Crete's Preveli Palm Forest

The palm forest of Preveli is found below the Monastery of Preveli, next to the Kourtaliótiko Gorge. The beach is known for its extensive forest of the Cretan date palm, which is known as Phoenix Theophrastii. The Preveli palm forest is the second largest palm forest in Crete behind Vai Palm Forest, which is on the east side of the island of Crete.

 

The forest is not exclusively palm trees but is also home to osiers, reeds, oleanders, and locust varieties. Unfortunately, a fire wiped out a large portion of the palm forest in 2010, but it rebounded quickly and within a few years, new trees had already sprouted. The Preveli palm forest is a paradise– an oasis compared to the dry terrain which surrounds the area. The Preveli palm forest is found 38 kilometers from Rethymnon and can be reached by car.

Preveli Beach’s Green Oasis

Preveli Beach is unique because of the clear waters of the Megalos Potamos (the literal translation is “large river”) that cuts through the palm trees and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The dry cliffs are split by a green oasis, and you can walk on a path through the Kourtaliótiko Gorge. 

 

The beach of Preveli is unique because it is more sheltered than other Cretan beaches. Even if there is a strong wind, this sandy beach is protected by the cliffs. For Instagrammers, there is a popular spot to take pictures by a heart-shaped rock at the east end of the beach. The water coming from the gorge is cold, so the water of Preveli Beach is colder than in most other areas of Crete.

 

What Services are Available at Preveli Beach?

On Preveli Beach, there are no showers or changing rooms available. There is, however, a small taverna with drinks, snacks, and a toilet. Camping and overnight stays are not allowed, much like at Vai Palm Forest on the east side of the island of Crete. 

 

Preveli Beach is not easy to access because the only way to get to it by land is on a steep path down from the cliffs. There are stairs, but it takes at least 15 minutes to reach the sandy beach. You can also take a boat from the nearby towns of Plakias or Agia Galini.

What to do Near Preveli Palm Forest

If you choose to walk through Preveli’s palms, there are a number of creeks and waterfalls. The Preveli Beach waterfalls are the largest water features in the area. The entire area of the gorge is protected by the Natura 2000 program, an initiative of the European Commission to protect threatened species and habitats in Europe.

 

The Holy Monastery of Preveli

A popular short trip nearby is to the Holy Monastery of Preveli, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is found in the southern part of Rethymnon Prefecture. There is both a lower and upper section to the monastery, and they are about 2-3 kilometers apart. The monasteries were first constructed back in the 16th century and were since rebuilt.