Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

The Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour offers an exciting day of exploration and relaxation in the heart of Crete. Travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, from the iconic Preveli Palm Beach to the charming streets of Rethymno Town. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing swim, captivating cultural sights, or simply a chance to unwind, this excursion has something to delight every visitor.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Heraklion offering a boat trip to Preveli Palm Beach and a walking tour of Rethymno Town.
• Priced at $54.40 per person with pickup and drop-off at designated locations, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include swimming at Damnioni Beach, exploring Preveli Palm Beach, and sightseeing in the historic town of Rethymno.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation with a professional driver, and liability insurance coverage for the boat cruise.
• Overall positive reviews for friendly staff, quality transportation, and value for money, with suggestions for more time at Preveli Beach and Rethymno.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers an engaging Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip and Rethymno Town Tour, departing from Heraklion.

Priced from $54.40 per person, the 11-13.5 hour experience is available in French, English, and German.

With convenient pickup locations, the tour includes a boat cruise to Preveli Palm Beach, free time for swimming and sightseeing, and a visit to the charming town of Rethymno.

Travelers can opt for a flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Reviews highlight the friendly staff, quality transportation, and overall value for money, making this tour an appealing choice to explore Crete’s natural beauty and historic sites.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour offers a diverse itinerary, allowing participants to experience Crete’s natural wonders and historical highlights.

Key stops include:

• Damnioni Beach – 1 hour of free time for swimming

• Boat cruise to Preveli Palm Beach – 30 minutes each way

• Preveli Palm Beach – 1 hour 30 minutes to explore, swim, and sightsee

• Rethymno Town – 1 hour 20 minutes to wander the charming streets, shop, and admire the architecture

The tour also includes a brief photo stop at the picturesque Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

Transportation Details

Transportation for the Heraklion Tour is provided by an air-conditioned bus.

The bus offers comfortable seating and climate control for the approximately 2-3 hour journey back to the hotels. Pickup and drop-off are included at 12 designated locations around Heraklion.

A professional driver operates the bus, ensuring a safe and efficient journey. The tour also includes boat tickets for the cruise to Preveli Palm Forest.

All legal taxes and liability insurance coverage by Allianz are provided, giving travelers peace of mind during the excursion.

Traveler Reviews

According to traveler reviews, the Heraklion Tour has earned an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 177 reviews.

Travelers particularly praised the friendly staff and the tour’s organization, giving the guide a 4.8/5 rating and the transportation a 4.5/5 rating. The tour’s value for money was also well-received, earning a 4.5/5 score.

Reviewers suggested extending the time in Rethymno and Preveli Beach to allow for more exploration.

Key highlights for travelers include:

• Swimming and sightseeing at Preveli Palm Beach

• Exploring the historic Rethymno Town

• Photo stops at scenic locations like Kourtaliotiko Gorge

• Opportunities for snorkeling and visiting local cafes.

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Activities and Amenities

Free time activities abound on this Heraklion Tour, allowing travelers to make the most of their experience.

Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the picturesque Damnioni Beach. The tour also includes a boat cruise to the stunning Preveli Palm Beach, where guests can marvel at the lush palm forest and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Dive into the picturesque Damnioni Beach for swimming and snorkeling, then cruise to Preveli Palm Beach for a refreshing dip amidst a lush palm forest.

In the historic town of Rethymno, travelers can explore local shops, cafes, and sights at their own pace.

With a mix of guided activities and independent exploration, this tour offers a well-rounded experience for visitors to the Heraklion region.

Pickup Locations and Duration

The tour offers a wide range of pickup locations throughout the Heraklion region, including popular destinations such as Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Agia Pelagia, and centrally located points in Heraklion itself.

The total duration of the tour is between 11 to 13.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and pickup locations.

Highlights of the itinerary include:

• 1 hour at Damnioni Beach for swimming

• 30-minute boat cruises to and from Preveli Palm Beach

• 1.5 hours at the scenic Preveli Palm Beach

• 10-minute photo stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge

• 1.2 hours of free time in Rethymno Town for sightseeing and shopping

Boat Cruise to Preveli Palm Beach

After departing from Damnioni Beach, the tour takes passengers on a 30-minute boat cruise to the scenic Preveli Palm Beach. This palm-fringed beach, situated at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, offers a peaceful haven for relaxation and exploration. Visitors can spend 1 hour and 30 minutes enjoying the natural beauty, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and discovering the local flora and fauna.

| Activity | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Boat Cruise to Preveli | 30 minutes | Scenic views of the coastline |

| Free Time at Preveli Palm Beach | 1 hour 30 minutes | Swimming, sightseeing, relaxation |

| Boat Cruise Back to Damnioni | 30 minutes | Returning to the departure point |

Exploring Rethymno Town

Rethymno Town, the next stop on the tour, offers visitors a charming blend of Venetian and Ottoman architecture.

Guests can explore the Old Town’s winding cobblestone streets, lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic landmarks.

Some highlights include:

• Visiting the Venetian Loggia, a stunning 16th-century structure that now houses a local history museum

• Browsing the bustling central market for local produce, crafts, and souvenirs

• Admiring the imposing Fortezza, a well-preserved Renaissance-era fortress overlooking the harbor

• Strolling along the picturesque waterfront promenade, dotted with seaside restaurants and cafes.

With 1 hour and 20 minutes of free time, travelers can enjoy Rethymno’s rich cultural heritage.

Since You Asked

Is a Personal Flotation Device Provided on the Boat Cruise?

The tour does not state whether personal flotation devices are provided on the boat cruise. Participants should check with the tour operator to determine if life jackets or other safety equipment are available for the boat portion of the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participation?

The tour does not have a minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should ensure their safety and supervision throughout the activities.

What Type of Food and Drinks Are Available During the Tour?

Lunch options are available at Damnioni Beach, but this incurs an additional charge. Participants can purchase food and drinks from local cafes during the free time in Rethymno Town. Water and snacks may also be brought along.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour offers accessible transportation and accommodations for travelers with disabilities. Participants are encouraged to inform the tour provider of any special needs in advance to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snorkel Gear for Swimming?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkel gear for swimming. The tour doesn’t provide snorkel equipment, but guests are welcome to use their own during the free time at Damnioni Beach and Preveli Palm Beach.

Final Words

This full-day tour offers a delightful combination of a scenic boat cruise to the stunning Preveli Palm Beach and a visit to the charming Rethymno Town. Priced at $54.40 per person, it provides opportunities for swimming, exploring natural beauty, and enjoying shopping and sightseeing, all with the convenience of professional guides and pickup. Travelers can expect an enjoyable and well-rounded experience on this Heraklion excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here: