Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour — A Deep Dive into Crete’s Natural Beauty and Authentic Charm

If you’re visiting Crete and looking for a well-rounded day that combines stunning landscapes, charming towns, and a touch of adventure, this Heraklion-based trip might just be what you need. It’s a full-day outing that covers some of the island’s most photogenic spots — from the famous Preveli Palm Beach to the scenic Kourtaliotis Gorge, with a pleasant stop at the colorful town of Rethymno. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 184 reviews, this experience offers a lot for the price of $56 per person, making it a solid choice for those eager to see Crete’s natural highlights without feeling rushed or overcharged.

What I particularly like about this tour is how much it packs in. The boat trips through turquoise waters are a highlight, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the views from a different perspective. The visit to Preveli Palm Forest is a rare treat — a lush, green oasis that feels like stepping into a postcard. Plus, the stops at Damnioni Beach and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge reveal Crete’s rugged, untamed side. Lastly, the wander through Rethymno’s cobblestone streets is an authentic taste of Crete’s vibrant local life.

One small consideration is the overall length — with 11 to 13.5 hours on the clock, it’s a long day, especially if you’re not a morning person or if your hotel is farther from the pickup points. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget extra for a meal, perhaps at Damnioni Beach or in Rethymno. That said, many reviewers appreciate the flexibility and the expert guidance, which makes the effort worthwhile.

Key points / Takeaways

• Stunning boat trips offer a unique way to see cretian coastlines and reach the palm forest.
• Preveli Palm Forest is a highlight — a lush green refuge that’s perfect for swimming and exploring.
• Authentic towns like Rethymno provide charming streets, local cafes, and a chance to soak in local life.
• The guides and drivers are praised for their knowledge, professionalism, and friendly attitude.
• Timing is flexible enough to allow ample free time at each stop, especially at Preveli Beach and Rethymno.
• Long day — with about 11-13.5 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with full-day excursions.

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The Itinerary: A Well-Structured, Scenic Journey

The day kicks off early with pickup from a variety of designated locations around Heraklion — including popular spots like Kato Gouves, Stalida, and Agia Pelagia. The transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, which is a relief after the summer heat or during the cooler shoulder seasons. Depending on your hotel’s location, the drive to Damnioni Beach takes between 2.5 to 4 hours, so be prepared for a bit of travel along the way.

The first stop is at Damnioni Beach, where you’ll hop onto a boat for a 30-minute cruise across inviting turquoise waters. Many reviews mention how this boat ride sets a relaxed, scenic tone for the day — it’s a peaceful way to begin your exploration. The boat takes you to the Preveli Palm Forest, where you’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply walk through the lush greenery that feels almost tropical. One reviewer emphasized, “Preveli beach was wonderful and the sun came out just as we arrived,” highlighting the timing’s impact.

After enjoying Preveli, the boat cruise returns to Damnioni, where you can opt for a local lunch (at your own expense), often at a tavern with lovely views. Then, a short 20-minute bus ride takes you to Kourtaliotiko Gorge. This spot offers striking views of rugged mountains and dramatic cliff formations. With only 10 minutes of free time, it’s a quick photo opportunity, but enough to appreciate Crete’s wild side.

The trip concludes with a visit to Rethymno, a charming town packed with cobbled streets, a lively port, and quaint cafes. The roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes allow for a walk along the beach road, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. The reviews rave about how well-balanced this part of the tour is — giving enough time to explore without feeling hurried.

Finally, after a scenic drive back, you’ll be returned to your accommodation, usually between 2 to 3 hours later, depending on traffic and hotel location.

What Makes This Tour Valuable for Travelers

This experience is especially good for those who want an immersive day without the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. The inclusion of professional guides and a driver means you can relax and focus on enjoying the scenery and atmosphere. The boat tickets are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs there — a nice touch that adds value.

The timing at each stop is generally flexible enough to give you plenty of free time for swimming, exploring, or just lounging. Many reviewers note how supportive and knowledgeable the guides are, with Elizabeta often praised for her professionalism and kindness. The small group size, or at least the organized nature of the tour, helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

On the downside, the long day might be tiring for some, especially those not used to full-day excursions. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to budget extra, but that also gives you the freedom to choose what and where to eat.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re a traveler who enjoys scenic views, natural landscapes, and charming towns, this trip offers excellent value. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Crete’s highlights without the stress of planning multiple separate excursions. It’s also great for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and prefer organized trips that handle logistics.

However, if you prefer a much more relaxed, less structured day or are traveling with very young children, the long hours might be less appealing. Also, unless you’re comfortable with some walking and swimming, the free-time stops might not fit everyone’s pace.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring sun protection — hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially at Preveli Beach and Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
• Pack a towel and swimsuit — you’ll likely want to take advantage of the swimming opportunities.
• Carry some cash — for optional lunches or souvenirs in Rethymno.
• Be prepared for a full day — most reviews mention it’s a bit long, but well worth the effort for the scenery and experiences.
• Check the weather forecast — the boat trips are weather-dependent, so a calm sea makes for a more enjoyable ride.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For around $56, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Crete’s natural beauty and cultural charm. The combination of boat rides, lush forests, scenic gorges, and a historic town provides a good balance of relaxation and exploration. The knowledgeable guides, praised by many, help make the day smooth and informative.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a full-day adventure that doesn’t skimp on scenery or authenticity. If you’re after a leisurely, scenic, and well-organized trip with plenty of free time to explore, this experience will likely deliver.

Just remember — it’s a long day, so come prepared for the journey, and you’ll leave with plenty of wonderful memories of Crete’s diverse landscape.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned bus for pickup and drop-off from designated points around Heraklion and nearby areas.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is between 11 and 13.5 hours, depending on traffic and your hotel’s location, making it a full-day commitment.

Do I need to pay extra for boat trips?
No, the boat tickets for the cruise to Preveli Palm Forest are included in the price.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have about an hour of free time at Damnioni Beach where you can purchase food, possibly at a local tavern.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages including French, Polish, English, German, and Italian.

Can I swim at Preveli Beach?
Absolutely. Many travelers mention swimming and snorkeling as highlights of their free time there.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a swimsuit and towel, and some cash for optional meals or souvenirs. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for exploring towns and scenic stops.

In short, this tour offers a comprehensive taste of Crete’s stunning coastlines, lush scenery, and vibrant towns — perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby