Crete: Land Rover Safari, Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Preveli Beach Lunch

Summary

Crete’s wild gorges, mountain villages and palm beach day trip

You’ll ride deep into Crete’s mountains by Land Rover from Rethymno, watch for eagles over Kourtaliotiko Gorge, wander Spili village’s shady square, swim at Preveli Palm Beach, and share a long Cretan lunch with local wine. Expect laughter with your guide and surprises along every dusty bend—a day that lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

“You see those cliffs? If you’re lucky, the eagles will show off for you,” Manolis grinned as he steered our Land Rover up another twist in the road. I’d barely finished my coffee when we left Rethymno, but already the air smelled different—like wild thyme and dust, with something sharp and green I couldn’t name. The drive felt half adventure, half slow reveal; every corner showed another patchwork of olive trees or a goat just standing there like it owned the place.

We stopped by Potami Lake for a bit. It was quiet except for some birds (Manolis tried to name them all—he got most right, I think). The water was glassy and blue-grey, not exactly inviting for a swim but kind of mesmerizing anyway. In Spili village, we wandered under these enormous plane trees while old men played cards in the shade. There’s this fountain with lion heads spitting water—twenty-five of them!—and I’m still not sure if it was the cold spring water or the bakery’s honey pastries that woke me up more.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge was next. The wind whipped through so hard it made my hat nearly fly off. You could hear it howling even before we got out—the kind of sound that makes you feel small but weirdly alive. Manolis pointed out where monks used to hide in caves (I tried to imagine living here; honestly can’t). Then finally Preveli Palm Beach: palms everywhere, soft sand, river meeting sea in this lazy curve. We swam until our fingers wrinkled and then sat down for lunch—grilled lamb, fresh bread, tomatoes so sweet they tasted like sunshine. There was local wine too (maybe too much), and someone started singing an old Cretan song. I didn’t expect to feel so at home with strangers.

I keep thinking about that moment when the sun hit the river delta just right and everything felt golden and slow. Maybe it’s just Crete working its magic—or maybe it was the wine—but either way, I’d do this day trip again without thinking twice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Land Rover Safari in Crete

• See eagles from viewpoint
• Visit Potami lake wetland
• Explore Venetian fountain in Spili
• Walk in Kourtaliotiko Gorge
• Swim at Preveli Palm Beach

Top questions

How long is the Land Rover safari from Rethymno?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including stops for sightseeing, swimming, and lunch.

Is lunch included on this Crete safari tour?

Yes, a 3-course lunch with unlimited local wine is included during the day trip.

Do I need to bring swimming gear for Preveli Palm Beach?

Yes, bring your swimsuit and towel if you want to swim at Preveli Palm Beach.

Are hotel pickups available in Rethymno?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in Rethymno.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The vehicles and most areas are wheelchair accessible according to the operator.

What wildlife might I see on this Crete safari?

You may spot eagles near Kourtaliotiko Gorge plus various birds around Potami Lake.

What villages do we visit on this tour?

You’ll stop at Spili village with its famous Venetian lion-head fountain and shady square.

Is wine included during lunch?

Yes, unlimited bottled water and local wine are served with your meal.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Rethymno by Land Rover with a friendly driver-guide leading the way through Crete’s south. All fuel costs and local taxes are covered. You’ll pause for a proper 3-course Cretan lunch—with as much local wine as you like—and plenty of bottled water before heading back in the evening.