Preveli Palm beach “The eartly paradise”
Preveli beach is located on the south coast of Crete near the city of Rethymno. (about 1h 30 min from our location).
From the Cretan mountains with the Kourtaliotiko gorge begins the ”Grand Potamos” that reaches Preveli to create a lake (river) between the palm trees of “Theophrastus” and end in a parallel course with the beach before it expels in the South Cretan Sea.
Preveli beach famous for its natural palm forest which grows nearby. As I know it’s only one natural palm forest in Europe.
Our First stop at Kourtaliotis Gorge… one of the most beautiful gorges in Crete and its name has derived from the fierce wind that whistles sweeping through the rocks which resemble rattles (krotalo or kourtalo in Greek). Magnificent vertical cliffs can be seen on both its sides, reaching as high as 300 metres at several places. It is 2,5 kilometres long and the elevation difference between the entrance point and the outlet is 150 metres.
Following the path we can visit a small picturesque church dedicated to Saint Nikolaos. Tradition has it that when Saint Nikolaos touched the rock, there was plenty of water springing out of the spots his fingers touched. These are the five water springs of Kourtaliotis nearby the church and and a 40-metre-high waterfall..it is worth to descending the stairs to see them.
It is a masterpiece of nature,one of the most spectacular natural attraction.
Second stop at Hydria ceramic’s workshop. The course of ceramics for 8000 years, is parallel with the course remaining human history.Using the “red Cretan clay” and with the help of ceramic wheel create handmade vessels for each use, high resistibility. Afterwards are cooked in two stages in kiln, round the 1000 degrees of Celsius for each stage .The first stage aim it has to alter the objects (vessels or not) from softly and ductily in hardly and bulk.In the second stage achieve chromatic (without toxic) decoration of object. You you can watch the potter the hour creation.
Third stop on the Beach of Preveli, which is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis gorge, where the Great River flows.We following the path 10 minutes and we are one the amazing beach. The palm forest with the lake / river, the steep rocks and the beach of Preveli, create a rare beauty landscape that will charm forever any lucky traveler found in the place We can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. We can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round.
In the eastern part of the sandy beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart.
We offer guided snorkeling tour to the blue crystal waters, with professional equipment, masks, fins.
We can explore the underwater world with the eyes from above. We will help you enjoy it in full!
On Preveli beach there is a canteen for a snack and cold drinks.
Don’t forget your comfortable shoes, like trekking or sport shoes, sun protection, beach towel, swimsuit, etc.
Mask and snorkel are included at the price.
The trip is ideal for everyone who is looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.