Southern Crete's coastline is full of unexpected surprises and on this full day tour, you'll find yourself in one of the island's most impressive natural settings. We'll set off to Domnoni for a cruise along rocky coastline to one of southern Crete's most beautiful – and remote – beaches, Preveli beach. There's a beachside lunch and a visit to Kourtaliotiko gorge, too. Sofia, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Preveli beach is lovely, but don't forget to explore the palm forest behind. It's a really unusual ecosystem and the river is so refreshing. Bring your snorkel, too, the rocky headlands enclosing the beach are great snorkel spots.'
Disembarking at Preveli palm beach before the crowds arrive, you'll be able to take in the wow-factor scenery in peace. The sand-and-pebble beach stretches across the mouth of a craggy gorge softened by palm forests and carved by a cool, clear river. The river broadens into a lagoon which trickles behind the sweeping beach into the bright blue sea. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore before the return boat trip.
Back at Damnoni, a typical Cretan lunch at a beachfront taverna will be waiting for you. Then, you'll have free time to relax before the return trip. On the way back, we'll take the stepped trail down to the bottom of Kourtaliotiko gorge, where you'll encounter free-flowing springs and little waterfalls. This is the same river that emerges at Preveli beach, with the same cool, clear spring water.