Preveli Beach is located about 35 km south of Rethymno and 10 km east of Plakias. The place is also known as Lake Preveli, because it lies at the mouth of the breathtaking Kourtaliotikos valley, from which a river flows out to form a small lake surrounded by lush green date palms. The beautiful palm grove gives the beach a truly exotic feel, and the beach is also known as the "palm beach of Preveli". After that, the freshwater river flows into the salty waters of the sea.

Preveli beach is covered with light sand, sometimes mixed with small pebbles. Don't expect tourist facilities in the form of sunbeds, umbrellas or beach bars, as this is a protected natural area. Nevertheless, the place is very popular with tourists and visitors bring their own equipment. The river has plenty of water all year round, so tourists can enjoy an unusual experience and take a dip in the fresh water. The water in the river is much cooler and it also lowers the temperature of the sea near the beach by a degree. Under the blazing Greek sun it can be a welcome refreshment. In the eastern part of the beach, a beautiful piece of heart-shaped rock rises out of the sea.

There are two ways to reach the beach - by sea or by land. The more convenient and quicker option is to use the small boats that regularly arrive here from the ports of Agia Galini and Plakias.

If you choose the land route, head from Plakias village along the road towards Preveli Monastery. The historic Preveli Monastery dates back to the 16th or 17th century and was for men only. Before the monastery itself, however, you will come across a parking lot where you must leave your vehicle and continue on foot. The path to the beach is very steep and in summer temperatures very difficult (especially the way back), but you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the lake and Preveli beach and the endless distances of the sea. You will take away beautiful photographs.

During the 60s and 70s the Preveli area was popular with the so-called hippies and people lived in palm leaf dwellings until the 80s. But in 2010, a huge fire hit the place and burned everything in the far vicinity. Perhaps ironically, it was the palm trees that recovered quickly from the shock and new young trees are already growing.

There are several places on the island of Crete where you can see beautiful, mature palm trees. The two largest and most famous palm groves are at Vai Beach and Preveli Beach, but there are also several palm trees in Itanos, Martsalo, Agios Nikitas, Souda and Aspri Limni.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.