Preveli Beach and Damnoni Kourtaliotikowaterfalls from Rethymno

Discovering Crete’s Hidden Gems: Preveli Beach and Damnoni Waterfalls from Rethymno

Taking a day to explore Crete’s southern coast can be a real highlight of your trip, especially if you’re after stunning beaches and a touch of nature’s grandeur. This particular tour from Rethymno to Preveli Beach and the Damnoni waterfalls offers a mix of scenic views, relaxing beach time, and some light adventure. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the consistent five-star reviews suggest it’s both well-loved and reliable.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the way it combines different natural sights—from the dramatic gorge to the palm-fringed beach—and the local guide’s role in making the experience informative and enjoyable. Also, the ability to enjoy free time at the beach means you can soak up the sun or take a dip without feeling rushed.

On the flip side, one potential consideration is the extra costs involved with boat tickets and optional extras that aren’t included in the basic price. If you’re traveling on a tight budget or prefer all costs upfront, this might require some planning ahead.

This experience suits travelers who want a straightforward, scenic day trip with a touch of adventure—whether you’re into photography, nature, or just relaxing at a beautiful beach. It’s especially good for those who enjoy guided tours but still want some independence at their stops.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery and natural attractions like Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Palm Beach.
• Flexible free time to swim, relax, or explore at your own pace.
• Professional tour guide adds value with engaging commentary and insights.
• Extra costs for boat tickets and optional extras mean planning ahead.
• Comfortable pickup from your hotel makes the day more convenient.
• Affordable price point for a full-day trip with multiple highlights.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off early, with a pickup from your Rethymno hotel around 8 am. From there, it’s a scenic drive southward, giving you a chance to admire the dramatic landscape of Kourtaliotiko Gorge—an impressive natural feature with towering cliffs and lush greenery. The guide’s commentary will likely make you appreciate the geological and ecological significance of the area, which adds a layer of understanding to the views.

Next, the group stops at Damnoni Beach, a popular pebble beach with a relaxed vibe. Here, you can choose to take a boat (at an extra cost) that shuttles you from Damnoni to Preveli Palm Beach—a spot famous for its lush palm forest and river that feeds into a stunning beach. The boat ticket is around €8 per person, and many find it a fun, scenic way to reach Preveli without a long walk.

Once at Preveli, you’ll have about two hours of free time to swim, sunbathe, or explore the surroundings. The beach is known for its unique combination of sandy shores, river flowing into the sea, and swaying palm trees, making it a striking photo opportunity and a perfect spot to unwind.

Afterward, the tour returns to Rethymno, with the possibility of additional optional purchases like coffee or snacks. The full-day trip lasts roughly nine hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling hurried.

The Highlights and Why They Matter

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The drive through the gorge is a standout feature. We loved the way the towering cliffs and twisting river create a natural amphitheater, perfect for photo stops and appreciating Crete’s rugged landscape. The guide’s insights help you understand how these formations came to be.

Damnoni Beach

This spot is a nice contrast to the more famous beaches, with its pebble shoreline and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a good place to start your adventure with a boat ride, adding a touch of excitement to the day.

Preveli Palm Beach

The main event, and rightly so, is the lush, palm-lined beach. The optional boat ride here makes the journey more memorable, and the free time allows you to swim and soak up the beauty. Many travelers highlight the scenic views and peaceful vibe.

The Guide

The reviews praise the guide, Anastasia, for her friendly, informative approach. She makes the trip enjoyable even for solo travelers, creating an inclusive atmosphere. Having a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference when exploring unfamiliar terrain.

Price and Value

At around $29.70 per person, this tour offers good value considering the transportation, guide, and multiple scenic stops. The price doesn’t include extras like the boat ticket or food, but these are manageable costs and optional. The flexibility to explore the beach at your leisure adds value, especially for those who want more than just sightseeing—who want to swim or relax on the sand.

Compared to organizing your own trip, this all-in-one package saves time and effort. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a clear plus, especially if you’re not keen on navigating public transport or renting a vehicle.

Transportation and Group Size

This tour operates with a small group of up to 49 travelers, which generally means you’ll get a more personalized experience. The transportation is comfortable, and the pickup from your hotel simplifies the logistics. The timing is well-structured, starting early and wrapping up in the late afternoon, giving you a full day without feeling overwhelmed.

Making the Most of Your Day

To maximize your experience, consider bringing your own snacks and water, especially if you prefer specific drinks or foods. The optional boat ride adds a bit of extra fun, so if you’re up for it, budget for the €8 per person fee. If you’re traveling with children, this tour’s relaxed pace and natural attractions make it generally suitable, but keep in mind the boat transfer and walking involved.

Our Honest Take

This tour offers a solid introduction to some of Crete’s most scenic spots in the south. What makes it stand out is the expert guidance and the chance to enjoy the environment at your own pace during the free time. The price is quite reasonable, especially given the transportation and multiple stops, but travelers should be prepared for some optional expenses.

The reviews are glowing, with one traveler mentioning how Anastasia’s friendly approach made them feel included, even as a solo traveler. That kind of personal touch can really elevate the experience.

The main drawbacks? The boat ticket isn’t included, and if you’re on a strict budget, those costs could add up. Also, weather can always impact outdoor plans, but the tour provider offers options if cancellations occur.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy, scenic day trip that combines natural beauty with a knowledgeable guide, this is a good choice. It’s especially suitable for those who want a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and a touch of adventure—without the hassle of organizing each stop on your own.

FAQ about the Preveli Beach and Damnoni Waterfalls Tour

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Rethymno hotel, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting around 8 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are the boat tickets included?
No, the boat tickets from Damnoni to Preveli cost about €8 per person and are paid separately.

What are the main attractions?
You’ll visit Damnoni Beach, take a boat to Preveli Palm Beach, and enjoy views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge along the way.

Is there free time at Preveli Beach?
Yes, you’ll have around two hours for swimming, relaxing, or exploring on your own.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically advertised as a family tour, the outdoor nature and relaxed pace generally suit travelers with kids, but check their specific needs for walking or boat rides.

What’s the guide like?
Reviews highlight the guide, Anastasia, as friendly and informative, adding a lot of value through her commentary.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity, with a full refund.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
Yes, boat tickets, snacks, and optional extras like coffee are not included in the base price. Budget accordingly if you want to enjoy these extras.

This tour is a reliable way to see some of Crete’s best natural attractions without the hassle of self-guided planning. With the combination of scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and a knowledgeable guide, it offers a well-rounded day for those eager to explore Crete’s south coast.