Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and it attracts visitors because it is a place where you can find everything, from modern cities and exotic beaches to gorges and big mountains.
The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka.
What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees.
Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve.
If you plan a trip to the area of Rethymno, this place should be on the top of your list. In this article, you will find all the information you might need to organize your excursion to Preveli beach.
Arriving at the beach from the path that descends from the mountain, you see a breath-taking view; a river comes down from the gorge forming a 500-meter lake at the level of the beach. This gorge is called Kourtaliotis Gorge, and the river that runs in it is called Megalos Potamos.
At the banks of the river, there is a palm forest. The palms are of the kind of Theophrastus, and they create thick shade that protects the visitors from the sun. Under the palm trees, you can see people resting and children playing, around the water that flows playfully.
At one end of the beach, a few meters from the shore is a big rock in the sea that looks like a heart or a mushroom, and it is a favorite spot for pictures. In general, the photogenic landscape of Preveli Beach attracts photographers and influencers who want to take photos for social media.
You can swim in the salty seawater in the lake, under the palm trees. You can also walk in the canyon, under the shade of palm trees.
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