces south and is swimmable most days; in strong Meltemi winds (July-August) it can have small waves but is still safe.
How long is the walk from the upper car park to Preveli Beach?
The descent from the upper car park to the beach takes about 20 minutes (steep steps and path). The return uphill takes 30-35 minutes. The path is shaded for part of the way but exposed in the lower section — take water.
Is Preveli Beach worth the visit from Heraklion?
Yes, but it is a long day from Heraklion (1h 30m drive each way). If you are based in Rethymno it is a straightforward 45-minute drive. Many visitors combine Preveli with a stop at Plakias beach and Spili village for a full south-coast day.
Is Preveli Monastery free to enter?
No — entry is 3 euros. The monastery is open most days 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00 in summer. Modest dress is required (no shorts or bare shoulders). It is closed on some Greek Orthodox feast days, so check locally.
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