One of the most famous beaches of Crete is probably the Preveli palm beach.
Its palm forest (palm Phoenix theophrasti), the all year round water in the Libyan Sea from the incoming flow Megas Potamos , the wonderful clear and refreshing seawater, the adventurous way here via 350 steps or dusty roads …. All these add to the appeal.
In its current form this landscape was created about 3-4 million years ago, it sank as wide coastal land in Plakias and Preveli into the sea; its ecosystem promoted an exotic paradise full of life. Fossils and bones of giant tortoises, crocodiles, squirrels, wild boars, antelopes and many other animals have been discovered in the area of the Preveli palm beach and witness the unique and from ancient times touching biodiversity of Crete.
Preveli palm beach – Useful information
Directions by car :
- Between the monasteries Kato Preveli and Preveli, turn on the cliffs to the left is a small road that leads to the large and daytime guarded parking lot above the beach Preveli. Here you pay 2€ per vehicle parking fees (the plot is the property of the monastery Preveli) and may then take the 350 steps down into the beach; the views of the Libyan sea is magnificent. (See Google map)
- Dirt road and 20 minutes easily walk: before the monastery Kato Preveli at the stone bridge, turn left, then right again and the riverbed along the sea ride to the tavern / Rooms to let “Dionyssos”, park here the car and walk over the hill to Preveli beach . (See Google map)
Crossing by boat from the village of Plakias (boats are offered also from Agia Galini):
- Departure from Plakias daily (but depends on the wind and the request) at 10.30 clock, return from beach Preveli at about 15.00 clock.
- In midsummer, possibly a second boat is used with other departure times, the crossing takes about 40 minutes. Information about the boat trips at the / Bar “Smerna” Café at the port in Plakias. (See attached map)
Cost of the cruise: 15€ per person all / retour (Summer 2013) - At the beach you find a café / tavern, no sun chairs, no umbrellas and no pedal boat rentals (not anymore). The many Tamarisk trees provide plenty of shade.
My recommendation: combine this trip with a visit to the nearby sites:
- The Preveli Monasteries
- Preveli International Memorial for Resistance & Peace
- Plakias – between mountain peaks, beaches and monasteries
