Preveli Beach Review: Palm Forest & Exotic Sands Explored

If you’re thinking of going to Crete, there’s this really remarkable spot you just have to see, called Preveli Beach, too. It’s basically got this vibe that mixes a really tropical oasis with, almost, the rugged appeal that Crete’s really known for. People come here not just to catch some rays, that is, but they actually come to experience something truly special: a beach hugged by a really lush palm forest, where a pretty river winds its way to the sea. This review will kind of tell you all about what makes Preveli Beach worth the trip, the best way to get there, plus, you know, what you can expect once you’re toes are basically in the sand.

What Makes Preveli Beach So Special, Really?

So, what’s the big deal about Preveli Beach, you might wonder? That is, it’s not just another pretty beach; what really sets it apart is that it has this really unique combination of a beach, a river, and a palm forest, sort of. The Megas Potamos River flows through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and empties into the sea right at Preveli, so, feeding a dense forest of Theophrastus palm trees. This, very, lush greenery against the stark backdrop of the really rugged cliffs really creates an absolutely stunning contrast, truly. That also means, you are not just getting a day at the beach, but basically an opportunity to explore a really tiny, sort of tropical-esque landscape that is like, nowhere else in Crete.

Also, the history tied to Preveli Beach kind of adds to its appeal, too. The nearby Preveli Monastery played quite a significant role in Cretan resistance, basically, during different times of conflict, such as when the Nazi’s were at war with Europe, nearly. It offered sanctuary to Allied soldiers, so, and that really gives the area a sense of history and resilience that you wouldn’t expect to find, yet, while you’re lying on a beach.

Getting There: Which Route Should You Pick, Virtually?

Getting to Preveli Beach can actually be, like, a bit of an adventure itself, I mean. There are, typically, a few ways to get there, really, and each offers a slightly different experience:

By Car: Driving, in a way, gives you the most freedom, really. You can drive, basically, to either the eastern or western parking areas. The eastern path is, very, shorter but steeper, I mean, involving a descent down a fair number of steps (we’re talking around 400!). The western path, in some respects, is a bit longer, maybe, but the descent is, literally, more gentle, or so they say, tending to be the better choice if you, like, have mobility issues or small children, kind of.
By Boat: Boats often run from nearby towns like Plakias and Agia Galini, too. This is actually, typically, a pretty relaxing way to arrive, basically offering fantastic views of the coastline, so. Check local schedules, you know, as boat trips can be seasonal, you see.
By Bus: You can get to Plakias by bus from larger towns, pretty much, like Rethymno, really. From Plakias, anyway, you can then grab a boat or a taxi to Preveli Beach, definitely.

Anyway, no matter which route you select, remember that, virtually, the final approach to the beach, one way or another, involves a bit of walking, mostly. I mean, wear comfortable shoes and maybe pack light, and so on, pretty much.

What to Expect on Preveli Beach, Seriously?

When you actually arrive, you will find Preveli Beach has, arguably, a few distinct areas, truly. The main beach area is actually where the river meets the sea, nearly. The water is, you know, a mix of freshwater from the river and saltwater from the sea, mostly, making it quite refreshing, alright. You can swim, I mean, in both the sea and the river. The river swimming is actually really calm and shallow, actually perfect for kids.

Right next to the beach, basically, is the palm forest, kind of. You can take a pretty shady walk, I mean, along the riverbanks, so, exploring the lush greenery, so, almost. That said, keep an eye out for spots that may have been affected by fires, or so. Fires have impacted the area in the past, pretty much, yet the forest is actually recovering naturally, that, mostly.

That also means, facilities on the beach are pretty minimal, and stuff. You can sometimes find a basic canteen selling snacks and drinks during peak season, almost, but, really, it’s always best to bring your own supplies, I mean, just to be on the safe side. There might be sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent, definitely, but don’t be depending on them, literally.

Tips for a Great Visit, Certainly?

So, here’s what to keep in mind to really make the most of your trip:

Go Early: Preveli can actually get really crowded, too, especially in the summertime, alright. Arriving earlier, just a little, like before 10 am, helps you secure a good spot and kind of enjoy the beach with fewer crowds.
Bring Essentials: Pack plenty of water, or so they say, sunscreen, and a hat, you see. The sun can, like, be really intense, seriously, and shade can actually be limited outside the palm forest, maybe.
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Whether you are walking down the path, literally, or exploring the river, wearing sturdy shoes, nearly, is important, alright. Flip-flops can, kind of, be a bit tricky on the rocky terrain, you see.
Respect the Environment: The natural beauty of Preveli, nearly, is delicate, just a little. Take all your trash with you and sort of avoid disturbing the plants and wildlife.
Check the Weather: Weather can, actually, change quickly in Crete, kind of. Checking the forecast will make certain you are prepared for sunshine, kind of, wind, you know, or the occasional shower, alright.

Nearby Attractions to Extend Your Trip, too

Basically, while you’re visiting Preveli, basically, you could explore a few of the other nearby sights, you see. These, arguably, can actually enrich your trip:

Preveli Monastery (Moni Preveli): High up on the cliffs over the sea, mostly, the Preveli Monastery is, definitely, split into two main complexes, I mean. The lower monastery, or so, of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, has really long been deserted, kind of, while the upper monastery, you see, of Agios Ioannis Theologos, is still active, I mean, and open to visitors. It’s full of historical artifacts and offers, almost, remarkable views.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge: If you actually like hiking, anyway, consider, that is, trekking through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, mostly. The path kind of follows the Megas Potamos River, that is, leading to Preveli Beach, I mean. It’s got some fairly tough sections but offers stunning views of waterfalls and varied birdlife.
Plakias: That’s a really, rather, charming coastal village, truly, not that far from Preveli, just a little. It is perfect, basically, for a meal or an overnight stay, like your visit is not too short.

Exploring these nearby spots does not only enrich your trip, you know, but it supports the local economy, or so I think.

What Happened with the Fires at Preveli, sort of?

That, or so, is something very sad: Over the years, I mean, the palm forest at Preveli has actually faced a couple of really big fires, truly. The most, very, significant was probably back in 2010, more or less, which burned down a fairly large part of the forest, you know. That, seriously, was pretty devastating, seriously affecting the area’s ecosystem and, honestly, its appearance, seriously. The local community did actually respond with immediate, somewhat, replanting efforts, nearly.

And I mean, honestly, nature has, very, slowly, shown that it is absolutely so amazing, and how it rebuilds and fixes damages like that, or so, literally. New palm trees are getting taller all the time, clearly. The environment kind of reminds me of why we just need to make certain we really protect these super special spots from dangers that nature or people do. Also that, actually, supporting local efforts to help keep and rebuild, actually does something big to keep places really incredible, you see.

If you happen to visit, mostly, do remember, you know, that even as you take in the views you really need to be sensitive to all, mostly, of the things and the changes around you.

Is the beach safe for families?

Families very often will just head right to Preveli. The water close to where the Megas Potamos flows really gives a good place where the kids and maybe small childern, to the young people in the family, can walk a little, maybe wade. And where the stream is shallow there is an easier place to just have safe enjoyment, alright.

Families also should know to really watch when the place is so full of travellers to keep an extra eye out of those little people that we love! Keep an extra look for shade and the intense sunshine that, by the way, really is out there on summer day. Have your day stuff ready when you just walk those paths down to Preveli, this you surely need to give thought!

Is Snorkelling doable at Preveli?

Many really go into the idea of swiming the coasts where Preveli runs right next to where that blue sea touches, they are often not so crowded. Where you leave from at river out towards oceans those that take to seeing below water will take real peace at those rocks and where the sea wildlife stays, you see.

When all seems clear you just want watch, just a bit. Any strong flows may do stuff around that point from river with waters from sea; wind might be important out there also! And so snorkelling very always needs just real smart think for keep every person alright when on holidays there.

Accessibility? What’s to know!

To think is smart when it is for Preveli will come good if on roads may just to go down with, the ground is. Where your wheels stand right before, a lot paths that start so down with rocky area often show face, some stairs or sharp turns and that could be, literally, that, more hard work maybe to wheel along. Check paths out or plan something for take you over waters there because that place may just be what one could hope when wheel is going with the person down those steps to where fun and play is.

Know too from parts closest town maybe you could maybe use trip for over see; some are fit with the lifts made. The part which is bottom does all not what all may to take, there will those here help! Keep and remember if help will give so place comes joy for every person!