Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches
Heraklion, Greece

Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches

Outty Ranking 59 4.0 · 22 traveler reviews13 hoursFrom $57
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches worth booking?

Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches is a 13-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $57 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4/5 (22)
Duration
13 hours
From
$57 per person

Discover the beauty of southern Crete on a full-day excursion to Preveli Palm Beach and the stunning coastline of Damnoni. Travel through scenic landscapes before boarding a boat to one of Crete’s most unique beaches, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy free time to swim, relax, and explore. Continue to Damnoni Beach, with the chance to visit the nearby coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi. Admire the spectacular views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge along the way. This tour operates with two different itineraries depending on the day of departure: -Tuesdays: Includes free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon. -Thursdays & Saturdays: No Rethymnon stop, with extended beach time at Preveli, Damnoni, Amoudi, and Kleisidi. A perfect mix of beaches, nature, sightseeing, and relaxation—ideal for discovering Crete’s south coast in one unforgettable day.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the beauty of southern Crete on a full-day excursion to Preveli Palm Beach and the stunning coastline of Damnoni. Travel through scenic landscapes before boarding a boat to one of Crete’s most unique beaches, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy free time to swim, relax, and explore. Continue to Damnoni Beach, with the chance to visit the nearby coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi. Admire the spectacular views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge along the way. This tour operates with two different itineraries depending on the day of departure: -Tuesdays: Includes free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon. -Thursdays & Saturdays: No Rethymnon stop, with extended beach time at Preveli, Damnoni, Amoudi, and Kleisidi. A perfect mix of beaches, nature, sightseeing, and relaxation—ideal for discovering Crete’s south coast in one unforgettable day.

    What's included

    Included

    • Boat Trip to Preveli Palm Beach
    • Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Tour Guide
    • Professional Driver

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Heraklion

      Morning Pickup We begin collecting participants from their designated pick-up points in the morning. Depending on your accommodation location, the drive to the first destination will take 2–4 hours.

      180 minutes here

    2. Damnoni

      1st Stop: Damnoni Beach (arrival point / boat embarkation) Arrive at the beautiful beach of Damnoni, where you will board the boat heading to the famous Preveli Palm Beach.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Preveli Beach

      Boat Trip: 30 minutes 2nd Stop: Preveli Palm Beach (Duration: 2 hours | Tuesdays: 1 hour 30 minutes) Reach the world-renowned Preveli Beach, where golden sand meets a palm-lined river surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy free time to swim in the turquoise sea, relax on the beach, or explore the unique tropical scenery. Boat Trip: 30 minutes

      150 minutes here

    4. 3rd Stop: Damnoni – Amoudi – Kleisidi Beaches (Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes | Tuesdays: 1 hour 10 minutes) Return to Damnoni Beach and enjoy free time for swimming, lunch, or exploring the nearby hidden coves of Amoudi and Kleisidi, all within walking distance. A perfect chance to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Crete. Bus Transfer: 20 minutes

      90 minutes here

    5. Kourtaliotiko Gorge

      4th Stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge (Duration: 10 minutes) Take in the spectacular views of the wild and rugged Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Enjoy a short photo stop to admire one of Crete’s most impressive natural landmarks. Bus Transfer: 30 minutes

      40 minutes here

    6. Heraklion

      Embarkation in the buses from Damnoni region and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ. Bus Drive: 2–4 hours.

      180 minutes here

    7. Rethymnon Old Town

      5th Stop: Rethymnon Old Town (Tuesdays only | Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes) On Tuesdays, enjoy free time in the charming old town of Rethymnon. Stroll through picturesque alleys, visit the old Venetian harbor, relax at a local café, or walk along the seaside promenade.

      80 minutes here

    8. Heraklion

      Return to Resorts At the end of the excursion, board the bus for the return journey to your accommodation. Return times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up/drop-off locations.

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 2 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • English: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • Italian: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • French: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific areas: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • Italian: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Ammoudara & Kokkini Hani Pickup included

    • German: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • Polish: Anissaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • French: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included

    • Italian: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • Polish: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Ammoudara & Kokkini Hani Pickup included

    • Polish: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • Polish: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • French: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, it, pl, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cretan Odyssey

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Preveli Beach, Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret BeachesPreveli Palm Beach, Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret BeachesHeraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches, photo 4Preveli Palm Beach panoramic, Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret BeachesPreveli Palm Forest, Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret BeachesPalm Trees path in Preveli, Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    22 verified traveler reviews for Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    12
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    Frank_S · September 2026

    Great Beaches if not windy.

    I took a bus ride from Heraklion in the north to the beaches in the south. The gorge stop was not with it to me. On this day the winds were fierce and almost knocked me down at the gorge. The beaches would have been spectacular but on this particular day the winds were very high. I believe the tour company should cancel when there is such windy weather. The wind was kicking up the sand. The tour guide was great and the people I met were very nice.

    via Viator

    Vera_R · June 2026

    Crowded tour

    Huge bus full of rude, loud people. Almost 80 people and only 1 tour guide. Elisabetta did a great job considering the amount of people. The same information in 3 languages! There was traffic and there was a delayed. The tour itinerary changed so the time for each stop changed. We spent hours sitting in a bus and 1 hour at the beach. There was not enough time to enjoy the Palm Tree beach or walk to the waterfalls. We had to rush through every single stop and basically swallow our lunch. Not a good experience at all.

    via Viator

    janicewY5209TJ · October 2025

    Best day ever

    This was my favourite of the trips I did I cannot put into words the stunning scenery this island has to offer. And this trip seems to take in far more than seems fair. From mountains, to travelling through soaring forgers to the most fantastic beaches, not to mention to palm forests themselves. Swimming in the crystal clear Libyan sea was just perfect I loved the boat thrip from one small bay to another, it felt as if I had left all my cares behind. Lastly a great lunch in the most picture postcard taverna ever. Back on the coach and down the coast to Rethymno for a visit to my favourite ice cream shop - just perfect

    via Tripadvisor

    oana15 · July 2025

    Too Many Stops, Not Enough Time

    Was nice but it has too many attractions and felt everything in a hurry. We wanted to go in preveli and was the only trip available that day. The schedule initially received was changed and communicated to us only in the bus. Didn't like the fact that some tourists occupied 2 seats in the bus so that no one would stay on the seat next to them. It should be organized better the sitting in the bus.

    via Tripadvisor

    enjoytheexperience1 · November 2024

    Be prepared for a long journey

    Picked up this tour at 7.50am from a hotel outside Heraklion it then took over 3 hours to reach Damnoni beach with a stop along the way for a comfort break. The coach was a double decker packed with various nationalities and although there was a toilet on board we were not permitted to use it. The tour guide repeated the same information in several languages which made it really tedious listening and I'd recommend booking a tour specifically for your chosen language. We arrived at Damnoni beach and the boat was waiting for us, this had toilets on board, and it was a 30 minute jaunt along the coast toe Preveli beach. Being a tourist attraction it was extremely busy and we opted for a walk through the palm trees and a very quick dip in the sea before we had to catch the boat back. I actually preferred Damnoni beach which had restaurants and was far less crowded. The final visit was to Rethymnon town which I thought was lovely. Plenty of places to eat, shop and sightsee. The whole day was about 11 hours but we only spent about 4 at the various places so not really the most enjoyable of days for us. Definitely take snacks and plenty of drinks.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    13 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    8
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.

    See everything Cretan Odyssey runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)49
    Review evidence (18% weight)52
    Booking momentum (14% weight)44
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)11
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches cost?

    +

    Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches take?

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    Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.

    Is Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

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    Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Heraklion?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Heraklion?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Heraklion?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

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    Included: Boat Trip to Preveli Palm Beach; Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ; In-vehicle air conditioning; Tour Guide; and Professional Driver. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 470 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 2 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches offered in?

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    It is offered in German, English, Italian, Polish and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

    +

    Across 22 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    What booking options are available for Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches?

    +

    There are 12 options to choose from, including English: Agia Pelagia area, Italian: Hersonissos, Malia, French: Agia Pelagia area, Italian: Heraklion area. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Heraklion: Preveli By Boat, Rethymno & Damnoni Secret Beaches.

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