Preveli beach

Gorgeous small beach with lovely tavern and access to the palm forest. Didn’t find it ‘overcrowded’ like all the moaning reviews said - and we went on a busy Sunday. The river water is naturally murky as it’s a river but wasn’t unclean. Tavern/cafe charges €3 per soft drink can which is quite normal for a tourist trap. Cafe has toilets and a changing room too. The walk back up to the closest parking is incredibly challenging and not advised with babies or if unfit. There’s a boat that’s advised instead. Parking was very cheap - only €3! Because of where it is, it’s a very windy beach and the sand can blow up into your eyes and face. Because of this it’s best to either set up camp in the trees (this was popular) or to bring shelter such as a beach tent. The sand can also be quite hot so both suitable walking footwear for the walk and sandles is advised. Don’t regret going and the views from the walk up and down are beautiful!

Beautiful beach. From the parking lot, it’s a short hike down to the beach, with beautiful views along the hike. It’s all downhill to the beach and all uphill back, so be prepared. The beach gets very crowded after 9:30-10 AM, especially when the boats start to arrive and drop people off.

One of the best beaches we went to on Crete, the palm trees was great and gave my hubby and daughter who don’t love swimming something to do. The ocean was nice with some waves and clear water. There were cheeky geese eating food from us, adding to the experience. The walk up and down is not for the faint hearted or unfit like us. It took a lot of effort to get back up.

Preveli Beach is absolutely worth the visit! 🌴 The view from the top is stunning, and the walk down the many stairs feels like a little adventure in itself. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find a peaceful beach surrounded by palm trees and beautiful nature. The water is clear and refreshing — just keep in mind it can get quite windy, which adds a wild charm to the place. The climb back up is a workout, but totally worth it for such a unique and tranquil spot! 🏝️✨

Unique beach with the river flowing in the sea 😍! The way down and back up is hard but it’s worth it ! The drinks are a little expensive at the tavern on the beach . There are no sun beds and umbrellas there ,so bring beach mats with you ! We loved it !

The road to this beach leads between high mountains, the views are fascinating. Parking high above the beach and going down to it is not very safe, especially when I saw that many people did not have sturdy shoes on their feet. Right on the beach you can have a snack and refresh yourself in an icy stream, or in the similarly cold sea. It is just such a tourist attraction. Interesting to see once, but I would not go there a second time.

Beach was very crowded, it is also not sandy. The pal forest, however, was very unique and beautiful. The stairs to reach the beach are a workout in their own, but I think it was worth the effort!

Cool place if you’re looking for some exploring. Beach crowded. Palms a little overrated imo. Can be walked by the river upwards. I took the path east of the river north into the gorge and then over the river where it was more rocky. Takeaways if you want to do something similar: 1. A lot of palm leaves covering the path. 2. Bring real shoes, I was glad I did. 3. Great small more private pockets of “ponds” or water up by the river. 4. Be careful, it’s barely a path some places.