During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but the palmgrove recovered and still remains a heaven on earth.
At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas.

Please note that Rubbish disposal and taking seashells from the Beach is strictly prohibited.

Kourtaliotis or “Kourtaliotiko” Gorge

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete. Inside, the Kourtaliotis River flows, crossing its 2.5 km in length and its towering slopes that reach 600 meters in height.
The gorge begins from the village of Koxare in the prefecture of Rethymno and reaches the lake of Preveli. Stone steps begin from the Kokaere - Asomatous road and reach the interior of the gorge, at the church of Agios Nikolaos and
the springs of Kourtaliotis. The gorge is an important biotope, since rare species of birds of prey live in the caves formed on its slopes.
 

Indicative Time-Table

08:00-09:00 Pick-Up
10:30 Arrival at Damnoni Beach/Embarkation
11:00 Departure by boat to Preveli Beach
11:30 Arrival to Preveli Palm Beach
14:30 Departure by boat from Preveli Palm Beach to Damnoni Village
15:00 Free time to swim or optional lunch
16:15 Departure from Damnoni village
16:30 Kourtaliotis Gorge/Photoshooting stop
18:30-19:15 Arrival at your hotel