We decided to return to Preveli Beach during our September 2023 trip to Crete but this time we were going to hike the short easy way down. In 2019, when we first discovered Preveli Beach, we did not know there were two ways to arrive at this paradise. We found out later, that the way we hiked was the hard, long way down and consequently the hard way up, as well. The easy and also short way down to the beach is on the east side of the gorge. Whereas, the hard and long way down is on the west side of the gorge. Nevertheless, I am glad in 2019 we took the longer route. Even though the west side is steeper and has many more steps, I believe it is much more beautiful and you are able to see the iconic Preveli Beach view.
Getting to Preveli Beach
From Kourtaliotiko Falls, where we had been early in the day, we drove south to reach Preveli. There is only one good road so you can’t miss it. The only decision you need to make is which side of the gorge you are going to begin your hike.
If you are going to hike the scenic, longer route, as we did in 2019, you can just continue straight on the road until you find the parking lot. If you prefer instead to hike the shorter and in my opinion, much easier route, you need to turn left onto Epar.Od-Drimiskou-Asomaton Road. You will know you are on the correct road because you will immediately see the Old Stone Preveli Bridge. There is parking right here so if you want to snap a photo of the bridge this works well. Although it is often called the Venetian Bridge, this bridge, built by local monks, only dates back to the 1850’s.
After leaving the bridge, follow the road to the right and continue driving through the hillside and past century old olive trees. This road is quite curvy but it is a lovely drive. You will follow the road to the beach area parking which you can’t miss. All in all, it is about a 10-15 minute drive.
The Hike to Preveli Beach
After parking our car, we followed a path that leads up and over the cliff. You can’t miss the stone steps and although the path is rocky it is easy to follow. Although not as scenic as the west hike, it is still pretty. Personally, since it was a very hot day, I had no desire to do the long scenic route and felt this was enough of a challenge because of the heat. It took us a little over 10 minutes to arrive at Preveli Beach this way compared to approximately 30 minutes the other way. (Notably it is also much better climbing back up on this side!).
Preveli Beach
Once at the bottom, we found a nice spot in the shade to lay out our blankets and off we went to swim! In fact, Preveli is just as beautiful as we remembered. The aqua colored river lazily flowing out of the palm forest to the azure sea is just spectacular. The water was fresh and inviting. The heart rock stood majestically in the sea. Since it was mid afternoon and very hot we swam for quite awhile. One thing that is important when visiting Preveli Beach is to make sure you wear water shoes as the beach is pebbly and so is the sea.
After swimming for about an hour, we opted not to trek through the Palm Tree Forest. Even though we remembered it as being lovely, we decided to hike back to the car while we were still cooled off from swimming. The day was really hot! We did enjoy seeing people paddle board in the river and it looked like a lot of fun.
Triopetra
Our next stop was Triopetra Beach. We had stopped here in 2021 and decided to stop again. This unique area is known for the three large stones going out to sea. We still had a bit of a way to go so we didn’t swim but enjoyed walking along the shoreline to the rocks. Steve enjoyed climbing on the rocks and took some amazing photos while I hung out at the beach and enjoyed wading in the water.
Agia Galini
Our final destination for the day was Agia Galini where were stayed at Sky Beach Hotel. Although this hotel was not fancy, it was very clean, comfortable and everyone was friendly. It was perfect for us and I would stay here again if we are in the area. Even though we had a couple of swims during the day, it was early evening and we decided to swim and relax at the pool before dinner. It was a nice size pool and the beach chairs were comfortable.
WWII Bunker
After a swim we decided to walk along the shore to the main part of Agia Galini which is just around the cliff. There is a nice walk way that is well-lit and easy to follow. Just off of the walk way is a WWII Bunker built into the side of the cliff. In WWII when the German Army occupied Crete they built a bunker in this mountain for their use. It was quite remarkable.
After we checked out the bunker, we continued following the walk. As we turned the corner toward the town we were awed by how beautiful Agia Galini was, lit up at night along the sea.
Onar Restaurant
As always, we were hungry and we looked for a place to eat. The restaurants along the shore appeared full so we ventured into the town. We knew we found the right place when we smelled the delicious aroma of Greek spices as we came to Onar Restaurant. They found us a seat and our appetite increased as we passed by patrons with plates of Greek food! The server recommended Barbouni Fish. When Steve asked what that was, the waiter took him back to the kitchen to show him and let him pick out his own serving! I went with the chicken souvlaki. We shared a Greek salad and bread. I topped it off with some delicious local wine and for dessert was complimentary. The entire meal was delicious and the staff were wonderful.
Shopping
After dinner we went shopping. This small town was much busier than I had thought it was be and it had a fun vibe to it as we strolled around. We found a few places we liked but found a really nice shop called Elia. This shop sold beautiful handmade olive wood products. We bought coasters, a cutting board and also a wooden map of Crete! All in all, the shop was a good find for us!
Conclusion
All in all it was a wonderful day. Starting the day at Kourtaliotiki Falls, as I wrote about in my previous post, was fantastic. I loved returning to Preveli Beach especially hiking down the easy way. As a matter of fact, I hope to go again someday! Finally, ending the day at Agia Galini was wonderful. I think this area in southern Crete is absolutely wonderful.
Bringing Greece Home
Finding quality Greek foods here in the US is not easy. I have found a couple resources though.
- For true Greek honey, mountain tea, and and also olive oil, I order online through Kilo Tea. They are prompt and in addition, I have never had problems with any of my orders. I highly recommend ordering from here as everything is delicious. You can click here to view and also order the Klio Tea products.
- If you like to cook and bake I recommend A Drop of Lady in My Greek Soul by Krystina Kalopathakos. This cookbook is my go to when I feel like having Greek food at home. You can click here to view on Amazon.
- A Greek product I love that I can order from home is Korres Skin care. This line of skin products uses natural products from around Greece and I really can feel and see the difference. You can check out their products by clicking here.
Guide Books and Map
I am a big believer in having guide books and maps. They come in handy Greece and I used them for Athens and Crete, didn’t find a great one for Santorini though. Maps especially as GPS wasn’t the most reliable in Crete. UPDATE: On our September 2023 trip to Crete we found GPS worked much better.
- Top 10 Crete (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide). Just like the Athens guide this book includes a top 10 list of everything and in addition comes with a pocket map.
- National Geographic Crete Map. I like this map as it was easy to read and also accurate. It was also sturdy and didn’t fall apart.
Favorite Travel Items
- The I-Walk is an I-Phone portable phone charger and it works great. I have been using it for a few years now and it comes in handy when hiking or in the car when no car charger is available. You can buy this through Amazon by clicking here.
- I like a small purse and although this Hero bag is termed a neck wallet, I wear it as a crossbody and it works great. It is hands-free yet close to me so I don’t worry about pick pockets.I have room for my passport, credit cards, I-phone, and even a few small items. You can view this product on Amazon by clicking here
- My husband wears a money concealing leather belt to keep his money safe. It looks like a regular belt yet keeps money hidden and safe. You can view this on Amazon by clicking here.
In addition, Books I enjoyed reading about Greece
- Parthenon on our Roof by Peter Barber. This fun book is a great read to learn more about Greek culture. Peter, an Englishman, moves to Greece and marries his Greek girlfriend, Alex. Read about their adventures as he navigates his new lifestyle in a humorous and also relatable way.
- A Boy Growing Up Under the Nazi Boot and the Greek Civil War by George C. Kradikas. This book is a true account of the early years of Mr Kakridas as his family endures hardships beyond belief while growing up near Sparta in Greece during occupation years. A poignant story told with the emotion and memories as only someone living through this period can tell.
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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2023 Trip
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019