From Rethymno: Preveli Palm Forest, Damnoni and Plakias Tour

If you’re looking to experience some of Crete’s most iconic landscapes in one day, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of nature’s beauty along the southern coast. Starting from Rethymno, you’ll visit Preveli Beach with its famous lagoon and palm trees, enjoy a boat trip to Palm Beach, and explore the dramatic Kourtaliotis Gorge. The day also includes a relaxing stop in Damnoni and a lively visit to Plakias for lunch and local shopping. A knowledgeable guide, comfortable transport, and plenty of scenic stops make this a popular choice—rated 4.2 out of 5 by 24 travelers.

We love the fact that this tour combines stunning scenery, like waterfalls and rocky cliffs, with more relaxed moments on sandy beaches. The highlight for many is the boat ride to Palm Beach, which offers a different perspective of the coastline and a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. Another plus is the visit to Preveli’s lush palm forest, which feels like stepping into a postcard.

A possible drawback is the duration—eight hours can feel a bit full, especially if you prefer more leisure time at each stop. Also, the cost of extras like the boat ticket isn’t included in the base price, so be prepared for some additional expenses.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, scenery, and small towns. It’s particularly ideal for those who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of arranging multiple transports or guides themselves. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want to squeeze in the highlights of Crete’s southern coast, this trip might be perfect.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Preveli, Damnoni, Plakias, and Kourtaliotis Gorge.
• Scenic boat ride offers unique views and a chance to swim in the Libyan Sea.
• Beautiful landscapes with waterfalls, lush forests, and rocky cliffs.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off from many Rethymno locations.
• Additional costs for boat tickets and incidental expenses.
• Suitable for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and a bit of travel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Crete’s Southern Coast: An In-Depth Review

This tour from Rethymno is designed to give you a broad brushstroke of Crete’s southern coast, blending beaches, gorges, and charming villages into one memorable day. We’ll walk through each stop, share what you might expect, and consider whether it’s the right trip for you.

Starting Point and Transportation

The day begins with a pickup from one of 12 designated locations around Rethymno, including places like Sfakaki, Perivolia, and Platanias. The tour uses a modern, fully air-conditioned bus, making the roughly one-hour drive comfortable and stress-free. The professional driver and English-speaking guide (who can also speak French or German) help keep the atmosphere friendly and informative.

What we appreciate here is the convenience of pickup from multiple spots, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. It’s worth noting that for those in Kavros or Georgioupoli, a small extra fee applies, so budget accordingly.

Scenic Drive and First Stops

After departure, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through Crete’s mountainous terrain, setting the stage for the day’s natural wonders. The first real highlight is the water taxi ride to Preveli Beach, a charming way to get to the lagoon while avoiding longer walks or crowded buses. The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes, offering lovely views of the coastline.

Preveli Beach: The Jewel of the Day

Once at Preveli, you’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to explore. This beach is famous for its sandy shores, the lush palm forest, and the river that flows into the lagoon. The scenery here is truly captivating—rocky cliffs tower over the water, and the palm trees provide inviting shade.

Many reviews echo the beauty of Preveli, with visitors remarking on the “magnificent lagoon” and the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. The short walk through the forest adds a bit of adventure, and those who’ve visited note that this part of the trip is a real highlight.

One traveler mentioned that Preveli alone would be worth the trip, though they acknowledged the overall experience was still satisfying. Keep in mind that swimming is optional, but the calm waters make for a relaxing experience.

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Return to Damnoni and Exploring More Beaches

Next, a water taxi back to Damnoni offers an additional scenic perspective, enabling more time for swimming or relaxing on the sand. The stop here lasts about 2 hours, providing a good chance to soak up some sun, take photos, or simply unwind.

Damnoni’s beach is less crowded than Preveli, with a laid-back vibe perfect for a relaxing break. Some reviews mention that the guide could offer more insider tips, but overall, the experience is straightforward and enjoyable.

Lunch and the Town of Plakias

After more beach time, the tour heads to the small town of Plakias, about 20 minutes away. Here, you’ll have around 2 hours to explore, eat, shop, or swim. The town offers local tavernas and cafes, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch—though food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so bring cash for your meal and any extra snacks or sunbeds.

Many travelers appreciate this stop as a chance to experience local life and enjoy authentic Greek flavors. The added bonus is the opportunity for some retail therapy or a quick walk along the waterfront.

Kourtaliotis Gorge: Breathtaking Scenery

The last major stop is the Kourtaliotis Gorge, a stunning natural feature carved into Crete’s landscape. You’ll stop for approximately 10 minutes to take photos and admire the waterfalls and rocky terrain. This is a brief but powerful visual highlight—particularly enjoyable for lovers of dramatic scenery.

Return Journey

The final stretch involves a 50-minute bus ride back to Rethymno, with the possibility of a few extra scenic stops along the way if time allows. This full day of adventure wraps up with drop-offs at your hotel or nearby locations.

The Value of the Experience

This tour offers good value for those looking to see a variety of Crete’s natural attractions without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. The all-inclusive nature—bus, guide, and boat—reduces stress, and the scenic routes provide plenty of photo opportunities.

The guides’ friendly demeanor and the smooth transportation make for a comfortable experience, especially for travelers not wanting to worry about navigating on their own. Still, some reviews wish for more insider commentary—a missed opportunity to learn deeper stories behind these beautiful spots.

Price and Extras

While the base cost covers most transportation and guidance, boat tickets cost about 13 euros and are not included upfront. Be prepared to carry some cash to fully enjoy the day. The overall pricing reflects the convenience and access to key sights, but if you’re on a tight budget, consider whether you’re comfortable with the additional expenses.

Who This Tour Is For

Ideal for nature lovers and those who want a full day of scenic highlights without the stress of organizing transport or multiple bookings. It caters well to travelers who appreciate beautiful landscapes, peaceful beaches, and small towns. If you prefer a leisurely pace or more time at each stop, this might feel a little rushed; however, if you love seeing a lot in one day, it’s a smart pick.

The Sum Up

This Rethymno-based tour offers a well-rounded experience of Crete’s southern coast, blending beach relaxing, stunning gorges, and scenic boat rides. The highlights—Preveli’s lagoon and palms, the waterfalls of Kourtaliotis Gorge, and the lively town of Plakias—are sure to satisfy travelers eager for natural beauty and authentic sights.

While the full-day schedule might be a bit intense for some, it packs enough variety to make the effort worthwhile. The scenic drives, friendly guides, and beautifully diverse stops make it a strong choice for those wanting an overview of Crete’s southern coast with minimal fuss.

If your priority is seeing iconic beaches and landscapes, and you’re comfortable with a packed itinerary, this tour offers great value. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager to check off several must-see spots in one go—just remember to bring cash for extras and be prepared for a busy day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting with pickup in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You should bring cash if you want to buy lunch, snacks, or extras like sunbeds.

How much does the boat ticket cost?
The boat ticket costs about 13 euros and is paid separately on the day of the tour.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup locations include several spots around Rethymno, such as Rethymno town, Platanias, and Perivolia. Exact details are provided after booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, generally suitable, but keep in mind the full day might be tiring for very young children. The boat ride and walking through the forest are generally manageable.

Can I swim during the stops?
Yes, swimming is encouraged at Preveli Beach and Damnoni, both known for their clear waters.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for boat tickets and meals, sunscreen, a hat, water, and possibly a towel or swimwear.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most stops involve walking or standing, particularly at the beaches and gorge. Check with the provider if you have specific mobility concerns.

Are there any restrictions?
Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus, and the boat tickets are not included in the price.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made online, with flexible options to reserve now and pay later. Make sure to share your hotel details for pickup arrangements.

Embark on this journey for a slice of Crete’s scenic treasures, and enjoy the natural beauty that makes this island so special.

You can check availability for your dates here: