Preveli Beach and Plakias Full-Day Trip From Rethymno

Exploring Crete’s south coast becomes effortless with the Preveli Beach and Plakias Full-Day Trip from Rethymno. Priced at $28.91 per person, this tour offers a full 10-hour experience that combines scenic drives, relaxing beaches, and a boat trip to the iconic Preveli Beach. The journey includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making logistics straightforward, especially with the air-conditioned vehicle that transports travelers between stops. The guide, speaking English and German, ensures a smooth and informative day. While food and drinks are at your own expense, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters and visit renowned spots like Kourtaliotis Gorge makes this tour a practical choice for those seeking a comprehensive Crete day trip without the hassle of driving.

Most bookings are made about 23 days in advance, indicating strong interest and trust in this well-organized tour. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, relaxation, and some light walking, as the trip involves walking down to springs and waterfalls at the gorge. The boat ride to Preveli Beach is an optional extra, adding a touch of adventure to the day, with the boat ticket purchased separately. This tour primarily suits those who enjoy scenic landscapes, swimming, and exploring multiple beaches in a single day, all at an accessible price point.

Key Points

• Full-day Crete tour covering beaches, gorge, waterfalls, and scenic drives
• Includes hotel transfers from Rethymno to simplify logistics
• Visit Preveli Beach via a boat trip, with optional access
• Swim and relax at Damnoni Beach and Plakias
• Walking down to Kourtaliotis Gorge reveals waterfalls and springs
• Price of $28.91 per person, with optional boat ticket extra

The Pickup and Transportation: Stress-Free Travel Experience

This tour starts with hotel pick-up within several areas around Rethymno, including Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, and Rethymno town. Pickup times are communicated via email, typically beginning up to 60 minutes before the tour’s start, allowing for a smooth start. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps maintain a comfortable atmosphere.

Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the approximately 10-hour trip. The route includes a scenic drive through Kotsifou Gorge on the return journey, offering dramatic landscapes and a peaceful end to the day. This organized transport is a key feature, removing the need for self-driving and parking at busy destinations.

Exploring Preveli Beach: A Unique Natural Setting

The highlight of the trip is Preveli Beach, famous for its combination of sandy shoreline and lush river flanked by palm trees. Travelers arrive at the beach after a 30-minute boat trip (extra cost), which offers a chance to enjoy the choppy waters and scenic views en route. Once on land, visitors have time to swim, relax in the sun, and explore the tropical surroundings.

The spring and waterfalls flowing toward the river are accessible via a walk down to the gorge, offering views of waterfalls and the riverbed, which are described as peaceful and beautiful. This setting is ideal for those looking to combine beach time with nature walks.

Damnoni Beach: A Perfect Spot for Swimming and Sunbathing

The tour continues to Damnoni Beach, a sandy stretch where travelers can enjoy swimming in the Libyan Sea. This beach is the starting point for the boat transfer to Preveli, and after the boat ride, visitors can sunbathe or take a short hike through tropical forest. The crystal-clear waters make it an inviting spot for a quick dip.

The boat ride back to Damnoni allows for more scenic views, and the proximity of the beach makes it easy to do some shopping or grab a snack before heading to the next stops.

Lunch in Plakias: Casual Dining and Shopping

One of the more flexible parts of the tour is lunch in Plakias, a small resort town situated in a natural bay. The tour includes about two hours here, giving travelers ample time to do some shopping, enjoy a traditional meal at their own expense, and swim again in the turquoise waters.

The town’s setting in a natural bay makes it a serene spot for relaxing and soaking in the seaside atmosphere. While the lunch itself is not included, the free time enables a laid-back experience before heading back into the scenic landscapes.

The Return Journey Through Kotsifou Gorge

On the way back to Rethymno, the tour follows a different route, passing through Kotsifou Gorge, which features dramatic rock formations and peaceful surroundings. This scenic drive offers a relaxing end to the day, showcasing more of Crete’s natural beauty away from the busy beaches.

While this part of the trip is primarily a transit experience, the landscape views are a noteworthy highlight for nature lovers.

Optional Boat Trip to Preveli Beach

Access to Preveli Beach by boat is an exciting option but requires purchasing a separate ticket. The boat ride is known for being quite choppy, which might be a consideration for travelers sensitive to rough waters. If you opt in, the trip lasts about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the coastline.

This boat portion adds a sense of adventure to the day, but it’s important to note that the boat ticket is not included in the basic tour price.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves some walking, especially down to Kourtaliotis Gorge, which features more than 200 steps to descend to the waterfalls and springs. Travelers should be comfortable with moderate walking and stairs. The tour suits most healthy travelers, but those with mobility concerns may find some parts challenging.

There is no mention of specific accessibility features, so it’s best for those with mobility issues to consider their limitations before booking.

Cost Breakdown and Additional Expenses

The main cost of $28.91 covers transportation, guide, and stops like Damnoni Beach and Plakias. The boat ride to Preveli is optional and must be purchased separately. No meals are included in the price, so visitors should plan for lunch at their own expense in Plakias.

Personal expenses such as shopping or souvenirs are not included, and entrance fees for Kourtaliotis Gorge are not covered.

The Experience from the Guides: Well-Organized and Informative

According to reviews, the guides are praised for being knowledgeable and making sure everyone knows the schedule. The timings are well communicated, and the tour maintains a good pace. Some reviews mention the guides’ friendly attitude, which enhances the overall experience.

However, there are rare reports of communication issues regarding pickup times, so travelers should ensure they confirm their hotel details and arrive promptly.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, beach relaxation, and light hiking. It offers excellent value for those wanting to see multiple beaches and natural sights without the stress of self-driving. Those interested in swimming, scenic drives, and gorge walks will find plenty to enjoy here.

It is less ideal for travelers seeking luxurious meals or extensive guided commentary, as food and entrance fees are extra, and some walking is involved. The boat trip to Preveli adds an extra layer of adventure for willing participants.

Final Thoughts on the Preveli Beach and Plakias Full-Day Trip

This tour from Rethymno provides a comprehensive glimpse of Crete’s south coast, with highlights including Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias. Its affordable price and inclusion of hotel transfers make it accessible and convenient. The scenic drives through gorges, combined with beach time and a boat ride, create a well-balanced day.

While some parts involve walking and optional expenses, the overall experience offers stunning views, relaxing beaches, and a taste of local natural beauty. Travelers looking for a full day of outdoor exploration without the hassle of planning transportation will find this tour a practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for select areas, and the journey takes place in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I access Preveli Beach by car?
No, access to Preveli Beach is primarily via boat, which is an optional extra. The tour itself provides a scenic drive to the area.

What should I bring for the trip?
Travelers should bring a swimming suit, comfortable shoes for walking, and personal expenses for lunch and shopping.

Are there any specific restrictions for the gorge walk?
The walk down to Kourtaliotis Gorge involves more than 200 steps, so it requires a moderate level of fitness and comfort with stairs.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by PLATANOS TOURS, with contact at +306946041330 or [email protected].