You will enjoy two of the most well-known beaches on Crete's southern coast on your trip through the Kourtaliotis Gorge in south Rethymnon. We will start in Damnoni Beach, which is known for its clear waters and sandy shores. Take some time to relax and sunbathe, go for a quick stroll in the tropical forest, and have a wonderful swim in the Libyan Sea's pristine waters.
From there, you will enjoy a boat ride to the beautiful Palm beach of Preveli. It resembles an oasis with a palm tree-lined river and a sandy beach meeting the Libyan Sea.
Additionally, you will get the opportunity to tour Rethymno, the region's capital with its narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and historic sites like the Fortezza castle.
Highlights
- Discover the region's distinctive beaches in south Rethymno
- Visit the Palm Forest of Preveli
- Enjoy a boat ride through the turquoise waters
- Swim at Damnoni Beach's pristine waters
- Explore the town of Rethymno
- Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant at Damnoni bay (optional)
- Stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge to capture the spectacular mountain scenery on camera.
Included
- Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
- Boat trip to Preveli
- All the legal taxes
- Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ
Not Included
- Lunch/Drinks
Know before you go
We provide pick-up from a variety of locations, including bus stops and hotels. We will get in touch with you as soon as you make the reservation to confirm the precise location and time of the pick-up, which will be closer to the hotel you are staying in.
If required, the excursion operator retains the right to rearrange the schedule in order to better accommodate guests or ensure their safety.
If ordered by the government COVID regulation, passengers must carry and wear face masks when traveling by bus and in indoor areas.
Full Description
Morning Pick up:
In the morning, we will begin collecting the passengers from the designated pick-up locations.
The bus ride will vary based on where your hotel or apartment is located.
Bus Drive to Damnoni: 2 hours 30 minutes
1st stop: Damnoni Beach
As soon as we arrive at Damnoni Bay, you will embark on the boat that will take you to the Palm Forest of Preveli. Enjoy the scenic boat ride along the coast, taking in the views of the Libyan Sea.
Boat Trip: 30 minutes
2nd stop: Preveli Palm Beach - 1 hour 30 minutes stay
Explore the unique Palm Forest of Preveli, where the Kourtaliotis River meets the sea. Walk along the riverbank, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You'll have plenty of free time to indulge in swimming while exploring the unique mix of sandy beach and green river. As an alternative, you can also visit the Preveli Monastery, which overlooks the palm forest and offers historical and cultural insights.
Boat Trip: 30 minutes
3rd stop: Damnoni Beach - 1 hour stay
Spend some time enjoying the sandy shores and clear waters of Damnoni Beach. Explore the surrounding area and perhaps have lunch at one of the beachside restaurants.
Bus Drive: 20 minutes
4th stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge - 10 minutes stay
The gorge is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, characterized by steep cliffs, rugged terrain, and the Kourtaliotis River flowing through the gorge. There will be a 10 minutes stop as the gorge offers numerous picturesque spots, making it a fantastic location for photography.
Bus Drive: 30 minutes
5th stop: Rethymno Town - 1 hour 20 minutes stay
Visiting Rethymno Town in Crete can be a delightful experience, given its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the charming old town with its narrow streets, Venetian architecture, and historic sites like the Fortezza castle. You will be able to stroll along the charming little streets with local coffee shops that line the old port, as well as the stunning beach road.
End of the tour – Arrival at resorts:
As soon as the Buses are filled with passengers, we will head back to the hotels where we met up with the people attending in the morning.
The bus ride for the return will vary based on the traffic and each person's pick-up location in the morning.
Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: 1 hour 30 minutes
Here are some additional Tips:
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring the city on foot.
- Water and Sunscreen: Carry water, especially during the warmer months. Apply sunscreen if needed.
- Food and Water:Bring snacks and sufficient water, especially if you plan to spend an extended period at Balos.
- Local Cuisine: Try local street food or snacks during your walk.
- Camera: Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Swimming Gear: Pack a beach towel, swimwear, and any other beach essentials.
* The above mentioned tour is also on a private, custom-made basis available.
Feel free to send us an email so we can plan the most suitable trip for you.
