Plakias & Preveli Palm Beach

Plakias (Πλακιάς) is a relaxed coastal village in a wide, crescent-shaped bay on the south coast of the Rethymno prefecture. With its 1.3 km long sandy beach framed by dramatic cliffs, Plakias is the perfect place for those who want to combine a beach holiday with hiking — without the mass tourism of the north.

The village itself is manageable: A handful of tavernas, guesthouses, and mini-markets along the beach road, with steep mountains and olive groves behind. The atmosphere is relaxed and alternative — Plakias has been attracting hikers, yoga retreaters, and those seeking peace for years. The beach slopes relatively steeply (good for swimmers), and the western section Souda Beach is a popular nudist beach. Behind the village, a narrow gorge (Kotsifou Gorge) leads into the mountains.

The absolute highlight of the region lies 12 km east: the Preveli Palm Beach (Φοινικόδασος Πρέβελη). Here, the Megalopotamos River flows through a natural palm forest of Cretan date palms into the sea, forming a tropical river lagoon that seems unreal in its beauty. The emerald green river water, the palms, the sandy beach, and the surrounding cliffs create a picture reminiscent of a lost paradise.

Getting to Preveli: From the parking lot (above the cliffs), a steep staircase path leads down to the beach in about 15 minutes — the climb back up in the midday heat is strenuous! Alternatively, boats run from Plakias in summer (15€ round trip, 30 min.). There is no infrastructure on the beach — be sure to bring water and snacks! Swimming in the river (freshwater!) is a wonderful refreshment. Above the palm beach towers the Preveli Monastery (Moni Preveli), which played a key role in the evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II — a historically significant and scenically spectacular place.