Boasting accommodation with a balcony, Ekaterini Luxury House is set in Lefkogeia. It features a garden, barbecue facilities, quiet street views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. The air-conditioned holiday home also offers a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with bathrobes.
The holiday home offers a hot tub.
Ammoudi Beach is 2.6 km from Ekaterini Luxury House, while Kleisidi Beach is 2.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 88 km from the accommodation.
Lefkogia
Find below list of things to do near Ekaterini Luxury House:
Visit Preveli beach, the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Rethymno or Chania. Cruise aboard a boat on the Libyan sea, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on a sandy beach.
Start your tour from your accommodation where your guide will meet you. Take a short scenic drive through to Damnoni beach where your personal boat driver awaits. Find yourself in Preveli after a short, picturesque boat ride.
Enjoy a swim in the Libyan Sea at Preveli beach and feel free to explore the Kourtaliotiko gorge and marvel at the mountainous terrain. Connected to Preveli beach is a series of springs and waterfalls that lead into the gorge which can also be visited.
Discover a mixture of sandy beaches, lush forest, and mountains. Return to your accommodation on a route through the Kourtaliotiko gorge.
This river trek takes you into Kourtaliotiko gorge from Rethymno, wading and swimming down the riverbed to the waterfall that pours into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the biggest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and the route runs below the roadside viewpoint where most visitors stop. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles over 5 hours from €67.50, and this Rethymno departure carries the largest review base of the two, 4.89 across 324 reviews, with guiding at a perfect 5.0.
The van meets you at a parking area above the gorge, and the route follows the water down to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages fill the 5 hours.
First is the equipment and briefing, a neoprene short-sleeve suit, a helmet, walking poles and a safety talk covering the whole route. Second is the great waterfall, which never stops flowing and is reached by a swim into the cave beneath it. Third is about two hours descending the river, dropping through natural pools under plane trees on a path away from the marked trail. Fourth is the Banana Garden, a small farm near the exit where a light lunch is served.
The operator rates it as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs south from Rethymno into the mountains behind the coast.
The price covers the kit, the guiding, the internal transfers and lunch, and it excludes the gorge ticket.
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We recommend this departure specifically for people staying on the north coast, and the number that matters is 324. This Rethymno version has run three times as many bookings as the Plakias one, which means the pick-up logistics from the busier side of the island are well worn rather than improvised. If you are in Rethymno town or along that coast, this is the version built for you.
What the reviews describe is a well-drilled operation. One Swiss guest described the safety briefing explaining the entire river trekking process clearly before anyone got wet, and the guide flagging slippery and uneven ground throughout the walk. Another praised the pace: never rushed, time to look at things, time to ask questions. The guide, Yiannis, is named by German, Dutch, French and Irish reviewers alike.
Two details from the reviews worth repeating. One reviewer who had previously visited Kourtaliotiko with a large operator, a brief stop, a look at the waterfall, back on the coach, described this as a completely different experience. And several mention the Banana Garden by name, one noting it is still beautiful despite fire damage, with the plants explained in detail by the people who grow them.
Three things to weigh.
The water is genuinely cold. One reviewer described being up to the neck in it, another said the wetsuit made it manageable rather than warm. This is shaded mountain water, and the swim to the waterfall is not optional.
Pre-tour communication is the one recurring gap. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would like clearer information on the meeting point and start time beforehand. Confirm both directly with the operator rather than assuming.
Footwear is specified for a reason. Soft-soled water shoes are stated as unsuitable, and sure footing matters more here than fitness does.
Confirm the meeting point in writing, send your measurements, and bring cash for the ticket.
You meet the van at a parking area above the gorge, or take the optional pick-up from around Rethymno. Send your height and weight after booking for the wetsuit, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up.
Bring swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks, water and €5 cash. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable for this activity.
The trek runs 5 hours, including the waterfall section, roughly two hours down the riverbed and lunch afterwards.
The water is cold year-round. The gorge is shaded and fed from the mountains, which is why a neoprene wetsuit is provided rather than optional.
The price covers the guide, wetsuit, helmet, poles, waterproof bags, lunch and all internal transfers, plus skip-the-line entrance handling.
No experience is needed, the operator rates the route moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, though sure footing on wet rock matters.
Optional pick-up covers hotels around Rethymno, which is the main reason to choose this departure over the Plakias one.
The entrance fee is €5 per person, paid in cash and not included in the tour price.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Rethymno.
Preparation and gear briefing
Arriving in the entrance of Kourtaliotiko gorge, we are immediately amazed by the majestic walls that stand hundreds of meters high. We take the stone steps that lead us to the source of the river that formed this scenery through the ages. There, we can visit the little church of S. Nicolas Kourtaliotis, the local saint that lived here as a hermit, and learn about the old myths of the gorge. We take some time to put on our neoprene suits and our personal gear, distributed by the team leaders. Then, the instructors will give a safety briefing so that we can understand the use of our gear and learn to trust it. Now we are ready to get the fun started!
Canyoning games in the river
The source of Kourtaliotiko river becomes a natural playground for us! You are welcome to rappel down the steep canyon wall next to the waterfall and try adrenaline jumps in the water as many times as you wish. We swim around, we take pictures, and we play like kids. Our specialized instructors and guides will be next to you at all times to ensure your safety and guide you through the different activities.
Short river trek
Our adventure continues further down the river. Hiking towards the south, we soon discover a small cave called “the fairy cave” – if you are lucky enough, you may see one hiding behind the stalactites and stalagmites.
This river trek walks down the bed of Kourtaliotiko gorge from Plakias, wading and swimming through natural pools to the waterfall that falls into the canyon’s cave. Kourtaliotiko is the largest gorge in the Rethymno regional unit, and this route follows the water rather than the marked path, which keeps it away from the viewpoint crowds. Cretan Explorer supplies wetsuits, helmets and poles, runs it over 5 hours from €63.75, and holds a 4.92 rating across 105 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The route drops into the gorge from above and follows the river downstream to an olive grove at the exit. Four stages make up the 5 hours.
First comes the kit-up above the gorge, a short-sleeved neoprene suit, a helmet, walking poles and a briefing on the route. Second is the great waterfall, viewed from the water and reached by a short swim into the cave it falls into; a small controlled jump is part of getting there. Third is roughly two hours down the riverbed, splashing through natural pools under plane trees on a path that does not appear on the standard trail. Fourth is the exit at an old olive grove and a light lunch at the Banana Garden, a small agricultural farm where the family grow what they serve.
The operator rates this as a moderate hike suitable for most fitness levels.
The trek runs inland from the south coast into the Rethymno mountains.
The price covers every piece of equipment plus lunch, and it excludes the €5 gorge ticket.
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We recommend this trek for a reason that is easy to miss from the listing: it is the only way to be in Kourtaliotiko rather than looking at it. Almost everyone who visits this gorge stops at the road viewpoint, photographs the waterfall from above and drives on. One reviewer described exactly that, having visited before with a large operator, stopped briefly, looked, and left, and said this tour is a different thing entirely.
Starting from Plakias is the practical advantage of this particular version. The south-coast villages sit minutes from the gorge, so more of your five hours goes on the water and less on the road than it does from the north coast.
Guiding scores a flat 5.0 out of 5 and the reviews explain why. The guide, Yannis, is named by walkers from Lithuania, the UK, Germany and France, praised for pointing out the herbs, trees and creatures in the rocks, for explaining slippery ground before people reached it, and for setting a pace that let families keep up. One family with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their holiday.
The Banana Garden lunch comes up almost as often as the gorge. Reviewers describe it as rustic, plentiful and locally grown, with the family showing what they have planted.
Two honest warnings, both of which GetYourGuide’s own review summary flags.
The water is cold and you will swim in it. Several reviewers said they had not understood that swimming to the waterfall was part of the route, and one described cold water and wind funnelling through the cave making the swim hard work. The wetsuit helps, but this is mountain water in a shaded canyon.
Footwear catches people out. The operator states that soft-soled water shoes are unsuitable, and reviewers repeat that ordinary sports shoes you do not mind soaking are what you want. Sure footing matters more than fitness on this route.
Send your measurements ahead, wear shoes you can ruin, and take the first slot of the day.
Provide your height and weight after booking so the right wetsuit comes with the van, and your hotel name if you have chosen pick-up. Bring €5 in cash for the gorge entrance.
Pack swimwear, sports shoes, a towel, flip-flops, snacks and water. Soft-soled water shoes are not suitable. The trek is moderate rather than hard, but sure footing on wet rock is the skill it asks for.
The trek runs 5 hours in total, with roughly two hours of walking down the riverbed after the waterfall section.
Yes, reaching the waterfall cave requires a short swim. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes travellers would like this made clearer in advance, and the water is cold.
A short-sleeved neoprene wetsuit is included, along with a helmet, hiking poles and waterproof bags for your phone and belongings.
Wear sports shoes with a firm sole that you can get wet. Soft-soled water shoes are explicitly unsuitable for this route.
A light lunch at the Banana Garden farm is included, though drinks are charged separately.
Families rate it highly. One group with children aged 11 and 15 called it the best morning of their trip, and the operator describes the route as moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.
Check dates and prices for the Kourtaliotiko gorge river trek from Plakias.
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 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.
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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 list of beaches near Ekaterini Luxury House:
Ammoudi beaches are located 32 kilometers south of Rethymno and 5 kilometers east of Plakias village. Ammoudi beaches are accessible via a paved road from the village of Lefkogia. This road leads you directly to the first beach, Ammoudi, recognizable by its distinctive green slippery rock. Ammoudi beach has a slight organization, with available amenities such as umbrellas, nearby taverns and rooms, and even a scuba diving centre. Ammoudi Beach offers white sand, rocky seabed, and bright green waters, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. There’s also the option to find shade and camp under the many tamarisk trees located next to the beach.
Heading west from Ammoudi, a dirt road begins that will take you towards Damnoni, passing by towering cliffs and impressive rocks. Just 200m west of Ammoudi, along this dirt road, you’ll discover a parking plateau that offers an unrestricted view of Damnoni. Here, you’ll see an enchanting miniature sandy beach, featuring turquoise waters and a unique rock in the sea. Known as Klisidi, this beach is an attractive choice when not crowded, though this is rare during peak season.
Adjacent to Klisidi, you’ll encounter the stunning nudist beach of Small Ammoudi or Ammoudaki. This small beach is popular among nudists for its turquoise waters and exceptional white coarse sand. It also has a small canteen offering umbrellas and sunbeds. On the beach’s west side, you can swim in a marine cave, where the sunlight turns the water a vibrant blue. You can easily walk on the sandy seabed. There’s also an underwater hole connecting Ammoudaki with Klisidi, allowing you to travel between the two beaches with just a dive. If you wish to reach the Ammoudi beaches on foot, simply walk east of Damnoni until you reach Ammoudaki.
Skinaria Beach (also spelled Schinaria or Shinaria) is a small, secluded beach on the south coast of Crete, 33 km south of Rethymno and 3 km south of the village of Lefkogia, in the eastern part of the Plakias area. It is best known for exceptionally clear water over a rocky, marine-rich seabed, which makes it one of the finest snorkelling and scuba-diving spots in the region.
The beach has soft grey-beige sand mixed with fine pebbles and deep, turquoise water. The seabed is mostly rocky, while the northern part of the beach is sandy. Small freshwater ponds sit on the shore, fed by springs that carry water down from the surrounding mountains, and the lush vegetation around them gives the area a tropical feel. The bay is framed by rock on either side, so the sea surface usually stays calm and the entry is gentle.
Skinaria is quieter than Crete’s headline beaches. It sees far fewer visitors than nearby resorts, though the single tavern and the small car park can fill on peak-season afternoons.
Skinaria has one of the richest seabeds on the island, and its water is clear enough to see more than 40 metres horizontally. Snorkellers and divers share the water with morays, blackfish and octopuses, and divers often describe the rocky seabed as being like an aquarium. A scuba-diving centre operates in the area and draws visitors from across Crete, which makes the beach a reliable choice for a day in the water rather than only on the sand.
A narrow road runs down to Skinaria from Lefkogia, roughly 2 km, and the beach is signposted from the village. Along the way, look for a cylindrical cave set inside a rock on your left. There is no direct public bus to the beach, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. A small parking area sits beside the beach; it is enough for beachgoers but gets cramped at peak times, so arriving earlier in the day helps. A rented car is also the most flexible way to reach Skinaria if you want to combine it with other stops in the Plakias area, and you can rent a car in Crete for the trip.
Skinaria is only slightly organised. A local tavern serves refreshments and traditional Greek dishes and offers a few umbrellas and sunbeds, which on our last visit were free with a purchase. There is little natural shade, so bringing water and sun protection is sensible. The calm, shallow-entry bay is safe for children, and naturists tend to use the left-hand side, which leaves the rest of the beach for families and other visitors.
Two nearby beaches are within a short drive: the Ammoudi beaches to the west, and the larger, better-organised Damnoni beach a little further along the coast.
Skinaria Beach is on the south coast of Crete, 33 km south of Rethymno and 3 km south of the village of Lefkogia, in the eastern part of the Plakias area. It faces the Libyan Sea.
To reach Skinaria Beach, drive the narrow road, roughly 2 km long, down from Lefkogia; the turn is signposted from the village. There is no direct public bus, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. A small parking area sits beside the beach.
Yes. The water is exceptionally clear, often more than 40 metres horizontally, and the rocky seabed holds abundant marine life, including morays, blackfish and octopuses. A scuba-diving centre operates in the area, and snorkellers can see plenty from the surface.
Skinaria is only slightly organised. A single tavern serves refreshments and traditional Greek dishes and offers a few umbrellas and sunbeds. There is little natural shade and no large resort infrastructure, so bring water and sun protection.
Yes. The bay is sheltered by rock on both sides, so the water stays calm and the entry is gentle, which suits children. Note that naturists tend to use the left-hand side of the beach.
Skinaria is popular with naturists, who usually gather on the left-hand side. Other visitors and families settle on the rest of the beach.
The swimming season runs roughly from May to October, when the water is warm and the weather is settled. Spring and early autumn are quieter than the July-to-August peak.
Yes, there is a small parking area beside the beach. It is enough for beachgoers but fills up during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is wise.
Ammoudi beaches lie a short distance to the west, and the larger, better-organised Damnoni beach is a little further along the coast. Preveli Beach, with its palm-lined river, is another well-known stop in the wider Plakias area.
Damnoni is an organized sandy bay on Crete’s south coast, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno and 5 kilometres east of Plakias, with clear turquoise water, coarse pale sand, and a busy west end that gives way to a quieter east end and secluded coves. Damnoni faces the Libyan Sea at the mouth of a green, olive-covered valley ringed by mountains, and it is one of the most popular and well-developed beaches in the Plakias area.
Damnoni beach lies on the south coast of Crete, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno city and 5 kilometres east of the resort village of Plakias. Damnoni sits at the mouth of a wide valley covered with olive groves and fed by mountain streams, so the land stays green right behind the sand. The beach belongs to the Agios Vasilios area of the Rethymno regional unit and faces the Libyan Sea. A short dirt road along the eastern side links Damnoni to the neighbouring Ammoudi coves.
Damnoni is a long, wide bay with clear turquoise water and coarse, whitish sand. Damnoni has two distinct ends that give the beach its character. The west end is the organized, busier part, and a small river reaches the sea here and keeps water almost all year round. The east end is calmer and quieter, and it leads along a short dirt road to the smaller Ammoudi and Ammoudaki coves. Just west of the main bay, beside the area’s small harbour, a few secluded coves of sand and rock offer a spot to get away from the crowd.
Damnoni beach is a fully organized beach with the facilities for a full day by the water. Damnoni offers the following facilities along and behind the sand:
Damnoni is reached by a paved road, is handicap friendly, and has parking beside the beach.
Damnoni is well suited to swimming and snorkelling, because the water is shallow near the shore, usually calm, and clear. Damnoni draws snorkellers to its clear water and to the rockier edges of the bay, where small fish gather. The wider stretch of coast around Damnoni holds some of the finest snorkelling and diving spots in the Plakias area, and the neighbouring Skinaria and Ammoudaki coves reward a mask and fins. Families use the shallow, gentle entry at the main bay, and stronger swimmers explore the rocky coves toward the harbour.
Damnoni beach is about a 45-minute drive south from Rethymno, on a paved road that turns off toward Plakias. No public bus runs directly down to the beach, and the Rethymno to Plakias bus stops in Lefkogia or Plakias rather than at the sand, so most visitors arrive by rented car or taxi. Parking sits beside the beach and fills up on peak-season afternoons, so arriving earlier in the day helps. In summer, small boats also run from Plakias along the coast toward Preveli Palm Beach and call at Damnoni on the way.
The best time to visit Damnoni beach is from June to September, when the sea is warm and every facility is open. Damnoni is busiest through midsummer and along its organized west end, so an early start means easier parking and a quieter stretch of sand. Late spring and early autumn stay warm enough to swim and draw smaller crowds, which makes May and October good months for a calmer visit.
Damnoni sits within walking or short driving distance of several other south-coast beaches. Damnoni connects to the following beaches nearby:
A day at Damnoni is easiest with your own car, because no bus runs down to the beach and the coves nearby are spread along a rough coastal road. Driving lets you arrive early for a parking spot and the quiet east end, then chain Damnoni with Ammoudi, Skinaria and Kalypso or catch the boat to Preveli in one day. A car also carries the beach gear for a full day by the Libyan Sea without waiting on bus timetables. For that flexibility across the Plakias coast and the wider south of Rethymno, book a car rental in Crete.
Damnoni beach is on Crete’s south coast, about 35 kilometres south of Rethymno and 5 kilometres east of Plakias. The beach faces the Libyan Sea at the mouth of an olive-covered valley in the Agios Vasilios area of Rethymno.
Yes, Damnoni beach has coarse, whitish sand along a wide bay. Some pebbles and small rocks appear at the edges and in the secluded coves west of the main beach.
Yes, Damnoni is good for both, because the water is shallow near the shore, usually calm, and clear. Snorkellers explore the rockier edges of the bay and the neighbouring Skinaria and Ammoudaki coves.
To reach Damnoni beach, drive about 45 minutes south from Rethymno and turn off toward Plakias, since no bus runs directly to the beach. A rented car or taxi is the practical way to arrive, and parking sits beside the sand.
Damnoni’s main bay is a family beach, while naturists gather at the neighbouring Ammoudaki cove just east of Damnoni. A short dirt road from the east end of the beach leads to the Ammoudi and Ammoudaki coves.
Ammoudi and Ammoudaki lie about 0.6 kilometres east, Skinaria about 1.1 kilometres away, and Kalypso is a short walk to the west. Preveli Palm Beach, with its palm-lined river, is reachable by boat from Plakias or Damnoni.
The swimming season runs from late spring to October, and June to September brings the warmest, most settled conditions. May and October are quieter than the midsummer peak and stay warm enough to swim.
Preveli Beach is a palm-fringed beach and freshwater lagoon on the south coast of Crete, where the Megalos Potamos river meets the Libyan Sea at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko gorge. It sits about 35 km south of Rethymno and 10 km east of Plakias, and is also known as Lake Preveli, Phoenix, or Finikas. Recognised as the most celebrated beach in southern Crete, it drew hippie travellers in the 1960s and 1970s and remains one of the island’s signature summer spots.
A colony of Theophrastus date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) lines the banks of the Megalos Potamos, one of the few natural palm forests in Europe. The river carries water all year and widens into a long lagoon before it reaches the sea, so the water stays fresh and cool. At the river mouth a beach of pebbles and sand meets the Libyan Sea, and the seawater runs cooler than usual because of the incoming river. A heart-shaped rock, known to locals as the Stone of Lovers, marks the eastern side of the beach.
In August 2010 a major fire burned most of the palm grove, destroying close to 70% of the forest. The Theophrastus palm proved unusually fire-resistant, and the grove regenerated over the following seasons. The beach stays unspoiled, with no umbrellas or built-up shoreline, because it lies within a protected Natura 2000 reserve.
To reach Preveli Beach, choose one of 3 routes, because there is no road directly to the sand and every option ends with a walk:
The stepped path on the west side is in full sun with no shade, and the climb back up is strenuous. Bring water, sun protection, and proper shoes, and set off early in the day. Renting a car is the simplest way to reach this part of the south coast; see car rental in Crete.
The beach has no sunbeds or umbrellas because the area is protected, though a small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks. The sand gives way to slippery rocks and stronger currents once you are in the sea, so take care when swimming. The river side is calm and shallow, and it is good for snorkelling.
A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach, winding through the palm grove to shallow pools where you can cool off when the water level allows. The trail leads into the Kourtaliotiko gorge and stays easy enough for families.
The quieter months of May, June, September, and October are the best time to visit, with warm weather and thinner crowds. Preveli is popular through July and August, so arrive early to find a parking space and beat the heat on the steps.
The beach takes its name from the nearby Preveli Monastery, a men-only monastery founded in the 16th or 17th century and dedicated to St John the Theologian. There are 2 monasteries in the area, the older Piso Monastery and the newer Kato Monastery, near the old Preveli stone bridge. According to local legend, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, stopped in the wider Preveli area on his way home from the Trojan War.
Yes. Preveli pairs a rare natural palm forest and a freshwater lagoon with a south-coast beach on the Libyan Sea, a combination you will not find at most Cretan beaches. It takes effort to reach, but the scenery and the river walk reward the trip.
Drive from Plakias towards Preveli Monastery, park at the cliff-top car park, and walk down the steps to the beach. For an easier approach, drive to Drimiskiano Amoudi and take the short 5-minute path, or take a boat from Agia Galini, Plakias, or Damnoni.
From the west car park, a long flight of steps leads to the beach in roughly 15 to 40 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The path is in full sun with no shade, so carry water and wear proper shoes. The east route from Drimiskiano Amoudi is a flat 5-minute walk.
Yes. There is a guarded car park on the cliff-top above the west side of the beach, and a small daily fee applies. A second car park serves the easier eastern approach from Drimiskiano Amoudi.
No. Because the area is a protected reserve, there are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the sand. A small seasonal taverna near the river mouth serves drinks and snacks.
The sea is blue and usually calm, but currents and waves can pick up, and the sandy shore turns to rock underfoot in the water. The river side is cooler and fresher, calm, and good for snorkelling.
May, June, September, and October are the calmest, with warm weather and fewer visitors. In the peak of July and August, arrive early for parking and shade.
Yes. A footpath follows the river upstream from the beach into the palm forest and gorge, leading to shallow pools you can dip in when the water level allows. It is an easy walk suited to families.
Find below list of gorges near Ekaterini Luxury House:
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.
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.
The gorge of Kotsifos starts at Kannevos village and ends at Plakias. The starting point is very narrow with a width of about 10m, which gradually increases and reaches 600m. The total length is 1800m, and the almost vertical sides that reach a height of 600m. Inside the gorge, there is a small temple built inside a rocky cavity dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
Hiking in the upper part of the gorge (Kanevos – Bridge of Sellia).
Starting from the village Kanevos you can start hiking on the riverbed and reach the bridge that connects villages Selia and Myrthios (after about one hour of course). Along the way, there are large boulders that block the passage, but with a little attention, you can overcome them. At one point the side-gorge of Boutsinas meets Kotsyfos with an impressive waterfall of 20 meters. In summer the riverbed is dry.
Course in the upper part of the gorge (Bridge of Sellia – Plakias)
At the location of the bridge that heads to Selia, the canyon gradually turns into a wide valley. You can continue our course at the bottom of the gorge, along the riverbed. After meeting a modern temple, after 3-4 minutes you meet a dirt road that heads backwards (opposite the flow of the river). If you follow this road in a few minutes you will meet the springs of Kotsifos where a pond is formed (surrounding villages get water from here). From here onwards, the river has a water flow throughout the year emptying on the beach of Plakias.
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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