General Information
Is there a place in Greece that combines a gorge, a river, a lagoon, a wonderful sand beach and a palm
forest? The answer is positive and it is the Preveli beach. The beach is located at the exit of Kourtaliotis
gorge, where the homonymous river ends. It is one of the most famous beaches of South Crete and receives
thousands of visitors every summer.
Behind the impressive sandy beach begins the second largest palm forest of 40 hectares, which hosts the
endemic Cretan palm tree of Theophrastus. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2010, 70% of this forest was burnt
down. Nevertheless, natural reforestation proceeded quickly, the forest regained its character and the area is
now protected by the Natura 2000 network.
In the heart of the forest, the visitor loses the sense of time and space. You can follow the marked path (and it
is advisable not to step off it) and enjoy pictures full of greenery and listen to the sounds of running water.
The river forms a small 500m long lake at its exit to the sea with year-round water. In the large swimming
pools that form every now and then you can take a refreshing swim.
A sandy beach is formed at the exit of the river with a pebbly bottom and the waters are very cool due to the
river. In the eastern part of the beach there is an impressive rock in the sea that resembles a mast or a heart.
As for the sandy beach, it has managed to maintain its naturalness as it has no umbrellas and sunbeds.
There is of course a canteen where you can get the essentials but that’s the maximum service you’ll get here,
hence make sure you’re organised.
