If you are planning a trip to Crete and want to visit one of the most beautiful beaches, then this Preveli Beach travel guide is perfect for you.
I’ve heard many people say that Greece has some of the most beautiful and spectacular beaches in the world. Even more, some travelers who have visited beaches on other continents still praise Greece as one of the best.
And I totally agree! No matter how many islands and beaches I visit in Greece, I always go back for more. Preveli Beach will reinforce that notion for you too.
Speaking of beautiful and extraordinary beaches, check out my guide to the best beaches to visit in Lefkada.
This Preveli Beach travel guide is perfect if you are planning to go to Crete this year. Check out the table of contents if you are interested in a specific topic, but rest assured that I will make this guide as complete as possible. You will find answers regarding accessibility, transportation, facilities, accommodation, and more tips.
To make this Preveli Beach travel guide useful and complete with all the valuable information, I selected the most frequently asked questions from travelers about the beach on Google. In this way, I make sure I address real and genuine concerns.
Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission when you click on the links. This is at no extra cost to you and allows me to keep running this website. How cool is that?! I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Preveli Beach Travel Guide - a hidden natural wonder
Tucked away on the rugged coastline of Southern Crete, Preveli Beach is a true slice of paradise waiting to be discovered. Imagine pristine golden sands, dramatic cliffs, lush palm trees, and a river lazily flowing into the sea.
My first impression of the beach was one of wonder as I was struck by the awe-inspiring views. If you take just one thing from my Preveli Beach travel guide, let it be this: YOU NEED TO VISIT THIS BEACH.
Preveli Beach is perfect for beachgoers who want to unwind on the shores or snorkel amidst colorful marine life. It’s also an ideal spot for those seeking the best Instagrammable places in Crete. When I say it’s a slice of paradise, it isn’t an exaggeration. Immerse yourself in rich greenery, picturesque palm trees, and hidden spots that offer great overlooks over the majestic cliffs and pristine enclave.
Speaking of photography, check out my article on the Best Instagrammable Places in Rethymno if you want to beautify your Instagram page or personal photo album.
Accessibility
How difficult is it to access Preveli Beach?
Depending on your preferences for hikes and overall physical activity during vacation, getting to Preveli Beach can either be a challenge or a fun adventure.
I mention this in my Preveli Beach travel guide because I understand that some people prefer to relax and not move too much during holidays. It’s perfectly understandable to want to unwind and escape your busy daily life.
On the other hand, I know there are people, like myself, who find relaxation in hikes or challenging walks. For me, this is a form of digital detox and a way to ground myself in the present moment.
Accessing Preveli Beach involves a hike down a narrow and steep path from Preveli Monastery. The terrain may pose challenges, but with proper footwear, it’s manageable. However, please don’t attempt this hike in flip-flops.
The landscape is beautiful and offers great opportunities for Insta-worthy photos.
Of course, there is a way to reach Preveli Beach without the hike: taking a boat from Plakias.
How long is the hike from Preveli Monastery to the beach?
The hike from Preveli Monastery isn’t very long, but it depends on your pace. It will take you between 15 to 20 minutes.
Is Preveli Beach suitable for kids?
Yes, it is. While the water is deep in some parts, there are also shallow areas perfect for kids. The river has small sections ideal for children to play in, though keep in mind the water is cold.
We traveled to Preveli Beach with our toddler and chose a guided tour that took us there by boat, as the hiking trail wasn’t suitable for us. He enjoyed playing in the river, with the rocks, and near the shore. He also had fun running around and exploring the palm tree forest.
Are there any accessibility issues for elderly or disabled visitors?
Elderly or disabled visitors can visit Preveli Beach, but not by hiking from Preveli Monastery due to the rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure. Taking the boat from Plakias is a good option, but it’s best to check in advance with the boat company to ensure it’s safe for elderly and disabled visitors.
Transportation
What are the transportation options for reaching Preveli Beach?
The transportation options for reaching Preveli Beach depend on your travel style and location. You can reach Preveli Beach by car, bus, or with a guided tour.
By car
No matter where you are staying, you can rent a car to visit Preveli Beach and other amazing landmarks in Crete.
We rented a car through Discover Car, which I found to have some of the best options for budget cars. Just make sure you read reviews about the company you are renting from.
Renting a car in Crete was the best decision because it gave us the freedom to plan our own itinerary and fully explore all the places we wanted without the limitations of public transport.
By bus
Of all the transportation methods, the bus isn’t the most comfortable or convenient, as there isn’t a direct route from all the major cities.
However, if you don’t have a car or a driver’s license and don’t want to book a tour, you can choose the bus.
Public transportation can be an adventure in itself, but it requires a bit more planning.
By going with a guided tour
This is a great option even if you have a car. Choosing a guided tour will take all the stress out of planning. If you’re unsure which tour to book, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I will provide helpful recommendations for any budget.
When choosing a tour, look at the number of reviews and the rating. You want a combination of a great rating and a significant number of reviews. This indicates that the tour is popular and highly regarded.
Here are my recommendations:
Getting to Preveli Beach from Rethymno
By car, it’s a 40-minute drive from Rethymno to Preveli Beach. Rethymno is closer to this beach than other major towns like Chania or Heraklion. If you want to skip the hike, you can drive to Plakias and take a boat to Preveli Beach.
There is also a direct bus for those who don’t have a car or don’t want to rent one. The bus will take you to Preveli Monastery, from where you can hike to Preveli Beach. This is the cheapest method to get to Preveli Beach, but it’s the longest way. A bus ticket from Rethymno costs 3-5 euros, and the trip takes approximately 1:30 hours. In comparison, the car trip takes less than half the time.
If you prefer to join an organized tour, there are some great options to book from Rethymno. You can book a tour that goes only to Preveli Beach or one that includes more beaches and landmarks for a full day of fun visits. Check out the previous chapter about guided tours.
Getting to Preveli Beach from Chania
The fastest way to get from Chania to Preveli Beach is by car. The trip takes approximately 1:30 hours to Preveli Monastery.
Regarding public transportation, there isn’t a direct bus from Chania to Preveli Beach, but you can take the bus to Rethymno and then follow the options from there.
How to get to Preveli Beach without a car?
If you don’t have a car, there are other ways to get to Preveli Beach. First, you can use public transportation to reach Plakias Beach and from there take a boat. This, of course, depends on your itinerary and the location of your accommodation.
In my opinion, the best way to visit Preveli Beach without a car is by booking a private tour. To be honest, this is a great option even for people who have a car. This way, you can forget about planning the trip, figuring out the best route, hiking, or buying boat tickets. With the right tour, you will visit Preveli Beach and other amazing landmarks in Crete.
If you are interested, check out this Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge day trip. Our experience with this tour was amazing because, in addition to Preveli Beach, we got to visit two other beautiful beaches and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The bus picked us up from a location very close to our hotel and dropped us off there at the end of the tour.
Find below pictures from our guided tour:
Activities to do at Preveli Beach
What activities can visitors enjoy at Preveli Beach?
Preveli Beach offers various activities, including swimming in the clear waters, snorkeling, and hiking along the coastal trails.
You can, of course, spend time at the beach sunbathing, relaxing, and reading a book, or you can walk around and explore the palm tree forest. I highly recommend bringing your camera or phone because Preveli Beach is one of the most beautiful Instagrammable places in Crete.
If you want a detailed list of all the insta-worthy spots in Rethymno, Crete, then check out my guide.
I would also recommend you hike the hills that are surrounding the beach, because you are going to find one of the best scenic overlooks over the landscape.
Another fun thing to do is to swim in the river, which is a different experience from the sea. Just keep in mind that depending on the weather or the season, the water in the river can be very cold, but also refreshing.
Facilities
Are there any facilities available at Preveli Beach, such as restrooms, showers, or beachside cafes?
There is a beachside café and a restroom available, but they are open only during the high season, from June until September. The café offers snacks and coffee, but keep in mind that everything is overpriced. I recommend bringing your own snacks, water, and other essentials.
We visited Preveli Beach with a guided tour, and our guide also advised us to bring water and other important items. This is another advantage of tours—they will take you to places where you can eat and drink coffee after visiting the beach.
Safety
What safety considerations should visitors be aware of at Preveli Beach?
You need to be cautious when swimming at Preveli Beach because the currents can be strong, especially on windy days. I advise you to have fun and enjoy the water and the beach, but avoid trying anything dangerous.
Additionally, be mindful of the steep cliffs and slippery rocks when exploring the area or entering the sea. For swimming, I recommend wearing proper shoes. I didn’t have any and hurt my knee because I slipped in the water. It wasn’t too serious, but it was painful. So please, don’t be like me and don’t forget your shoes!
Another thing to be cautious about is climbing the steep cliffs framing the beach. The cliffs offer the best scenic overlooks, and I recommend you don’t miss out on those gorgeous views, but please wear proper shoes for hiking (not flip-flops).
Final thoughts about Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach is one of my favorite beaches in Crete, if not in all of Greece. The landscape and location make this beach one of a kind, and it is a must-see while visiting Crete. I hope you find this Preveli Beach travel guide useful. I designed it to be easy to navigate and read. This Preveli Beach travel guide is packed with useful and practical information to help you plan your visit.