Discover Preveli and the South of Rethymno!
Our compass points to the south, leading us to some of the most stunning locations in Rethymno.
The itinerary is simple yet full of hidden gems: start with the villages of Armeni and Koxare, then venture to the Kourtaliotis Gorge, the Preveli Bridge, the exotic Preveli Palm Forest, and wrap up your day with a dip at Ligres Beach. If you’re coming from Heraklion, head south via the national highway (VOAK) and return through Agia Galini for a scenic loop.
*This is a trip best planned for the summer season, between April and October. That’s when all the shops and restaurants are open, and the sea is just the right temperature for a swim!
Photo by Marina Vernicos
Your first stop, the village of Armeni, is beloved by hikers and is a designated traditional settlement within the Rethymno municipality.
As you continue, you’ll pass through Koxare, home to the little-known Koules Fortress.
For those willing to seek it out, parts of the route lead through winding dirt roads.
Drive through the breathtaking Kourtaliotis Gorge, where the landscape seems to open up into rugged beauty.
Pause for a refreshing drink in the banana groves, then continue toward the iconic Preveli Bridge.
our next stop, Preveli Monastery, is a treasure trove of history, with its monks having played key roles in many of Crete’s struggles for freedom and education over the centuries.
Make your way down the stairs that lead to the Preveli Palm Forest, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into paradise!
This lush oasis has literally risen from the ashes after fires in recent years, showcasing nature’s resilience.
After all this exploring, it’s time to eat! At the Agia Fotia taverna, try the ouzo shrimp with linguine, and don’t miss the refreshing salad with artichokes, wild bulbs, walnuts, figs, rusks, and capers—a delicious nod to Cretan ingredients.
Once you’re recharged, head to Ligres Beach for a swim.
This beach remains beautifully uncrowded and minimally organized, allowing you to fully appreciate its wild charm and tranquility.
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