Preveli Beach and Plakias Full-Day Trip From Rethymno

The Preveli Beach and Plakias Full-Day Trip from Rethymno offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning southern coastline of Crete. Travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, from the inviting waters of Preveli Beach to the captivating Kourtaliotis Gorge. With a professional guide and seamless transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But there’s more to uncover about the highlights and details that make this excursion truly special.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour from Rethymno exploring Preveli Beach, Kourtaliotis Gorge, and Plakias with hotel pick-up and drop-off, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• The tour includes swimming and relaxing at Preveli Beach, and a traditional lunch in Plakias at the participant’s own expense.
• The guided tour is led by an English and German-speaking guide, and accommodates a maximum of 50 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Boat ticket to Preveli Beach costs an additional €10 and can be canceled up to 24 hours prior, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Swimming opportunities are available at Preveli Beach and Kourtaliotis Gorge, with varying water temperatures and depths, and participants advised to bring swimwear and towels.

Overview of the Tour

The full-day guided trip departs from Rethymno and takes travelers along Crete’s southern coast to explore Preveli Beach.

Along the way, visitors will visit Kourtaliotis Gorge to admire its cascading waterfall.

The main highlight is Preveli Beach, where travelers can swim and relax.

Afterward, the group enjoys a traditional lunch in Plakias, though at their own expense.

The tour operates with a maximum of 50 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Throughout the day, an English and German-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing commentary and insights about the region’s history and natural wonders.

Inclusions and Transportation

Hotel pick-up and drop-off is provided from designated areas, including Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort. The tour includes a professional English and German-speaking guide.

While the boat ticket to Preveli Beach is an additional €10 cost, participants can freely cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Infant seats are available, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Important Details

Confirmation is received at booking, and infant seats are available.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Travelers are advised to bring bathing suits to take advantage of the swimming opportunities.

Specific pickup information is sent via email, so be sure to check the spam folder for details. The tour begins with pickup up to 60 minutes before the scheduled start time, and the exact pickup points are communicated via email.

Participants should specify their hotel name and location at the time of booking to ensure a smooth pickup.

Customer Reviews

With an overall rating of 4.1 out of 46 reviews, the customer feedback on this tour offers a mixed perspective.

Positive reviews highlight the tour’s organization, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable experiences.

However, some customers complained about communication issues and time management during the tour.

The guide’s approach and restaurant recommendations also received mixed feedback.

The tour includes opportunities for:

1. Swimming at scenic locations.
2. Enjoying panoramic views.
3. Experiencing traditional local cuisine.

Despite some shortcomings, the tour’s overall ratings suggest it provides a worthwhile experience for visitors to Crete’s southern coast.

Swimming Opportunities

The tour provides ample opportunities for swimming at scenic locations along Crete’s southern coastline. At Preveli Beach, travelers can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea. The nearby Kourtaliotis Gorge also offers chances to cool off under the refreshing waterfall.

Location	Water Temp (°C)	Depth	Time Allotted	Lifeguard On Duty
Preveli Beach	22-26	1-2 m	1.5 hours	Yes
Kourtaliotis Gorge	16-20	1-3 m	30 minutes	No

Participants are advised to bring appropriate swimwear and towels to make the most of these swimming opportunities. Proper safety precautions should be observed at all times.

Pickup Locations and Times

As the tour operates with hotel pick-up and drop-off from designated areas, participants are advised to specify their hotel name and location at the time of booking.

The pickup process begins up to 60 minutes before the tour starts, with pickup points communicated via email. Travelers can be picked up from the following areas:

1. Panormo
2. Scaleta
3. Adele

Participants are encouraged to check their spam folders for the specific pickup information.

This ensures a seamless start to the full-day guided trip, allowing travelers to enjoy the stunning scenery and experiences along the way.

Scenic Views and Attractions

Although the tour begins with a visit to the scenic Kourtaliotis Gorge, the primary focus is on the stunning Preveli Beach along Crete’s southern coast.

Travelers will marvel at the lush palm tree forest that lines the beach and the crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming.

After exploring the gorge, the group will have ample time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Preveli Beach.

Participants are encouraged to bring their swimwear to take advantage of the swimming opportunities.

The tour also includes a traditional lunch in the nearby town of Plakias, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture.

Dining and Refreshments

What about the dining and refreshment options during the tour?

The guided trip includes a traditional Greek lunch at a restaurant in Plakias, which is at the participant’s own expense. This provides an opportunity to sample local cuisine and immerse in the region’s culinary culture.

Plus, the tour allows time for:

1. Enjoying a swim and relaxing at the picturesque Preveli Beach.
2. Exploring Kourtaliotis Gorge and taking in the serene waterfall views.
3. Obtaining boat tickets (€10 each) to access the remote areas of Preveli Beach.

Ask Away

What Is the Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for participants to change their plans without incurring penalties.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends approximately 1 hour at Kourtaliotis Gorge, 2 hours at Preveli Beach, and an hour for a traditional lunch in Plakias. The exact time allocated at each location may vary depending on the tour’s schedule and pace.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary includes a traditional lunch, but travelers are free to supplement this with their own provisions during the day’s activities.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements?

The tour doesn’t have any explicit age restrictions. However, infants must sit on laps during transportation. There aren’t special requirements for children, and the tour can accommodate travelers of all ages.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

The tour information doesn’t mention an option to upgrade to a private tour. The tour operates with a maximum of 50 travelers, so a private tour may not be available. Clients would need to check with the tour provider for any private tour options.

Final Words

This full-day trip from Rethymno offers a delightful escape to Crete’s stunning southern coastline. Travelers can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of Preveli Beach, explore the picturesque Kourtaliotis Gorge, and take in breathtaking scenery with the guidance of an experienced English and German-speaking tour leader. The convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off ensure a hassle-free and memorable experience.