Home » Tours & Cruises » From Rethymno: Preveli Palms, Damnioni & Plakia Beach & Canyon

From Rethymno: Preveli Palms, Damnioni & Plakia Beach & Canyon

Staring from
Rethymno
May - October
Thursday, Sunday
Languages
English - German - French
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Trip highlights

Bus Pickup
Comfortable transportation from Rethymno
damoni beach Preveli Damnioni Rethymnon tour
Relax and swim at Damnoni Beach
Preveli Palm Forest colours
Visit the famous Preveli Palm Beach and tropical forest
Plakias Village
Explore the charming seaside village of Plakias
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Admire the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge
bus interior
Guided full-day tour to the breathtaking south coast of Crete

Overview

Escape to the untouched beauty of South Crete on this relaxing full-day beach adventure from Rethymno. Discover exotic palm forests, crystal-clear waters, dramatic gorges, and charming seaside villages as you explore some of the island’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes.

Travel through the scenic Cretan countryside towards the Libyan Sea and enjoy a day filled with swimming, sunbathing, and unforgettable natural beauty. Visit the famous Preveli Palm Beach, accessible by boat from Damnoni Beach, where tropical palm trees meet turquoise waters in one of Crete’s most iconic settings.

Continue your day with free time at Damnoni Beach and the picturesque village of Plakias, perfect for a seaside lunch, shopping, or a relaxing walk along the coast. On the return journey, admire the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of the island’s most dramatic natural wonders.

This tour is the perfect combination of relaxation, nature, and authentic South Cretan scenery.

Duration of trip
Total Duration of the tour: 9-9.5 hours The trip duration varies depending on the location of your hotel.
Mobile ticketing
Simply present your digital voucher to either the guide or the driver, and they will be ready to assist you accordingly.
Pickup - Available
Pick-up and drop-off service are both included in the price of your booking.
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Covid 19 requirements
Currently, there are no specific requirements for participating.

Tour schedule

7:50-8:50

Your day begins with pickup from selected points in the Rethymno area. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable bus ride as we leave the north coast behind and travel towards the wild and beautiful south of Crete.

Scenic Drive Through the Cretan Countryside

On the way, enjoy views of traditional villages, mountains, olive groves, and the changing landscapes of inland Crete. As we approach the south coast, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with rocky hills and impressive natural formations.

Arrival at Damnoni Beach

Our first stop is Damnoni Beach, a peaceful seaside location with clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. From here, you will board the boat that takes you to the famous Preveli Palm Beach.

Boat Trip to Preveli Palm Beach

Enjoy a short and scenic boat trip along the southern coastline. As you approach Preveli, you will see the unique landscape that makes this beach so special: golden sand, blue waters, rocky cliffs, and the famous palm forest.

Free Time at Preveli Palm Beach

Spend approximately 2 hours at Preveli Beach, one of the most beautiful and unique places in Crete. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea, relax on the beach, or walk towards the palm forest and river. The combination of sea, river, rocks, and palm trees creates an exotic setting that feels completely different from the rest of the island.

Return to Damnoni Beach

After your time at Preveli, take the boat back to Damnoni Beach. Here, you will have more free time to swim, sunbathe, enjoy the beach, or simply relax by the sea.

Visit to Plakias Village

Next, we continue to Plakias, a charming seaside village built around a beautiful natural bay. You will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local tavern, have a coffee by the sea, walk along the waterfront, or explore the small shops. Plakias is a perfect place to experience the calm and authentic atmosphere of South Crete.

Photo Stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge

On the return journey, we pass through the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the area. We make a short photo stop so you can admire the steep cliffs, wild scenery, and unique beauty of this famous gorge.

18:00 - 19:00

After a full day of beaches, nature, and beautiful views, we return by bus to the Rethymno area. Drop-off takes place at the same selected points, depending on your original pickup location.

Extra information

Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected points in Rethymno
  • Transportation in air-conditioned bus
  • Professional escort/guide
  • All legal taxes
Not Included
  • Optional boat ticket: Adults (12+) €13 | Children (4–11) €7 | Infants (0–3) free
  • Food, drinks, sunbeds, and personal expenses
What to bring
  • Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
  • Swimsuit / Beach Towel
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Change of clothes
Know before you go
  • Preveli Beach does not offer umbrellas or sunbeds for rent. However, visitors can enjoy a shower facility on the beach and find natural shade under the palm trees and tamarisks.
  • Preveli Beach features a tavern and a small shop under palm trees, offering snacks, meals, and beach essentials, though at higher prices. Many guests opt to bring their own drinks and snacks. Occasionally, a fruit truck at the beach entrance sells refreshments.
  • Damnoni Beach is well-equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, complemented by several Greek tavernas. Additionally, a van selling hot dogs and gyros can be found a short distance away.
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Enjoyed visiting the island. Guide was very friendly and did a good job of making sure we all made the right connections. Visit included lots of free time. Hotel pick up and drop off was a pleasant experience. Very punctual . Ferry ride was three hours long but atmosphere was nice except very cold. Bring a jacket! Only negative was the ferry ride was completely inside and windows did not allow for view.
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Catherine N | September 14, 2025
We got to see Mykonos this trip . Only for 5 hours. But it was fun to go. The Ferry goes very fast and is comfortable.had time for meal and sight seeing. A beautiful sunny and warm day. And not crowded compared to summer.
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Lisa A | October 2025
Day trip from Athens to Mykonos: Brilliant service from Mania from start to finish. Very competent, great instructions and paperwork, the day was a treat. We packed so much into our day on Mykonos. Highly recommend Island Spy.
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Linda Lamb | 6 September 2024
Mykonos is a beautiful place and we as a family had a great time. Mania was quite helpful in organizing this trip at a short notice.
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Veejaysp | May 2022
Great experience. The best service I have recieved in Greece. Fully recomendable ++ Special mention to the staff Mania who made our experience the best in class. Thanks
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