Description
General information about the beach
Preveli Beach — scenic beauty, palm forest, nature; semi-organized. Calm water, river and sea, high crowds, moderate access: by car and on foot.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Frequently asked questions
Preveli Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +23.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Preveli Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.4 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Preveli Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Preveli Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Preveli Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May, June. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is June. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Preveli Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Preveli Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Preveli Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Preveli Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Preveli Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Taverna Gefyra, Preveli Beach Kiosk. Cuisines available: Cretan, Greek. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Preveli Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Food, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash.
Preveli Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. Bring water and food with you.
Preveli Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Swim with caution, there are no lifeguards.
Preveli Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Preveli Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers and unique landscapes. Suitable for experienced travellers prepared for a steep descent. Not suitable for families with small children and people with limited mobility.
Preveli Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Preveli Beach is the only beach in Crete with a natural palm grove (Theophrastus palm trees) at the mouth of the Megalopotamos River. In 2010 the grove was damaged by fire, but nature recovered quickly.
Preveli Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Golden sand, Crystal-clear water, Palm grove, Freshwater river, Scenic gorge, Unique nature, Historical significance. Cons: No infrastructure, No lifeguards, Hard to reach, Steep descent, Crowded in high season.
Preveli Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Preveli Monastery, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Damnoni Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Preveli Beach: how do I get to the city of Rethymno?
The beach is located near the city of Rethymno. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Rethymno.