Among the thousands of beaches of Greece are some that definitely stand out for their beauty and the dreamy scenery that surrounds them. This is also true about a Greek beach that looks like an African oasis. We are talking about Preveli beach with the palm forest by the river. It is one of the most famous and most favoured beaches in Crete.
The palm forest of Preveli, an area of about 40 acres, was the second-largest palm forest in Crete (first was the one in Vai) and in it, is found the kind of native Cretan palm tree also known as the palm of Theophrastus. Apart from the palm trees in the forest, there are few, oleanders, carob trees, wild bushes and reeds.
The Greek beach Preveli in the style of an African oasis
Preveli Beach is located on the south coast of the island. of Crete, about 40 km away from Rethymnon. The picture you’ll see, as you get there, is riveting. It is a unique sandy beach with a small forest of palm trees that make it look exotic. It’s not coincidental that they say it looks like an African oasis. The pictures speak for themselves. That’s because the river forms a small lagoon before it spills into the sea.
This means that when you are there for summer vacations you can either swim in the salty waters of the sea, or in the sweet waters of the lagoon and the river! A special experience is also hiking and climbing up the river. The palm trees on the banks of the river offer a rich shade and the ground is smooth and sandy.
Because of this image and its unusual environment, the beach is a very popular destination for tourists ever since the 1970s, when many hippies who built huts with greens and branches from the palm trees came here to camp. It is even said that after Matala, it was the second most popular beach for hippies.
At one point umbrellas and sunbeds were placed but were eventually removed. That’s because they were ruining the exotic image of the place. If you plan to go for a swim on this Greek beach you have to be prepared. You will surely enjoy the image of the African oasis that was kept unscathed. What is certain, is that it will be on your list of the most impressive beaches you have ever visited in your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Preveli Beach is located on the south coast of Crete, approximately 40 km away from Rethymnon. It is one of the most famous beaches on the island, known for its unique combination of sandy beach and palm forest.
Preveli Beach resembles an African oasis because of its 40-acre palm forest that lines a river, which forms a small lagoon before flowing into the sea. The native Cretan palm trees (Theophrastus palms), combined with oleanders, carob trees, and other vegetation, create an exotic landscape that is unique to Greece.
At Preveli Beach, you can swim in both the salty sea waters and the fresh waters of the lagoon and river. You can also enjoy hiking and climbing along the river, take shade under the palm trees on the sandy banks, and explore the surrounding palm forest environment.
Preveli Beach became popular with hippies starting in the 1970s, making it the second most popular hippie destination in Crete after Matala. Hippies built temporary huts using branches and greens from the palm trees, establishing a camping culture that lasted for several decades.
While umbrellas and sunbeds were once placed at Preveli Beach, they were eventually removed to preserve the beach's exotic and natural appearance. The beach maintains its unspoiled African oasis aesthetic without modern commercial facilities.
