Preveli Beach and Damnoni Beach Full-Day Trip From Chania

Get set for a full-day adventure along Crete’s south coast with the Preveli Beach and Damnoni Beach Full-Day Trip from Chania. Priced at $44.89 per person and lasting approximately 10 hours, this tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxing beach time, and scenic drives. It departs from a variety of central locations in Chania with hotel pickup, making it an accessible choice for visitors staying in Crete’s western region.

This trip is ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty, enjoy walking through lush landscapes, and want to experience some of the island’s most famous beaches. A highlight is the boat ride to Preveli Beach, which enables travelers to see the famous palm forest and river from a different perspective. The tour also visits Damnoni Beach and the charming resort Plakias, giving a good mix of coastal scenery, relaxation, and opportunities for lunch or shopping.

While the tour emphasizes scenic views and natural sites, note that some entrance fees apply, and the pace involves walking and boat rides, making it better suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The professional English-speaking guide helps enhance the experience with local insights, and the air-conditioned transport ensures comfort on the approximately 10-hour journey.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour exploring Preveli Beach, Damnoni Beach, and Kourtaliotis Gorge
• Price of $44.89 per person, including boat tickets and gorge entrance fee
• Starts at 8:40 am with hotel pickup from multiple locations in Chania
• Boat ride from Damnoni to Preveli Beach offers scenic views and tropical forest walks
• Includes stops for lunch in Plakias and visits to natural gorges
• Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and love for nature and beaches

Scenic Crossing of Kourtaliotis Gorge and Gorge Views

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the wild Kourtaliotis Gorge. As the bus crosses the gorge, travelers enjoy panoramic views of the rugged landscape that surrounds Crete’s south coast. The guide points out the rock formations and lush greenery along the route, setting the tone for a day immersed in natural beauty.

At the gorge, travelers can walk down to the springs and waterfalls that flow toward Preveli Beach, offering a close-up view of the area’s unique environment. Expect to spend some time exploring this lush, rocky landscape before heading to the beaches.

The gorge crossing is a highlight for fans of dramatic scenery, providing impressive photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the island’s geological features. The entrance fee for Kourtaliotiko Gorge is €5 per person, payable on site.

Relaxing at Preveli Beach with Palm Forest and River

Preveli Beach is celebrated for its unique scenery — a combination of sandy shoreline, green river, and palm forests. After a short walk down from the gorge and the boat ride, visitors get to enjoy this iconic spot. The palm trees grow right along the riverbank, creating a tropical atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding rocky landscape.

The water at Preveli is crystal clear, and the beach provides enough space for sunbathing and swimming. The river flowing into the Libyan Sea offers a refreshing spot for a dip, especially in warm weather. Travelers have free time to relax, take photos, or stroll through the greenery before heading back to Damnoni beach.

Boat Ride to Preveli Beach from Damnoni

A key feature of this tour is the boat trip from Damnoni Beach. The boat takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Preveli, allowing travelers to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the lush environment along the way.

The boat ride is a relaxed experience and offers a different perspective of the area, emphasizing the tropical forest and river delta. After arriving at Preveli, travelers can explore the famous palm forest, walk along the river, or simply relax on the beach. The boat ticket costs €15 per person, payable on the day.

Discovering Damnoni Beach and Its Natural Surroundings

Damnoni Beach is a wide, sandy stretch protected by high surrounding mountains, making it a peaceful spot for sunbathing and swimming. It’s the departure point for the boat to Preveli, but it’s also a lovely destination on its own for some leisure time.

Visitors can enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, or stroll along the shore. The beach’s natural setting makes it perfect for a quiet break, especially after the boat trip. You can also take a short hike through the nearby tropical forest for those interested in exploring further.

Lunch Break in Plakias and Optional Shopping

After the morning’s excursions, the tour makes a stop at the small resort of Plakias. Situated in a natural bay, Plakias offers a relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy lunch, browse local shops, or take another swim. The visit to Plakias provides a chance to unwind and soak in the local vibe of this peaceful coastal town.

This stop is flexible enough to allow for some personal exploration, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing by the water before continuing the journey back through the scenic Kotsifou Gorge.

Scenic Drive Through Kotsifou Gorge and Return Journey

On the way back to Chania, the tour passes through the impressive Kotsifou Gorge, a rugged area with striking rock formations and lush scenery. This drive offers a final taste of Crete’s diverse landscapes before heading back to the starting point.

The return journey takes approximately 30 minutes after the Plakias stop, completing the roughly 10-hour day. The tour provides a comfortable ride back in the air-conditioned vehicle, with the guide sharing insights about the region.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

The tour starts at 8:40 am with hotel pickup from various locations including Halepa, Chania center, Daratso, Stalo, Ag Marina, Platania, Maleme, Kolybari, Kalyves, and Almyrida. The transport is air-conditioned, and a professional guide speaks in English to enhance the experience.

Included in the tour are the boat ticket (€15) and gorge entrance fee (€5). The admission tickets are paid on-site, and the tour is capped at 50 participants, ensuring a comfortable group size.

Note that food and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase lunch in Plakias. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as walking and light hiking are part of the experience.

Honest Look at the Tour’s Strengths and Limitations

The scenic crossing of Kourtaliotis Gorge and the boat ride to Preveli are standout features, appealing to visitors who want an active, nature-focused day. The guides are praised for their expertise and helpful attitude, making the experience informative and smooth.

However, the tour involves multiple steps, including walking, boat trips, and short hikes, which might be challenging for some travelers. The entrance fees for the gorge and the boat ticket are additional costs, so budget accordingly. The 10-hour length requires good stamina, especially in warm weather.

This tour excels for those who love nature, beaches, and scenic drives, and for anyone wanting a comprehensive day of exploring Crete’s southern coastline with minimal planning.

Preveli Beach and Damnoni Beach Full-Day Trip from Chania: Final Thoughts

This guided tour offers a well-rounded experience of Crete’s south coast, combining breathtaking landscapes, natural gorges, and famous beaches. The boat ride adds a special touch, giving a unique view of the lush environment.

While the pace can be busy, the natural beauty and scenic stops make it worthwhile for those with an interest in outdoor activities and coastal scenery. The professional guide helps make the day enjoyable and educational.

This tour is a solid choice for visitors seeking a day immersed in Crete’s stunning landscapes, especially if they enjoy moderate physical activity and want to see Preveli’s famous palm forest without the hassle of organizing transport and entry fees themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price of $44.89 per person includes hotel pickup, transportation, the boat ticket (€15), and the gorge entrance fee (€5). Food and drinks are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:40 am, with most of the day spent exploring beaches, gorges, and scenic drives.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, including walking and hiking. It is suitable for children with moderate fitness levels who enjoy outdoor adventures.

Do I need to pay additional fees at the stops?
Yes, entrance to Kourtaliotis Gorge (€5) and the boat ticket (€15) are paid on-site, in addition to the tour price.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and swimwear if you plan to swim. Food and drinks are not provided, so consider bringing a snack or purchasing lunch in Plakias.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate fully. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a reschedule or full refund.