Preveli Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete, located on the island’s southern coast. It lies near the village of Preveli, about 35 kilometers from Rethymno Town. The beach is unique due to its combination of rivers, palm forests, and stunning sea views.

The beach is shaped like a small bay, with soft golden sand and clear, turquoise waters. A river called the Megalopotamos flows into the sea here, creating a small lagoon. This river is surrounded by a lush palm forest, one of the few palm forests in Europe. The trees create a beautiful, exotic atmosphere, providing shade to those visiting.

To reach Preveli Beach, visitors must either hike down a steep path from a cliff above or take a boat from the nearby Agios Pavlos Beach. The hike offers great views of the beach and the surrounding landscape, but it can be challenging due to the steep terrain. Once at the beach, the scene is breathtaking, with the river and palms set against the backdrop of the Libyan Sea.

Preveli Beach is not just beautiful, but also peaceful. The water is ideal for swimming, and the area is great for relaxing and sunbathing. However, the beach can get busy in the summer months, especially with tourists visiting from nearby areas. Despite this, the natural beauty and unique landscape of Preveli still make it a top destination.

In addition to its natural beauty, Preveli has a rich history. Nearby, the Preveli Monastery sits on a hill, offering panoramic views of the area. The monastery is an important historical site, particularly known for its role during the Cretan resistance against the Nazis.

There is also Kourtaliotiko Gorge very close to Preveli Beach, which is a very fascinating gorge where visitors can drop by either on their way to or back from the beach for a complete experience.