Preveli palm Beach & Damnoni Excursion

Exploring Crete’s Hidden Coastal Gems: A Full-Day Tour to Preveli and Damnoni Beaches

If you’re dreaming of visiting Crete’s most photogenic beaches, the Preveli palm beach and Damnoni Beach tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty and relaxed pace. For about $35 per person, you’ll spend around 7 to 9 hours exploring two of the island’s most iconic spots, with the convenience of transportation and a boat ride that promises memorable views. Our experience was marked by the promise of lush palm trees, clear waters, and a leisurely day—plus a few surprises along the way.

What we especially appreciated are two key features: the boat ride from Damnoni to Preveli, which adds a touch of adventure, and the generous free time at each stop, enabling us to swim, stroll, or just soak up the scenery. However, one notable consideration is that public transport options are limited, making this tour a practical choice for those who prefer a guided experience rather than self-driving. This adventure suits travelers who want a hassle-free day with plenty of authentic beach time, especially if they value the scenic journey as much as the destination.

Key Points

• Convenience & Comfort: Private transportation and pickup make for a smooth day.
• Scenic Boat Ride: The boat from Damnoni to Preveli offers stunning views of the coastline.
• Ample Free Time: You’ll have enough hours at each beach to swim, walk, or relax.
• Cultural & Natural Beauty: The palm-lined Preveli Beach features a river and lush greenery.
• Cost-Effective: At under $35, this tour provides a full-day experience that combines transport, scenery, and beach time.
• Potential Drawback: A negative review highlights that sometimes the boat service can be unreliable or delayed, which might impact your schedule.

A Detailed Look at the Crete Beach Day

Starting Point: Rethymno’s Central Charm

The day begins with pickup from Rethymno or nearby areas, ensuring you’re not left to navigate unfamiliar roads or public buses, especially since public transportation options to these beaches are limited. The ride to Damnoni Beach is comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenic drives and maybe even chat with fellow travelers about what awaits.

Damnoni Beach: First Stop and Gateway to the Coast

Arriving at Damnoni Beach, you’ll board a private boat that will whisk you along the coastline to Preveli Beach. This boat ride—though not included in the ticket price—typically lasts some minutes and offers a fresh perspective on Crete’s rugged shoreline. You’ll then enjoy about 2 hours of free time here, which is enough to swim, have a snack, or simply sit back and watch the waves.

One guest recounted waiting for the boat for two hours with no success, and described the surrounding area as “nothing to do at this village,” highlighting that the experience can sometimes be affected by weather or operational delays. This suggests that if your schedule is tight, or if you’re not comfortable with potential uncertainties, you might want to consider this risk.

Preveli Beach: The Lush Oasis

The highlight of the tour is arriving at Preveli Beach, famous for its palm-lined river and natural beauty. Once the boat docks, you’ll have around 3 hours to explore. Many travelers love walking along the river, which is shaded by towering palms—an unusual sight in Mediterranean climates. Swimming in the clear sea or enjoying a coffee at the beach café are common ways to relax.

While the admission ticket to Preveli isn’t included, the experience of strolling through the palm groves or sitting on the sand is priceless. You’ll be able to soak in the scenery, perhaps reflect on the lush greenery contrasted with the rocky shoreline.

Return Journey: Reflecting on a Relaxing Day

After your time at Preveli, the boat takes you back to Damnoni, where you can relax or grab a quick bite before heading back to Rethymno. The entire day is designed for leisurely enjoyment rather than rushing, which is perfect for travelers looking to unwind.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the drive between Rethymno and the beaches. With a maximum group size of 50 travelers, it’s a relatively intimate experience, though during peak times it can feel busier.

Pricing & Value

At $34.70 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transport, boat ride, and free beach time. The cost does not include lunch or the boat ticket itself, so plan to bring some snacks or a picnic. The boat ticket, which is essential for the ride to Preveli, is an extra expense, but it’s manageable.

Duration & Timing

Expect the total experience to last 7 to 9 hours, making it suitable for a full-day adventure but not overly exhausting. You’ll want to start early to maximize your time and avoid the heat of midday.

Considerations

• The boat can sometimes be delayed or canceled due to tides or weather, as noted by one disappointed traveler. Keep this in mind if your schedule is tight or if you’re sensitive to unexpected changes.
• The free time at beaches is generous, but it’s up to you to make the most of it—whether swimming, relaxing, or exploring.

Authentic Experiences & Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews highlight the value of this trip as an affordable way to see some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches without the hassle of driving or organizing your own transport. One reviewer appreciated the “good value for money,” noting that it’s a straightforward, reliable way to get to Preveli, especially if you’re not renting a car.

Conversely, the negative review about waiting and the boat not arriving underscores the importance of patience and flexibility. If you’re someone who prefers guaranteed schedules, this might not be your ideal choice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour caters best to travelers who want a relaxed day at Crete’s stunning beaches without the stress of self-driving. It’s suitable for those who are comfortable with some unpredictability and appreciate the scenic boat ride and ample free time. Families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a hassle-free way to enjoy the coast would find it particularly appealing. However, if you’re on a very tight schedule or dislike uncertain boat operations, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for possible delays.

Final Thoughts

The Preveli palm beach & Damnoni excursion offers a genuine, reasonably priced taste of Crete’s natural beauty. The combination of scenic drives, a boat ride, and plenty of beach time makes it a tempting choice for those seeking a full day of relaxation and visual delight. While the experience can be impacted by weather or operational hiccups, most travelers find it to be a worthwhile and memorable outing.

If you’re craving a day immersed in lush scenery, with the added thrill of a boat trip along the coast, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just remember to bring your patience, some snacks, and perhaps a sense of adventure—Crete’s coast has a way of rewarding those who embrace its unpredictability.

FAQ

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs about $34.70 per person, with additional expenses for the boat ticket and lunch.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something at the beaches.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle offers pickup and drop-off from Rethymno and nearby areas.

How long is the total tour?
Expect approximately 7 to 9 hours, including travel time, beach visits, and free periods at each stop.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The boat ride from Damnoni to Preveli and the chance to relax at both beaches for several hours.

Are there any reviews about the boat ride?
Yes, at least one traveler experienced a two-hour wait for the boat, which was described as rough and dangerous, impacting the schedule.

Can I swim at both beaches?
Absolutely. Both Damnoni and Preveli beaches are popular for swimming and relaxing by the water.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Generally yes, especially if your family enjoys beaches and scenic boat rides. Just be aware of potential delays or weather-related issues.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a hat. Remember, the boat ticket is an extra cost.

Who organizes this tour?
Checkin Creta Travel is the provider, with contact info at +302834052309 or [email protected].

This full-day tour to Preveli and Damnoni beaches makes for a memorable experience, especially if you value scenic transport, natural beauty, and a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for travelers eager to enjoy Crete’s coastline without the complications of self-driving or complicated logistics, though patience might be needed for unpredictable boat operations.