Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches

4.0 (22 reviews) 13–14 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

22 reviews

4.0

Preveli Palm Forest — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Preveli Beach — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the beauty of southern Crete on a full-day excursion to Preveli Palm Beach and the stunning coastline of Damnoni. Travel through scenic landscapes before boarding a boat to one of Crete’s most unique beaches, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

Enjoy free time to swim, relax, and explore. Continue to Damnoni Beach, with the chance to visit the nearby coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi. Admire the spectacular views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge along the way.

This tour operates with two different itineraries depending on the day of departure:

-Tuesdays: Includes free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon.

-Thursdays & Saturdays: No Rethymnon stop, with extended beach time at Preveli, Damnoni, Amoudi, and Kleisidi.

A perfect mix of beaches, nature, sightseeing, and relaxation—ideal for discovering Crete’s south coast in one unforgettable day.

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At a glance

Duration: 13–14 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 100 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: German, English, Italian, Polish, French
Operated by: Cretan Odyssey

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Boat Trip to Preveli Palm Beach
Included: Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Tour Guide
Included: Professional Driver

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Heraklion

3 hours

Morning Pickup

We begin collecting participants from their designated pick-up points in the morning.

Depending on your accommodation location, the drive to the first destination will take 2–4 hours.
Damnoni

Passing by

1st Stop: Damnoni Beach (arrival point / boat embarkation)

Arrive at the beautiful beach of Damnoni, where you will board the boat heading to the famous Preveli Palm Beach.
Preveli Beach

2 h 30 min

Boat Trip: 30 minutes

2nd Stop: Preveli Palm Beach (Duration: 2 hours | Tuesdays: 1 hour 30 minutes)

Reach the world-renowned Preveli Beach, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy free time to swim in the turquoise sea, relax on the beach, or explore the unique tropical scenery.

Boat Trip: 30 minutes
Stop 4

1 h 30 min

3rd Stop: Damnoni – Amoudi – Kleisidi Beaches (Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes | Tuesdays: 1 hour 10 minutes)

Return to Damnoni Beach and enjoy free time for swimming, lunch, or exploring the nearby hidden coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi, all within walking distance. A perfect chance to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Crete.

Bus Transfer: 20 minutes
Kourtaliotiko Gorge

40 min

4th Stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Duration: 10 minutes)

Take in the spectacular views of the wild and rugged Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Enjoy a short photo stop to admire one of Crete’s most impressive natural landmarks.

Bus Transfer: 30 minutes
Heraklion

3 hours

Embarkation in the buses from Damnoni region and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.

Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Bus Drive: 2–4 hours.
Rethymnon Old Town

1 h 20 min

5th Stop: Rethymnon Old Town (Tuesdays only | Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes)

On Tuesdays, enjoy free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon. Stroll through picturesque alleys, visit the old Venetian harbor, relax at a local café, or walk along the seaside promenade.
Heraklion

2 hours

Return to Resorts

At the end of the excursion, board the bus for the return journey to your accommodation. Return times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up/drop-off locations.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Pela
Anastasia Star Beach Hotel & Spa
Hotel Kallia
Andys Plaza
Lili Hotel
Miramare Hotel
MariRena Hotel
El Greco Hotel
Kassavetis Center - Hotel Studios & Apartments
Irini Hotel
Jasmine by Checkin
Hersonissos Maris Hotel

and 457 more pickup points

We pick up travellers from specific points in the areas of Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Agkisaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, Agia Pelagia and from two centrally located points in Heraklion town.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Options

German: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi

Pickup included
French: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific areas: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria

Pickup included
Polish: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria

Pickup included
Polish: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Ammoudara & Kokkini Hani

Pickup included
Italian: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves

Pickup included
German: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves

Pickup included
French: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves

Pickup included
English: Anisaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves

Pickup included
Italian: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi

Pickup included
Italian: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria

Pickup included
German: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani

Pickup included
French: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani

Pickup included
English: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria

Pickup included
English: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani

Pickup included
Polish: Anissaras, Gouves area

Pick-up from specific points:: Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves

Pickup included
English: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi

Pickup included
French: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi

Pickup included
German: Agia Pelagia area

Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria

Pickup included
Polish: Hersonissos, Malia

Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi

Pickup included
Italian: Heraklion area

Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Ammoudara & Kokkini Hani

Pickup included