From Rethymno: Exotic Preveli Palms, Damnioni & Plakia Beach

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $19 per person and lasts approximately 9 hours.
• Highlights: Includes visits to Preveli Palm Forest, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias, with boat rides and a scenic drive through Kourtaliotis Gorge.
• Transport and Guides: Travel is in an air-conditioned bus with a professional driver and experienced guides available in English and German.
• Activities: Features a 20-minute boat cruise to Preveli Beach, free time for swimming, sunbathing, and optional snorkeling.
• Food and Drinks: Enjoy Cretan cuisine at a seaside tavern in Plakias; Damnoni Beach has rental umbrellas and tavernas.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users but provides hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.

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Exploring South Crete’s Natural Treasures from Rethymno

This 9-hour tour from Rethymno offers a compact yet comprehensive look at Crete’s southern coastline, featuring three standout locations: Preveli Palm Forest, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias. For $19 per person, travelers receive an affordable way to discover some of the island’s most photogenic spots, complemented by boat rides, scenic drives, and opportunities for swimming and relaxing. Though the tour spans a full day, its well-paced itinerary ensures visitors experience each site without feeling rushed.

A notable strength of this tour is its combination of natural beauty and local flavor, with a traditional tavern in Plakias serving Cretan cuisine and stops for photo opportunities like the stunning Kourtaliotis Gorge. While the tour is designed primarily for relaxation and sightseeing, the timing and crowd management also get praise, ensuring a smooth experience even on busy days.

The Scenic Route Along Crete’s South Coast

The tour departs from three pickup locations: Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, and Rethymno, with hotel pickup included. The journey begins with a bus ride of approximately 80 minutes to the southern coast, setting the tone with views of the lush scenery along the way. The scenic drive through Kourtaliotis Gorge, which includes a brief photo stop, highlights the rugged beauty of Crete’s landscape.

Travelers appreciate how the bus provides air conditioning and an expert guide, making the long drive comfortable and informative. The drive prepares visitors for the upcoming stops and adds extra scenic moments to the day.

Damnoni Beach: Relaxation in a Greek Resort Setting

The tour’s first beach stop is Damnoni Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. Here, guests get about two hours to swim, sunbathe, or explore the coastline. Damnoni Beach is equipped with rental umbrellas and sunbeds, making it easy to settle in comfortably. Several Greek tavernas and vendors offer snacks and drinks, including hot dogs and gyros, for those seeking refreshments.

Plus, a 20-minute boat cruise takes visitors from Damnoni to Preveli Beach, adding an element of adventure and unique views of the coastline. The boat ride offers a peaceful journey across the Libyan Sea, with opportunities to snorkel and appreciate the scenery.

Preveli Palm Forest Beach and Its Tropical Charm

The highlight of this tour is the visit to Preveli Beach, renowned for its palm forest and sandy shores. The 20-minute boat ride transports guests to this unique environment, surrounded by lush palm trees and rocky cliffs. Each visit typically lasts about two hours, allowing plenty of time to swim, walk along the beach, or snorkel in the clear waters.

Preveli offers a blend of nature and tranquility not commonly found in the Mediterranean, with a tavern and shop on-site. Visitors should note that no sunbeds or umbrellas are available for rent here, but natural shade and showers are accessible. Many appreciate the early arrival that avoids crowds and ensures a peaceful experience.

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Return to Damnoni Beach and Additional Leisure Time

After exploring Preveli, travelers are returned by boat to Damnoni Beach for an additional two hours of relaxing or swimming. This second session allows for more sunbathing, refreshing swims, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery. The timing of the boat trips and stops is praised for being well-managed, giving enough time at each location without feeling overly rushed.

Guests often mention the smooth boat transfers and the scenic views along the way as highlights of this part of the journey.

Lunch and Leisure in Plakias Village

From Damnoni, the tour moves to Plakias, a charming seaside village. Visitors have around 75 minutes to enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local tavern, where Cretan specialties are served in a relaxed setting. The village is ideal for strolling, shopping, and soaking up the laid-back ambiance.

Plakias is known for its scenic seaside views, inviting visitors to take a walk along the shore or sit at a café in the shade. The village extends the experience of Crete’s casual seaside lifestyle, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a busy morning of sightseeing and swimming.

Kotsifou Gorge and Scenic Drive Back

The final scenic stop is Kotsifou Canyon, which offers beautiful views and a photo opportunity. The 10-minute stop allows visitors to capture images of the rugged terrain and lush surroundings before the journey back to Rethymno.

The return bus ride lasts approximately 50 minutes, completing a day filled with natural wonders and relaxing moments. This scenic drive provides one last chance to enjoy Crete’s impressive landscapes before concluding the tour.

Practical Information and What’s Included

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional drivers, and air-conditioned transportation. An experienced guide provides commentary in English and German, enriching the experience with insights about each location.

The price covers all legal taxes, with optional boat cruise tickets costing €13 for adults (over 11), €6.50 for children (4-10), and free for infants up to 4 years. Note that lunch and personal expenses are not included, giving travelers flexibility to choose their own meals or snacks.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers excellent value, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and facilities. Also, Preveli Beach does not offer rental sunbeds or umbrellas, so visitors should consider bringing own snacks or shade if desired.

Some reviews suggest that time at certain stops, like Plakias, can feel longer than necessary on windy days, and crowds at Preveli may make the experience less peaceful if arriving later in the day.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This budget-friendly tour appeals to travelers seeking a day of relaxed exploration of Crete’s southern coast, with a mix of beaches, scenic drives, and local culture. It’s best suited for those comfortable with short boat rides, moderate walking, and outdoor activities. Visitors who prefer more luxurious amenities or full accessibility may want to explore other options. Overall, it offers a great snapshot of Crete’s natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations around Rethymno.

How long is the boat ride to Preveli Beach?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 20 minutes each way, connecting Damnoni and Preveli.

Can I snorkel at Preveli?
Yes, snorkeling is available during the free time at Preveli Beach.

Are sunbeds and umbrellas available at Preveli?
No, Preveli offers no rental umbrellas or sunbeds; bringing your own shade or snacks is recommended.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is time to enjoy Cretan cuisine at a local tavern in Plakias.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and facilities.

This well-priced, scenic tour from Rethymno provides a beautiful day along Crete’s south coast, with timed visits, scenic views, and opportunities to relax at some of Crete’s most picturesque beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby