Discovering the wonders of Preveli
Nestled on the southern coast of Crete, Preveli is a destination that embodies the island's rugged beauty and rich history. From its lovely beach and beautiful palm forest to the historic monastery perched on a hill, Preveli offers a diverse array of experiences for the adventurous traveler. Here's a closer look at what makes Preveli a must-visit spot in Crete.
Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is perhaps the most iconic feature of this area. Situated at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where the Megalopotamos river meets the Libyan Sea, the beach is a breathtaking blend of turquoise waters, fine sand, and a unique palm forest. This rare grove of Theophrastus palm trees creates an almost tropical ambiance, providing natural shade and a serene backdrop for relaxation.
You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge.
A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything in this paradise, but paradoxically the palm grove recovered most of its damage. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas.
Getting to Preveli Beach can be part of the adventure. Visitors often hike down from the nearby car park, navigating a steep path that offers panoramic views of the coastline and gorge. For those preferring a more leisurely approach, boat services from nearby Plakias and Agia Galini offer a scenic route to the beach.
Ottoman Bridge
This single-arched bridge from 1850 may no longer serve its purpose today, but is still accessible on foot. It bridges the Megalopotamos, which later flows across Preveli beach and into the Libyan Sea. There is a wonderful summer taverna right (Gefyra Taverna) by the bridge, where ducks and geese provide entertainment.
The Historic Preveli Monastery
A visit to Preveli would be incomplete without exploring the historic Preveli Monastery, which stands as a testament to the region's spiritual heritage and turbulent past. There are actually two monasteries: the lower monastery (Kato Preveli) and the upper monastery (Piso Preveli).
Piso Preveli, the more prominent of the two, dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Saint John the Theologian. It played a significant role in Cretan history, particularly during the Turkish occupation and World War II, serving as a refuge for resistance fighters and a haven for Allied soldiers. The monastery's museum houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and icons, providing a glimpse into its storied past.
Visitors to the monastery can enjoy the tranquil gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The sense of peace and spirituality that pervades the site makes it a perfect counterpoint to the natural beauty of the beach below.
The lower Preveli, Kato Preveli, had the farming installations and facilities and was the staying place for the younger monks and civilian personnel. One of the chambers was designed to be used as an olive oil mill, and the monks’ workshops included a saddle maker shop, a carpenter’s workshop, a shoemaker’s workshop, a basket weaving shop and a shop for the repair of farming tools.
The church in the center of the courtyard is a single nave building with an arched roof. The Icons and the remaining relics which have been saved from the various loots and destructions, are kept in the museum of Piso Preveli.
Memorial
Between the entrance to the beach car park and the monastery, a simple memorial with a bronze statue of a larger-than-life Cretan priest and British soldier towers above the sea on the left. It commemorates the significant role that the monastery played in the days shortly before the German invasion. From here, a great number of British troops, mostly composed of soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, were evacuated to North Africa with the aid of the monks.
Tips for Visiting Preveli
The best time to visit Preveli is during the spring and early summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush and green. The palm forest and surrounding flora are at their most vibrant during this period.
Good walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to hike down to the beach or explore the gorge. The paths can be steep and rocky.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, particularly if you plan on hiking. There are limited facilities once you leave the main areas.
Preveli is a protected area, so it's important to respect the natural environment. Avoid littering and stay on designated paths to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.
Leave nothing but footprints!
Useful information
Kato Preveli
Entrance fee: 4€ per person
Photography is allowed
Opening hours:
9:00-13:30 and 15:30-18:30 (mid-may until mid-September)
9:00-17:00 (winter months)
Piso Preveli
Entrance fee: 4€ per person
Photography is not allowed in the museum
Opening hours:
9:00-13:30 and 15:30-18:30 (mid-may until mid-September)
9:00-17:00 (winter months)
Directions by car
The first option is to drive from Plakias to the Monastery of Preveli, following the relevant signs. 1.5km after the Kato Monastery of Preveli, you turn left and follow a small road to the large parking lot (cost: 2€ per vehicle), where a path that descends to the beach starts. The parking is located near towering vertical cliffs, west of the beach, where you can take some fantastic photographs. To reach the beach walk the footpath which takes about 15-20 minutes. However, return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep (350 steps)
The second option to avoid the difficult climb: before Kato Preveli at the stone bridge, take left, then right again and follow the road to the tavern Dionyssos. Park the car here and walk in just 5 minutes over the hill to Preveli beach. However, you won’t have the chance to see the spectacular view from the tall cliffs on the west side.
Crossing by boat from Plakias
Daily departure from Plakias. The crossing takes about 40 min.
At Preveli beach you find a cafe/taverna.