Preveli Beach
Preveli Beach & Lagoon is a ‘must-visit’ destination – located about 35km South of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias – featuring a paradise scenery, that makes it to be worth its reputation. Also, called as “Palm Beach” or “Phoenix”, due to the palm trees that spread over Great River's shores, which exiting the Kroutaliotiko Gorge flowing at Preveli's sandy beach. Is not an organized beach, because the area is protected. At the eastern part of the sea there is a great stone shaped as a heart, which in complex with the view of the Libyan sea, the river and the gorge, makes Preveli one of the most romantic sights in Crete.
Preveli is also popular for its Patriarchal Monastery, that comprises two main chapels, the ruined monastery of St John the Baptist and the Monastery of St John the Theologian.
There are two ways accessing there, by small boats from Agia Galini and Plakias or by car from the Monastery of Preveli at west side or from Drimiskiano Ammoudi at east side. The most popular way is the boat, as driving there by car is more adventurous, due to the fact that you need to go down to the beach, through a rough footpath. Also, return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep.