On this day trip from the resorts in the Rethymno region, you will visit the south coast of Crete, where you can enjoy a boat trip and a relaxing day on some of the most famous beaches on the Libyan Sea coast.
On this tour, you will visit the following sights and attractions:
Starting from the resorts of the Rethymno region in north-west Crete, the bus will drive through the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which is located almost in the centre of the island and is renowned for its unique natural beauty and several waterfalls. The tour bus will head south to Damnoni Beach, known for its grey sand and turquoise waters and the old fishing village of the same name on the shore. After arriving to Damnoni, you can either stay at this beach or travel further by boat to Preveli Beach, which is lined with palm trees and located in one of the neighbouring bays. And we highly recommend you to sail there: after half an hour on board, everyone will head straight to the palm-fringed Preveli Beach with a small river in the center!
Nestled on the southern shores of Crete, Preveli Beach marks the end of the Preveli Gorge, where the Great River (Megalopotamos) meets the Libyan Sea. The lush palm forest lining the riverbanks imparts a tropical ambiance to the area. Preveli Beach is a great place to relax, swim in the Libyan Sea and walk through the palm forest. There you will have about three hours of free time: enough for the jungle, the sea and the beach.
Please note that during our tour we offer direct boat access to the beach, providing a convenient way to reach this idyllic spot. Another way to get to (and return from) the beach is to climb a stone path of several hundred steps on the high cliffs (about 15 minutes down and 25 minutes up) if you come there with a bus.
After swimming at Preveli Beach, you will take a boat from the beach to Damnoni Bay, followed by a bus ride to the beautiful village of Plakias. There, you can either continue your beach getaway or enjoy a delicious lunch at a taverna before heading back to your hotel.
During the season we can take you on an organized bus tour from the Rethymno region resorts to the palm beach of Preveli. Bus tour, boat trip, walking around – this excursion takes most of the day, bus will definitely get you back to the hotel in time for dinner with very good impressions!
If you want to go on an organised bus tour from the resorts in the Rethymno region to Preveli beach and the Libyan Sea coastline, the price of the trip in 2025 is:
This tour is sometimes included in special promotions and sold cheaper for our followers – keep an eye out for discounts on Facebook!
Are you traveling as a big family or a group? Contact us in advance or visit our offices and we will try to make you the best offer.
You are welcome! We will run this personalised tour in a suitable car or minivan for you on any day. No large groups, long pick-ups or waiting – just you, your family or friends and the guide! You can ask us in advance – and we will organise everything for you.
You can book an excursion to the palm beach of Preveli from the resorts of the Rethymno region online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2025 the excursion to the palm beach of Preveli from the Rethymno region resorts takes place from 01/05 to 31/10. Available tour days – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Please note that trip schedules are subject to change, including cancellation. This is extremely rare and may be due to weather conditions. For example, heavy rains at the beginning (April and May) or end of the season (September and October) and other force majeure situations. If there are any changes, we will try to let you know as soon as possible.
Please make sure that you have correctly identified your vacation area in Crete and read the cancellation and refund policy.
If there is less than 24 hours before the trip, please contact the manager to check availability before you make a booking!
Firstly, you can come to one of our offices where booking for all services is available and payment can be made either by cash or card.
Secondly, in case of online booking you can choose cash payment (which is available for some areas only) or you can pay online by card. In the case of cash, we will arrange a meeting with our courier in advance, who will bring the prepared documents to your hotel or villa and collect the cash. Please note that this option is only available for bookings made well in advance (days or weeks before the trip!). In case of online payment, you will receive the tickets by e-mail or WhatsApp – as you prefer.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of your trip!
It depends on the location of your hotel or villa. In some cases a tour bus will literally stop at the front door of the hotel and you just have to be there, in others it may be a short walk to the nearest pick-up point. This is usually a large central street, bus stop, square, car park, etc. – somewhere where there is no risk of the tour bus getting stuck on a narrow one-way street or stuck in traffic.
You will receive full details of the time and place of the pick-up with your travel documents when you make your booking. Please read it carefully before the trip.
No, just short distances to the viewpoints.
In the middle of the day, traditional taverns are open along the coast. You can also have lunch at Preveli Beach, where there are small kiosks and cafes. Alternatively, you could wait until you arrive in Plakias and have lunch at a tavern. Lunch costs 10-15 euro per person.
Anything to protect you from the sun and swimwear for a beach time. Some cash, e.g. for food and drinks.
Yes. You will have a guide with you. Your guide will tell you about the places you will visit and help you with any questions you may have.
This is more of a sightseeing and beach trip for swimming, sunbathing, easy walking and relaxing than a highly informative tour with history lessons. Come to have a look around, take some photos and relax!
Languages: English and German on any available day. On some days we can also organize excursions in other languages, so check the booking calendar or send us a request.
Please note that this is an approximate tour schedule. Times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up and drop-off locations. Exact times will be sent to you along with other information when you make your reservation and specify your hotel.
| Schedule of the excursion program | |
|---|---|
| 6:30 - 8:00 | Departure from the hotels |
| 9:00 | Arriving at the Damnoni beach |
| 9:15 - 12:15 | Boat trip to the Preveli Beach, free time at the beach and palm grove |
| 12:15 - 13:00 | Boat trip back to Damnoni, bus ride to the village of Plakias |
| 13:00 - 15:00 | Free time at the Plakias village |
| 17:00 - 18:30 | Return to the hotels |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| up to 2 hours | From the hotels by bus to the Damnoni Beach |
| up to 3 hours | Boat trip and free time at the beach of Preveli |
| up to 2 hours | Free time at the village of Plakias |
| up to 2 hours | Return transfer by bus to the hotels |