1) Preveli Basics

Preveli is located at the south coast of Crete in the municipality of Rethymno. At the bottom of the Preveli Monastary the Grand River (Megalos Potamos) flows through a palmtree forest into the Lybian Sea. It is one of the most popular beaches on Crete's southern coast.  

​

2) Preveli Monastery - Rebellion in Turkish occupation - Shelter during World War II

The Preveli Monastery was most likely built during the middle ages, when Crete was occupied by the republic of Venice and was named after a the Lord Prevelis. 

During the Turkish occupation 1821 the Monastery was destroyed but later rebuilt. Between 1866 and 1878 the Monastery again organized rebellions against the Ottoman Turkish Occupation and helped to gain the final independence. 

During World War II the monastery gave shelter to the British, New Zeeland and Australian troups. As a result the lower part of the monastery was destroyed by the German troups. 

​

3) Preveli Palm Forest - The Phoenix from the Ashes

During a huge fire in 2010 most of the Preveli palm forest burned down. The locals were scared that their paradise had been destroyed forever. To the surprise of everybody the palm forest had completely reconstructed itself by 2011. 

​

4) At the foot of the Kourtaliotikos Canyon

The Kourtaliotikos Canyon has a length of 3km and its cliffs reach up to 600m high. It is one of the most impressive natural attractions of Rethymno. You will be able to see numerous caves, springs, waterfalls and fauna. At the end of the canyon lies Preveli palm forest and beach. 

​

5) The first Cretans may be from Preveli

There are studies of excarvations that were found in the Gorge of Preveli, that suggest that this beautiful paradise may have been a place of interest to the so called Homo Erectus who supposedly used to swim there.