The picturesque region of Rethymno in Crete offers a captivating day trip that immerses visitors in the natural splendor and cultural charm of the area. Travelers can explore the stunning Preveli Palms, unwind on the tranquil shores of Damnoni Beach, and discover the quaint charm of Plakias Village. From refreshing swims amidst palm-fringed shores to indulging in local cuisine, this excursion provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of Crete’s breathtaking landscapes and authentic island living. With an itinerary that caters to various interests, this day trip promises an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to enjoy the remarkable wonders of Rethymno.
Key Points
- The tour covers Preveli Palms, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias Village in the Rethymno region, offering a comprehensive experience of the area’s natural beauty.
- Highlights include swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the diverse beach environments, along with opportunities to experience the local culture in Plakias Village.
- The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and legal taxes, providing a seamless and value-for-money excursion.
- Pickup is available from designated bus stops and select hotels in the Rethymno area, ensuring convenience for participants.
- Guests are advised to wear comfortable, beach-friendly attire and bring essential items like swimwear, sun protection, and small personal belongings.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour from Rethymno to Preveli Palm Forest, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias Village costs from €20.00 per person and lasts 10 hours. It comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and a reserve now & pay later option available.
Pickup is provided from designated bus stops or select hotel entrances in the Rethymno area, including Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Rethimno, and Panormos.
The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned bus, an experienced guide, and all legal taxes.
Boat cruise fees to Preveli Beach are additional, with adult tickets costing €13 and children’s (4-10 years) tickets costing €6.5.
Lunch and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rethymno.
Itinerary and Activities
In an article titled ‘Rethymno: Preveli Palms, Damnioni Beach & Plakias Village‘, the itinerary and activities are as follows.
The tour begins with pickup from designated bus stops or select hotel entrances in the Rethymno area, including Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Rethimno, and Panormos.
From there, it’s an 80-minute bus ride to Damnoni Beach, where guests have 2 hours to swim and relax.
Next, a 20-minute boat cruise takes them to Preveli Beach, where they can spend 2.25 hours swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the area.
The tour then returns to Damnoni Beach for another 2 hours of swimming and leisure before visiting Plakias Village for 2 hours to enjoy lunch, local snacks, and sightseeing.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional driver, air-conditioned bus transportation, experienced guide, and all legal taxes. However, it excludes lunch and personal expenses.
Plus, there are separate fees for the boat cruise:
- Adults (11+ years) €13
- Children (4-10 years) €6.5
- Infants (up to 4 years) are free.
The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to:
- Explore the stunning Preveli Beach with its natural shade, tavern, and shop
- Enjoy the amenities of Damnoni Beach, including rental umbrellas, sunbeds, and Greek tavernas
- Discover the relaxed atmosphere and scenic seaside views of Plakias Village.
With these inclusions and reasonable additional costs, this tour offers an excellent value for a day of exploration and enjoyment in the Rethymno region.
Beach Features and Amenities
Preveli Beach boasts showers, natural shade, a tavern, and a shop, though the latter tends to have higher prices, so it’s recommended to bring one’s own snacks.
Damnoni Beach, on the other hand, offers rental umbrellas, sunbeds, Greek tavernas, and food vendors, catering to visitors’ needs.
Plakias Village, meanwhile, exudes a relaxed atmosphere with an array of dining and leisure options, as well as scenic seaside vistas.
These diverse beach features and amenities ensure that travelers can fully enjoy the natural beauty and local culture of this stunning region, whether they’re seeking a peaceful respite or a lively seaside experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
Traveler reviews of the tour and surrounding areas paint a consistently positive picture, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on two evaluations.
Highlights mentioned by visitors include:
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The tour’s engaging, knowledgeable guide who enhanced the experience
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The stunning natural beauty of the beaches, palm forests, and gorge
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The opportunity to relax, swim, and explore the charming Plakias village
Tourists were impressed by the variety of activities and scenery packed into the 10-hour excursion, as well as the excellent value for money.
The seamless transportation, flexibility with pickup locations, and inclusion of all necessary fees were also praised.
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Getting to the Destinations
The tour begins with hotel or bus stop pickups in Rethymno and its neighboring areas, including Adelianos Kampos, Skaleta, Panormos, and the city center itself, ensuring convenient access for participants.
From there, the air-conditioned bus embarks on an 80-minute journey to the stunning Damnoni Beach, where visitors can spend two hours swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the Greek tavernas and food vendors.
Next, a 20-minute boat cruise transports travelers to the picturesque Preveli Beach, offering 2.25 hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the natural shade and amenities.
The tour then returns to Damnoni Beach for another two hours of leisure before heading to Plakias Village for a two-hour stop to savor local cuisine and soak in the scenic seaside ambiance.
What to Bring and Wear
Equipped with comfortable, beach-friendly attire and sturdy footwear, visitors can fully enjoy the tour’s diverse activities.
Bringing along a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection is highly recommended to make the most of the stunning beaches and water-based excursions. Plus, a lightweight, packable jacket or cover-up can be useful for the boat cruise and shaded areas.
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, it’s also a good idea to pack:
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A small bag or backpack to carry personal items
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Snacks and water to stay hydrated
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Cash for the boat cruise and any additional purchases
Additional Tips and Information
Punctuality is key for this guided tour, as the schedule is tightly coordinated to maximize the time spent at each destination.
Participants should aim to be ready at their designated pickup point a few minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities.
It’s also recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a swimsuit, as the itinerary involves beach time and coastal activities.
Plus, while lunch isn’t included, travellers will have the opportunity to purchase local cuisine and refreshments during the stop in Plakias Village.
Recap
Rethymno’s day trip to Preveli Palms, Damnoni Beach, and Plakias Village offers a compelling blend of natural wonders and cultural charm.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of palm-fringed shores, relax on sandy expanses, and savor local cuisine while soaking in picturesque seaside views.
This excursion promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the region’s diverse and captivating offerings.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Rethymno
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