#295 European Rank
Preveli Palm Beach
Crete (Rethymno), Greece•Libyan Sea (Mediterranean)• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October
Photo: Uoaei1 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.57/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
26.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€35/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Fine White Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Crete (Rethymno) · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Warm Bathwater
Jan
16.4°C
Air 17°C
Feb
15.8°C
Air 18°C
Mar
16.1°C
Air 20°C
Apr
17.4°C
Air 23°C
May
19.8°C
Air 26°C
Jun
23.5°C
Air 29°C
Jul
25.8°C
Air 31°C
Peak
Aug
26.4°C
Air 31°C
Sep
25.1°C
Air 29°C
Oct
22.6°C
Air 26°C
Nov
19.9°C
Air 22°C
Dec
17.6°C
Air 19°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 25 May – 2 Nov (>21°C) · 161 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Greece Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.3 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.9 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Preveli Palm Beach
Where the Grand River (Megalopotamos) flows through Crete's exotic Theophrastus palm forest gorge straight onto a Libyan Sea sand spit.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: 15-20 min steep stepped hike down from Preveli Monastery parking or coastal path from Drymiskiano Ammoudi, as well as excursion boats from Plakias/Agia Galini
•Protected Status / Environment: Natura 2000 protected coastal wetland and Cretan date palm forest (Phoenix theophrasti)
•Notable Feature: Kourtaliotiko Gorge/Megalos Potamos river estuary meeting the Libyan Sea lined by native palm grove
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
From Rethymno, drive 35 km south through the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge to the Preveli car park.
•Hike up the cool riverbed through the exotic palm forest (Phoenix theophrasti) into the mountain gorge
•Take a pedal boat up the freshwater river canyon beneath shaded palm canopies
•Visit the historic 16th-century Moni Preveli monastery on the clifftop above
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
CHQ / HER · 40m driveScenic drive along the Northern Crete coastal highway.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Preveli Palm Beach
What is the water temperature at Preveli Palm Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Preveli Palm Beach averages 26.4°C (80°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Preveli Palm Beach?
Preveli Palm Beach is classified as a fine white sand shoreline located in Crete (Rethymno), Greece.
Is Preveli Palm Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Preveli Palm Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Preveli Palm Beach?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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