Preveli Beach

Palm beach on the south coast near Plakias – where river meets sea.

Preveli is a beach you never forget. On Crete's south coast near Plakias, a cool mountain river meets the warm Libyan Sea. Between them grows a rare palm grove that gives the bay an almost tropical look.

Paddle in the river, find shade under the palms and swim in the sea – all in one place. Because the river flows straight into the sea, the water at Preveli Beach feels noticeably colder than at other south-coast beaches – refreshing on hot days, but not as warm for swimming as further east or west. A stroll along the palm-lined shore is especially atmospheric in the morning or late afternoon.

The approach follows a winding road from Rethymno or Plakias. The car park above the bay costs about 3 euros. From there, steep steps lead down to the beach in roughly 15–20 minutes – the climb back up takes just as long. If you have heart problems, take frequent breaks along the way. Alternatively, take a boat from Plakias and skip the descent.

Important: There are no drinks or food sold on the beach. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for a full day. Sturdy footwear for the steps is essential. Nature has recovered well after a fire – respect the palm grove and stay on the paths. Best from April to October.