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The Swallow Gorge, situated 33km south of Rethymnon city, is in close proximity to the renowned Preveli beach, known for its magnificent palm grove and breathtaking river. The gorge begins from Kenda peak (881m altitude), passes through Drymiskos village, runs nearly parallel to the Kourtaliotiko canyon, and concludes at Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach. It gets its name from the swallows that flock here every summer.
Unlike Kourtaliotiko, this lesser-known canyon is dry during the summer but is still worth a visit. The vertical, awe-striking rocks and the verdant riverbed (which flows in winter) are a sight to behold. The winding Swallow Canyon is relatively easy to hike and doesn’t require any specific skills, despite not being marked.
A significant portion of the canyon runs parallel to the road leading to Amoudi beach, which is where the easy trail to Preveli begins. To find this road, take a left at the picturesque arched bridge of Megalos Potamos that you’ll come across en route to the Preveli monastery. Therefore, even if you’re not much of a walker, you can still enjoy the beauty of the gorge during your visit to Preveli.
Get directions to Swallows’ Gorge (Chelidonia)
Swallows’ Gorge is a hiking gorge located in the region of Rethymno.
Swallows’ Gorge is a hiking gorge.
Swallows’ Gorge is generally dry.
Swallows’ Gorge is accessible via a dirt track.
Swallows’ Gorge is 6.5 km long.
Swallows’ Gorge has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 10.
It takes approximately 4 hours to hike Swallows’ Gorge.
The altitude difference in Swallows’ Gorge is 600.
Swallows’ Gorge is located in the region of Rethymno.
Find below the list of things to do near Swallows’ Gorge (Chelidonia):
Discover three famous beaches along the southern coast of Crete. Traverse the wild beauty of Kourtaliotis Gorge, stopping to admire its stunning waterfalls and the springs of the Preveli River that flow into Preveli Beach.
Begin your journey at Damnoni beach, where a boat awaits to take you to Palm Beach Preveli. Enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Libyan Sea and take a short walk through the forest.
Head to a scenic viewpoint for breathtaking views and then board a boat to Preveli. Experience the mix of sandy beaches and lush greenery surrounded by palm trees and rocky cliffs.
Return to Damnoni beach for more relaxation before heading to the small resort town of Plakias for lunch, swimming, or shopping. Finally, make your way back to Rethymno via the impressive Kotsifou Gorge.
This day trip crosses Crete from Georgioupolis to the south coast, then reaches Preveli by water taxi rather than by the cliff staircase. The day gives you two hours at the palm beach, free time in the village of Plakias and a photo stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge on the return. BALLOS TRAVEL AGENCY run it from €28, with a 4.25 rating across 121 reviews.
The route runs south by coach, switches to a boat, and comes back through the gorge. Four stages make up the day.
First is the coach, roughly an hour from Georgioupolis across the island to a small bay on the Libyan Sea. Second is the water taxi, a 20 to 30 minute crossing to Preveli. Third is Preveli itself, about two hours at the beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out through a wild palm forest into the sea. Fourth is the return: free time in Plakias, then a stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where small churches are built into the cliff face.
Arriving by boat is the point. The overland route to Preveli ends in a long staircase down the cliff and the same climb back in full sun; the water taxi puts you on the sand.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea and back through the mountains.
The €28 covers the coach and the guide. The boat is paid separately on the day.
Included:
Not included:
Budget €14 per adult in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this one because it solves the hard part of Preveli for €28. The beach is the reason people come to the south coast, and the cliff path is the reason many regret it. Putting the boat in the middle of the day turns a strenuous trip into an easy one, and at this price it is the cheapest way we know to reach the palm forest from the Georgioupolis side.
The reviews are unusually consistent about the running of it. Guides are named again and again, Elena, Alexandra, Alicia, Paul, Jannes, which is what a well-staffed operation looks like rather than a one-good-guide fluke. A German guest praised the timing specifically, saying the stops were not too short and not too long at each location. Transportation scores 4.7 out of 5, the strongest of the three dimensions, and several reviewers single out the driver on the mountain roads.
Adding Plakias and the gorge to the return makes it a day rather than a beach transfer. A German visitor called the Plakias stop a highlight in its own right.
Three things to weigh, because this rates 4.25 rather than higher.
There is nothing at Preveli. A British reviewer put it plainly: there is not a great deal to do there, and there are no loungers or umbrellas. They still rated it five stars and enjoyed lying on the sand, but if a sunbed is essential to your beach day, this is the wrong trip.
Guiding is the weakest score at 4.1 out of 5. The guide commentary is the part reviewers are least uniform about, even while praising individuals by name.
The boat is not guaranteed. The operator states that in strong wind you may be asked to walk to the beach instead, which means the cliff path, the very thing the boat exists to avoid. Check the forecast.
Carry the boat fare in cash, bring your own shade, and check the wind.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from Georgioupolis hotels. The coach leg runs about an hour each way and the boat crossing about 20 to 30 minutes.
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes. Temperatures on the south coast run high, so sun protection matters more here than on the north side. Pets are not permitted, though assistance dogs are allowed.
You travel by coach to a small bay, then by water taxi to the beach, which avoids the cliff staircase the overland route uses.
The water taxi costs €14 per adult, paid separately on the day and not included in the ticket price.
Reviewers report about two hours at the beach, plus free time later in Plakias.
No loungers or umbrellas are available, so bring your own shade if you need it.
Free time in Plakias village and a photo stop above the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where churches are built into the cliff.
The operator may ask you to walk down to the beach instead of taking the boat, so check the forecast before you travel.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach day trip from Georgioupolis.
This day trip reaches Preveli the good way, by boat. The coach runs from Chania across the island with a stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge, then you board at Damnoni for a short cruise along the Libyan Sea to Preveli, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the sea under a forest of palms. Allcretetours run it over 10 hours from €43, with a 4.38 rating across 16 reviews.
The route crosses to the south coast, sees the gorge, then takes to the water. Four stages fill the 10 hours.
First is the pick-up and the drive through the Cretan countryside towards the south coast. Second is the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where towering cliffs and the wind that funnels through them make the photo stop, about an hour is allowed. Third is Damnoni, where the boat waits for a short cruise across the Libyan Sea, and Preveli appears from the water as a river mouth wrapped in palms and mountains. Fourth is Preveli itself: swimming in the emerald water, walking the riverbank under the palms, or following the river inland to the springs and small waterfalls in the gorge.
Arriving by boat is the difference. The overland route ends in roughly 300 steps down a cliff and the same back up; the boat puts you on the sand.
The route runs from the north-west coast to the Libyan Sea.
The €43 covers the coach and the guide; the two site fees are paid on the day.
Included:
Not included:
Budget €18 per person in cash on top of the ticket.
We recommend this version of Preveli specifically because of the boat. Every other way in involves the cliff staircase, roughly 300 steps down and a 20 to 30 minute climb back in full sun, which is the single most common complaint about Preveli trips. Coming in from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea removes all of it and gives you the approach shot as the palm forest opens up ahead of the boat.
The reviews describe a well-run day. A Dutch guest noted the guide made clear at the start where food and toilets were and built in a bakery stop, small things that decide how a ten-hour day feels. A Swiss reviewer called it perfectly organised from start to finish, and a German guest rated it the highlight of their holiday, singling out the pick-up and the guide.
Preveli itself needs little argument: Theophrastus palms grow wild in only a handful of places in Europe, and here they line a freshwater river running into the sea.
Three things to weigh, since this scores 4.38 and the criticisms are consistent.
The gorge stop divides people. An Australian reviewer loved Preveli but not the gorge, where the wind was strong enough that they abandoned the walk to the water, and they objected to paying €5 per person to enter. A Polish reviewer rating it three stars said there was too little specific information about the gorge for the hour allowed.
The extra costs are not in the headline price. €13 for the boat and €5 for the gorge add 40% to a €43 ticket, and both are cash on the day.
The gorge is genuinely windy. Kourtaliotiko is named for the clattering sound the wind makes through it, so treat the walk down as optional rather than assumed.
Carry €18 in cash, read up on the gorge first, and follow the river inland at Preveli.
Your voucher with the pick-up time and point arrives by email one day before, and can also be viewed at 123voucher.eu/voucher with your booking reference.
Bring sunglasses, beachwear, comfortable shoes and cash. Pets, alcohol and large bags are not permitted on the coach.
The day runs 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off, including the drive, the gorge stop and the boat to Preveli.
Yes, a short cruise from Damnoni across the Libyan Sea, which avoids the roughly 300-step cliff path used by the overland route.
The €13 boat ticket and the €5 Kourtaliotiko gorge entry are both paid separately, in cash on the day.
Preveli has a wild palm forest lining the Megalos Potamos river where it meets the sea, one of very few such groves in Europe.
Opinions divide. Reviewers praise the cliffs but report strong wind and thin commentary, and the €5 entry is charged separately.
Pick-up covers the Chania area, making this the western departure point for Preveli.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli palm beach tour with Kourtaliotiko gorge.
This day trip crosses Crete to Preveli, the south-coast beach where the Megalos Potamos river runs out of the Kourtaliotiko gorge under a stand of Theophrastus palms before reaching the sea. The river forms a 500-metre freshwater lake behind the sand, which is why Preveli is known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix. ETHERION runs the trip over 7 hours from €40 with free pick-up along the Heraklion coast.
The coach crosses the island and the rest of the day is spent at one beach. Three parts make it up.
First is the drive south to the parking area above Preveli, which sits below steep rock faces that are worth the photograph on their own. Second is the descent: roughly 300 steps and a 15-minute walk down the path to the beach. Third is around four hours at Preveli itself, swimming in the sea, walking up the freshwater river between the palms, or following the gorge inland as far as you want to go.
The beach is sand and rock where the river mouth meets the sea, with a rock formation on the eastern side shaped like a heart.
The day is spent at one beach on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit.
The €40 covers the coach, the guide and the pick-up.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend Preveli as one of the two genuinely unusual beaches in Crete, Vai is the other, and this trip is the way to reach it without driving the mountain road yourself. Theophrastus palms grow wild in only a handful of places in Europe, and at Preveli they line a freshwater river running down a gorge into the sea. Walking up that river with palms overhead and the Libyan Sea behind you is not an experience the rest of the island offers.
The practical case is the same as every south-coast trip: it is a long way from the north coast resorts, the road is mountainous, and letting somebody else drive it turns a tense morning into a sit-down.
What review evidence exists is positive on the operator. A German guest praised the communication, quick answers to questions and a smooth pick-up, and made the point we would emphasise most, you can hike a long way up the river into the gorge, and it is worth doing.
Three things to weigh, and the first is the one to think hardest about.
The review base is two reviews. That is not enough to judge an operator on, and we say so rather than dressing up a 4.57 across two bookings as a track record.
The ratio of coach to beach is poor. A Belgian reviewer rating it four stars put it precisely: almost 8 hours of coach for 3 to 4 hours on site. Preveli is far from the north coast and there is no way around that, but go in knowing the split.
The walk back up is the part people underestimate. The operator states it plainly: 120 metres of climb taking 20 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight. There are around 300 steps. If anyone in your group would struggle with that in August heat, this is not the beach for them.
Walk up the river, keep water for the climb back, and leave the beach before the hottest part of the return.
Free pick-up covers Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Limenas Chersonisou, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion and Ammoudara. The operator emails your exact pick-up location within 24 hours of booking.
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes and beachwear. The return climb to the bus is 120 metres of ascent, taking at least 20 to 30 minutes in direct sun.
The trip runs 7 hours door to door, with about four hours at the beach.
The path has around 300 steps and takes about 15 minutes down; the climb back is 120 metres of ascent over 20 to 30 minutes in direct sunlight.
A stand of Theophrastus palms lines the Megalos Potamos river where it runs out of the Kourtaliotiko gorge to the sea, one of very few wild palm groves in Europe.
The river forms a 500-metre freshwater lake behind the beach, and walking or swimming up it between the palms is what most visitors come for.
Free pick-up runs from anywhere between Malia and Agia Pelagia, covering the whole Heraklion north coast.
No food or drink is included, and personal expenses are your own.
Check dates and prices for the Preveli beach day trip.
Find below the list of hotels near Swallows’ Gorge (Chelidonia):
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.
Set in Kerames, 2 km from Agia Fotia Beach and 4 km from Preveli Beach, GIANNIS-KLEOPATRA HOUSE 1 offers a shared lounge and air conditioning. This holiday home offers free private parking and a shared kitchen.
The holiday home is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
A children’s playground can be found near the holiday home. A terrace is also featured.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86.3 km from GIANNIS-KLEOPATRA HOUSE 1.
from
€81
/night
Boasting mountain views, The Village House offers accommodation with a balcony, around 35 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It has a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer.
Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 46 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 47 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 101 km from The Village House.
from
€72
/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.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Traditional House Overlooking the Libyan Sea is situated in Kerames. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 35 km from the holiday home, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 101 km from Traditional House Overlooking the Libyan Sea.
Situated in Kerames, 4 km from the beach, Archontika Apartments features air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi access and free private parking. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, serving traditional dishes.
Opening to a balcony, all rooms of Archontika are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Views of the sea, mountains or garden are featured in certain rooms. A private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower is included.
You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Preveli Beach is approximately 6.2 km from the property, while Rethymno Town is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 120 km from Archontika Apartments, while Heraklion Airport is at a distance of 150 km.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a hiking gorge 22km south of Rethymno, Crete, Greece, known for its waterfall, its year-round springs, and the chapel of Agios Nikolaos at the base of the cliffs. Kourtaliotiko Gorge runs for 3km between the Kouroupa and Koules mountains, and a paved road cuts through the canyon so you can reach the main viewpoints and the trailhead without a long approach. This guide covers what the gorge is, the waterfall and chapel, how to get there and park, the difficulty, what to see, and the tips worth knowing before you go.
Approximately 1 km to the east of Spili, in the Agios Vassilios province, you’ll find the church of Agia Fotini, also known as Saint Photini. Like many places in Crete, it’s often referred to as Agia Fotia. Situated on the main road leading to Agia Galini, the church is adjacent to a spring that flows with water throughout the year. Nearby, you’ll see a large, old watermill. This area marks the end of the picturesque Agia Fotia gorge, which is small but incredibly lush.
The gorge begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is 750m above sea level, and concludes at the spring, which sits at an altitude of 500m, after a 1.5km journey.
Close to the gorge’s starting point, you’ll discover waterfalls of unparalleled beauty. In the springtime, these falls are abundant with water, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape filled with plane trees. The easiest way to reach the waterfalls is by walking from the spring along the gorge. Alternatively, you can access them from Gious Kambos, though this route is more challenging. It requires bypassing the waterfalls from the sides and descending the steep slope to the riverbed.
Located just 1km north of Kissos village in Agios Vasilios province and 34km southeast of Rethymnon, Kissano Gorge serves as a link between Kambos Kissou settlement and the small Gious Kambos plateau. The gorge’s river is a primary tributary of the Gorge Frati. The canyon, though not lush with vegetation, boasts small waterfalls, the tallest of which measure between 5-7m. These waterfalls make it an ideal location for canyoning, but it’s also possible to bypass them carefully from the sides without any specialized equipment.
The journey begins at the Gious Kambos plateau, a small haven of diverse flora. A 0 to 30-minute walk along or beside the riverbed leads you to a point where the river intersects the road connecting Kissos with Gerakari. Here, you’ll find a striking reddish rock peppered with numerous caverns known as Kokkinos Detis, leading locals to also refer to this area as the Kokkinos Detis Gorge.
While this marks the end of the main part of the canyon, the river continues its descent, creating more small waterfalls. It then passes through the 60-hectare artificial pine forest of Vatolakki, before continuing towards Spili and eventually to Frati.
Kakoperatos Canyon, situated near the village of Agios Vasilios in the province of the same name, is a tributary of the Megalos River (Kourtaliotis). Its name, which translates to “bad passage” in Greek, indicates the necessity of technical equipment for human access. This stunningly scenic and rugged canyon is perfect for canyoning. It is endowed with water for most of the year and features 7-8 remarkable waterfalls. These create deep ponds filled with clear turquoise waters, making them ideal for jumping.
It’s likely that no other canyon in Crete boasts such vibrant turquoise waters. The canyon’s exit is located adjacent to the last residences of Agios Vasilios, with its stream flowing through the village courtyards!
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