Preveli beach

You can not miss Preveli Beach if you're visiting Crete!🇬🇷 The beach, framed by the beautiful Preveli River Lagoon and the lush palm tree forest (the second largest in Europe), makes it feel like a tropical paradise. It's about 40 kilometers from Rethymno, and the drive there is scenic, with winding roads offering lovely views of the countryside and the sea. The road is in good condition, which made the trip easy and pleasant. On the way to Preveli Beach, there’s another must-see spot—Kourtaliotiko Gorge. I highly recommend stopping by before getting to Preveli. When we arrived at the parking area, we found plenty of parking spaces. There's a small fee of 2 euros per day for parking, which is quite reasonable. From the parking lot, it takes about 15 minutes to walk down to the beach. The path includes around 400 steps, which can be a bit challenging, especially in the heat, but the breathtaking views along the way make it worthwhile. There are several viewpoints along the path where you can stop, catch your breath, and take some stunning photos of the lagoon and beach below. I suggest avoiding climbing back during the hottest part of the day (13:00-16:00) and make sure you have water on the way up. Tip: If you go to the end of the parking area and pass the gate, you get to an amazing viewpoint from the edge of the cliffs. The views are spectacular! The beach itself is a natural gem, accessible by foot or by boat. The Libyan Sea, with shades of turquoise and deep blue, is perfect for swimming. Keep in mind that on windy days you may find big waves that might not be ideal for small kids. The beach is a combination of golden sand and pebbles. Make sure to bring water shoes for a better experience. The Preveli River flows into the sea here, creating a unique freshwater lagoon that is delightful to explore. The palm tree forest stretches for about 500 meters along the river, providing plenty of shaded spots to relax and enjoy the tranquil environment. Exploring the forest takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how leisurely you walk and how many photos you take. We couldn’t stop taking photos and videos; this place is truly a gem! It's a peaceful area with a slight jungle vibe, and we even spotted a few birds, fish, and small wildlife. There are no large facilities on the beach, but we found a small taverna offering snacks and drinks, as well as restrooms, changing areas, and a shower. Our visit to Preveli Beach was simply amazing. The mix of natural beauty, the unique lagoon, and the serene palm forest made it a perfect escape. It's a wonderful activity suitable for all ages, though the walk down might be a bit challenging for very young children or seniors. If you're ever in Crete, I highly recommend visiting Preveli Beach. Just be prepared for the steps and take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! If you're interested in seeing our experience or want to check out Preveli Beach and palm forest before visiting, we made a video about it on YouTube.➡️ https://youtu.be/s_oN7oeakWM?si=9OL7NZsxUZHW2uwL