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Kerames, a village situated 49km south of Rethymno, neighbors the village of Agalianos. It is surrounded by stunning beaches to its south, including the well-known beaches of Akoumiani Gialia, such as Ligres, Triopetra, and Agios Pavlos sandhills. Keramiani Giulia, or Keramean Beach, lies to the north of Akoumiani Gialia, its name derived from the nearby village.
A somewhat dilapidated asphalt road leads to Keramiani Gialia, ending near the local harbour of Agia Fotini, also referred to as Agia Fotia. To the southeast of Agia Fotini, the primary beaches of Keramiani Gialia are located. A well-maintained dirt track from Agia Fotini leads to these beaches, the first being Podare. With its coarse sand and rocky areas, Podare is perfect for activities like fishing and snorkelling. Despite being an unorganized beach, it offers rental rooms for visitors.
After leaving Podare, a simple dirt road heads eastward, taking you past a large hill to a parking area situated near more rental rooms. Here, the road ends, and the beach on your right, Glima, begins. This sandy, secluded, and unorganized beach offers total privacy.
Continuing eastward on foot for about 100m, a towering sandhill becomes visible to your left. Pahia Ammos, or Coarse Sand, lies in front of the sandhill and provides an ideal spot for those seeking complete seclusion.
Pahia Ammos means “thick sand” in Greek.
Yes, Pahia Ammos is a secluded beach located in the south of Crete, away from the main tourist areas.
Pahia Ammos is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The Pahia Ammos, Kerames is also ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding area.
There are a few small hotels and apartments near Pahia Ammos, but they are limited in number. Most visitors prefer to stay in nearby villages and towns.
The best time to visit Pahia Ammos is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the Pahia Ammos, Kerames can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The water colour of the Pahia Ammos, Kerames is blue.
The Pahia Ammos, Kerames has sand, with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Pahia Ammos, Kerames is normal.
The sea surface at the Pahia Ammos, Kerames is usually wavy.
The Pahia Ammos, Kerames crowds are quiet.
The Pahia Ammos, Kerames has accommodation options and food/water nearby.
The Pahia Ammos, Kerames can be accessed via a dirt track or walking.
The Pahia Ammos, Kerames is nudism friendly, ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing, and has rock shade.
Find below list of things to do near Pahia Ammos, Kerames:
This is the trip to the treasure of the South Coast. In the morning, our bus will pick you up and drive you to a small bay from where a boat will carry us to the beautiful beach of Preveli in the Libyan Sea. At the beach, you will see a natural palm forest,
falls and a riverside. Everything around you makes you feel that you are on a tropical island. on the way back, we will pass the Kourtaliotiko Gorge with the pretty little churches built into the cliff.
Discover Preveli on this Land Rover safari from Rethymno. Admire the beautiful scenery, taste locally-produced raki, take a swim, and explore the palm forest at Preveli before returning to Rethymno.
Benefit from pickup at your hotel. Start by taking in a breathtaking view of the Prasses Gorge. Look for resident wildlife, including the impressive vultures that live in the gorge. Continue to the Potamon Dam and admire the small church built by the lake as a reminder of the importance of religion on the island.
Pass through typical villages, such as Karines and Spili and learn about the local customs and habits. Savor an authentic raki produced in the village along with other specialties at a traditional tavern overlooking the Libyan Sea. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Preveli and explore the palm forest.
Feel the wind in your hair as you get back to nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. End with a panoramic view of Rethymno before drop off at your hotel.
On this unforgettable beach tour we visit the south of Crete and the beautiful beach Preveli . Our route starts around 08:00 in the morning from Heraklion areas, pick up service near the hotel.
Preveli is an idyllic and incredibly beautiful beach, where we have free time to enjoy a splendid swim in the crystal clear water of the Libyan Sea, to sunbathe and relax as well as to undertake an adventurous walk through the tropical palm tree forest or have a coffee.
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge, where the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows.
About 20:00 we will be back at Heraklion.
There are 3 options from which you can choose:
-Preveli Palm Beach
-Preveli Palm Beach & Rethymno City
-Preveli Palm Beach – Damnoni Beach & Rethymno City
Enjoy a full-day excursion from Heraklion to Preveli Beach on a bus trip with a local guide. Discover South Crete’s Grand River, Kourtaliotikos Gorge, and a colony of Theophrastus palm trees.
Sunbathe on the sandy beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, watch for wildlife, or hike regional trails.
Begin your tour with a bus ride from the north coast to Preveli Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise Mediterranean water or stroll the sandy beaches.
Look for a rock shaped like a heart, known as The Stone of Lovers, and marvel at the steep cliffs and misty hilltops of nearby Kourtaliotikos Gorge.
Continue your tour by hiking along the banks of the Grand River to discover the Forest full of Theophrastus palm trees. Hike further up the river trail to a canyon and beach where you can further swim, hike, or sunbathe, before heading back down the path to the bus and returning to Heraklion.
Preveli is a famous beach on the south side of Crete Island. The local legend says that the mythological king Odysseus stopped in Preveli on the way to his homeland, Ithaka. What makes Preveli beach so famous is the palm forest surrounding the river, which comes from a gorge and ends up in the sea. The exotic beauty of nature attracted in the 60s and 70s hippies from around the globe who used to live here and make huts under the palm trees. Due to the sensitivity of nature around Preveli Beach, the area is protected by the Natura 2000, and it is a natural reserve.
Kourtaliotiko gorge is believed to have been used as a natural fortress by the ancient Minoans, who lived on the island of Crete more than 4,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the gorge was used as a route for transporting goods between the towns of Plakias and Koxare.In modern times, Kourtaliotiko gorge has become a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to explore its rugged landscape and take in the stunning views. The gorge is also a
popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and photography. Despite its popularity, the gorge remains an important part of the local culture and traditions, and efforts are being made to preserve its natural beauty and cultural significance for future generations.
Damnoni beach in an idyllic bay just a few kilometres from the more famous resort of Plakias. It is about 35 km south of the city of Rethymno, on the southern coast of the island, on the southern coast of the island. The beach of Damnoni is backed by mountains and closed in by splendid rock formations, with white sand and turquoise waters.Another advantage of visiting Damnoni is that it is relatively uncrowded for most of the year.
Get off the road and out into the wilderness of southwest Crete on this 8-hour Land Rover safari of stunning mountains and remote beaches. A professional driver will navigate the difficult terrain, taking you to places inaccessible to other vehicles, while teaching you about Cretan culture.
The day starts with a drive through the wilderness, up to high altitudes, where you will get aerial views of the magnificent gorges. Look out for vultures and eagles high above. Pass through small traditional villages full of character, and make a brief stop for coffee at one of the remote mountain villages.
Back in the vehicle, drive through the mountains to the village of Spili, famous for its spring water. Located under the shadow of Mount Vorizi, the village has a Venetian fountain with a row of more than 25 lion heads supplying cold mountain water all year round. Stroll around the small shops selling handmade souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
Continue along dirt tracks and bumpy roads through more villages, where time has virtually stood still. Passing Kerame, guests will see panoramic views of the southern Cretan coast and the Libyan Sea.
Stop for a swim at Preveli Beach to wash off the dirt and dust. Fringed with tall palm trees and boasting crystal clear water, Preveli is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, and was chosen by Bacardi as an ideal location for its TV adverts. It is also the only beach in Crete where you can swim in cold mountain water or ocean water in the same place!
Working up an appetite, walk back from the beach and stop for a traditional Cretan meal with unlimited wine. After lunch, drive back into the mountains for more dramatic scenery, and more photos as you climb through the stunning Gorge of Kroustaliotico.
As you head back towards the end of the tour, look at a magnificent panorama of the entire city of Rethymno from the top of a mountain that can only be reached by Land Rover.
Find below the list of hotels near Pahia Ammos, Kerames:
Located on a slope, right above Agia Fotini Beach in South Rethymno, Kionia Apartments enjoys unobstructed views over the Libyan Sea. It offers self-catering units with free wired internet and a private balcony overlooking the sea, the garden or the surrounding area.
The studios and apartments of Kionia feature a kitchenette or a fully-equipped kitchen with dining area. Each unit comes with a fridge and an electric kettle, while the apartments also include a stove and microwave. A safe, a CD player and an LCD TV with satellite and cable channels are available. Some units come with a fireplace.
Guests will find a restaurant within a short walk from Kionia Apartments. Rethymno Town and Port is at 40 km, while the famous beach of Preveli with its palm trees is 13 km away. The village of Kerame is at 3 km. Free private parking can be found on site.
from
€78
/night
Featuring mountain views and a garden, Panstel Bungalows in Kerames Rethymno features accommodation ideally set in Kerames, within a short distance of Katsouni Beach, Agia Fotia Beach and Ligres Beach.
Every unit has a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 38 km from the campground, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 104 km from Panstel Bungalows in Kerames Rethymno.
from
€81
/night
Featuring mountain views, VILLA SISSY offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around less than 1 km from Katsouni Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. A private beach area is available on site.
Ligres Beach is 1.5 km from VILLA SISSY, while Agia Fotia Beach is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 105 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€124
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a balcony, Endless Blue Beachfront Villa! is situated in Kerames. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Agia Fotia Beach is 1.9 km from the villa, while Kefala Beach is 2.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 100 km from Endless Blue Beachfront Villa!, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Just 30 metres from the beach, in Kerames of Rethymno, Chrysa Villa offers self-catering accommodation with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea. It is set amidst a blossomed terrace with sun loungers and offers free internet access via USB stick in all areas on request.
Opening to a balcony and a patio, the villas of Chrysa feature 2 separate bedrooms, a seating area and a well-equipped kitchen with dining area. Facilities include a washing machine, a dishwasher, a microwave and a satellite TV. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some units feature a private pool and a fireplace.
Ammoudi Beach, where taverns and mini markets are featured, is located 2.5 km away from the property. Rethymno Town and Port are 42 km away, while the centre of Kerames Village is at a distance of 5.5 km. The famous palm-tree beach of Preveli is 2.5 km away. Free public parking is possible on site.
Situated in Agalianós and only 36 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, EliaPetra 4 Bedroom Villa with Plunge Pool and Yoga Studio access features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. Boasting a terrace, the villa is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as snorkelling, cycling and hiking.
The villa has 4 bedrooms, a kitchen with dishwasher and oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower, a hair dryer and a washing machine. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace. A bicycle rental service is available at EliaPetra 4 Bedroom Villa with Plunge Pool and Yoga Studio access.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 47 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 102 km from EliaPetra 4 Bedroom Villa with Plunge Pool and Yoga Studio access.
Find below list of beaches near Pahia Ammos, Kerames:
The quaint village of Kerames is situated 49km to the south of Rethymno, in close proximity to the village Agalianos. South of Kerames, there are numerous stunning beaches, with Ligres, Triopetra and Agios Pavlos sandhills of Akoumiani Gialia being the most well-known. To the north of Akoumiani Gialia, there is Keramiani Gialia or Kerames Beach, named after the nearby village.
The narrow, poorly paved road leading to Keramiani Giulia ends near the local port of Agia Fotini, which is also known as Agia Fotia. This location is home to beautiful small pebble beaches, perfect for snorkelling and swimming, and is surrounded by large boulders. The traditional Stavros tavern is built on an old carob storehouse and serves fresh fish on the beach. It also offers accommodation, and has a reminiscent atmosphere of the Greek islands of the 1960s. The tavern provides free umbrellas and showers. Near Agia Fotia, there is a small river that forms a green forest. Following the path north along the river, you will encounter a tall palm tree and the old church of Agia Fotini, located near a small house with a lovely garden. A 5-minute walk west of the tavern along the rocky shore will lead you to another pebbly beach.
On the hill near Agia Fotini tavern, you can still see the remnants of the ancient town Kionia, which thrived in its heyday. Today, the ruins cover an area of over 150 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south, while the other half of the town is submerged underwater, in front of the tavern. Traces of buildings and terraces that suggest the existence of Kionia can be seen in the surrounding area. It is thought that the sinking of the town forced its inhabitants to leave and move to higher ground, where the villages Kerames and Agallianos now stand.
Situated 51km to the south of Rethymno and 7km below the village of Kerames, Ligres is nestled at the base of the grand Siderotas mountain. It forms the northern segment of the Akoumiani Gialia beachfront, which runs from the cape of Mellissa to the south.
Ligres is an expansive beach graced with rough sand and a spectacular deep sea. Its somewhat challenging access has thankfully deterred the encroachment of tourism, preserving it as one of the most serene, secluded and pristine beaches on the island. Although the beach is not developed, there are a few taverns and rooms available on its western side accessible via a poorly maintained asphalt road. At the beach’s western tip, there is a stunning waterfall that boasts a year-round water supply, cascading right next to the sea.
Beyond the northern end of the beach, also known as Katsouni, lies a secluded beach favored primarily by nudists. Despite its seclusion, there are numerous spots along this vast, uninhabited beach where nude swimming is possible. It’s worth venturing along the beachfront to Triopetra, up to the Xiromilia area, to marvel at the astonishing rock formations. In the heart of Ligres, a remarkable reddish boulder stands out near the sea.
Beyond the charming village of Drymiskos, a sequence of coves unfurls into a series of beaches spanning 3 km, collectively known as Drymiskiani Gialia (Drymiskos Beach). Rocks and reefs segment these beaches, providing an exciting snorkelling experience. The area remains largely undiscovered due to its more challenging accessibility compared to other locations in the South Rethymnon prefecture. The most well-known section of Drymiskian Beach is Amoudi, the westernmost beach where the paved road from Preveli beach ends. Ammoudi serves as the starting point for a brief trail to Preveli beach, where most visitors park their cars.
Venturing eastwards from Amoudi along the paved road, one can discover numerous serene sandy beaches, perfect for solitude and naturism. At the heart of Drymiskian Beach, Kefala’s beaches are marked by a distinctive black, tooth-like rock jutting from the sand. The best beaches in the area can be found on either side of this rock. Continuing further, one reaches the less crowded Anatolika beaches, also known as East, renowned for their deep, clear waters. From Anatolika, the journey can be extended to the Kerames beaches, the first of which is Gialopotama. While most beaches lack trees, large rocks provide ample shade throughout the day.
Nestled approximately 35km to the south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias, you’ll find Preveli Beach, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. This gem lies where the majestic Kourtaliotikos Gorge meets the flow of the Grand River (Megalos Potamos). Recognized as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it has been a summer haven for countless visitors and was a preferred spot for hippies in the ’60s and ’70s.
In this oasis, a lush colony of Theophrastus palm trees flourishes along the banks of the Grand River, evoking a tropical paradise. The river culminates in a 500m long lake before joining the sea, providing year-round water. You can saunter under the canopy of the palm and other trees, following the river as it ascends through the stunning canyon, and take refreshing dips in the cool pools within the gorge.
In 2010, a major fire devastated this tropical paradise, but remarkably, the palm grove has mostly rejuvenated. At the river’s exit, a beach of pebbles and sand stretches out, where the seawater remains refreshingly cool due to the river. A striking heart-shaped rock adds charm to the eastern section of the beach. Since the area is protected, the beach remains unspoiled, with no parasols.
Two main routes lead to Preveli, either from the west or east. One option is driving from Plakias towards the Preveli Monastery, and 1.5km beyond the Kato Monastery of Preveli, you’ll find a spacious car park. Here begins the path descending to the beach. This parking spot offers an extraordinary viewpoint from the towering cliffs to the west, perfect for capturing stunning photos. It’s a 15-20 minute walk to reach the beach, but be prepared for a strenuous climb back up.
An alternative route to avoid the steep ascent involves driving along the paved road to nearby Drimiskiano Amoudi and taking a brief 5-minute walk to Preveli. However, this route doesn’t offer an impressive cliff-top view. You can also opt for a boat ride to Preveli from Agia Galini and Plakias.
The beach owes its name to the nearby historic Preveli Monastery, a male-only monastery established in the 16th or 17th century, dedicated to St. John the Theologian. The old and new monasteries, known as Piso and Kato Monastery respectively, are situated in the vicinity. The former, now deserted, is located just south of the ancient Preveli stone bridge.
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