Botanic Garden – Spili – Preveli – Plakias Tour

Crete’s stunning landscapes come alive on the Botanic Garden – Spili – Preveli – Plakias Tour. Visitors will enjoy the island’s natural wonders, from the Maravel Botanical Garden’s medicinal herbs to the breathtaking views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The journey offers a chance to explore charming villages, relax on the picturesque Preveli Beach, and soak in the authentic Greek culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to uncover more of Crete’s hidden gems.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Preveli.

Good To Know

• This tour offers an 8-hour journey through Crete’s picturesque landscapes, including a guided tour of Maravel Botanical Garden and visits to Spili, Preveli Beach, and Plakias.
• The tour is priced from $27.63 per person and includes pickup and drop-off in Rethymnon, with a flexible cancellation policy.
• Highlights of the tour include a guided tour of the Maravel Garden, a photo stop in Spili, and 2.5 hours of free time at Preveli Beach for swimming and exploration.
• The Maravel Garden tour showcases an array of medicinal herbs and endemic plants, led by knowledgeable experts for a deeper understanding.
• The tour also includes a brief stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge for breathtaking views and a visit to the charming village of Plakias before returning to Rethymnon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Botanic Garden – Spili – Preveli – Plakias Tour offers an 8-hour journey through some of Crete’s most picturesque landscapes.

Priced from $27.63 per person, this English-guided tour includes pickup and drop-off from various locations around Rethymnon.

Highlights include a guided tour of the Maravel Botanical Garden, a photo stop in the charming village of Spili, and a visit to the stunning Preveli Beach, where you’ll have 2.5 hours to swim, explore the lagoon, and admire the palm forest.

The tour also includes a stop in the quaint village of Plakias before returning to Rethymnon.

With a cancellation policy allowing free refunds up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to discover Crete’s natural wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

Maravel Garden is the first stop on the Botanic Garden tour. Visitors will embark on a guided tour of this botanical garden, which showcases a variety of medicinal herbs and endemic plants. The tour lasts approximately one hour.

Next, the group will make a brief 10-minute photo stop in Spili Village to admire the unique 25 lion stone heads that pour fresh mountain water.

Another 10-minute photo stop follows at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, allowing participants to take in the breathtaking views.

The highlight of the tour is Preveli Beach, where guests can enjoy 2.5 hours of free time to swim, explore the lagoon, and wander through the palm forest.

Maravel Garden

Visitors embark on a guided tour of this botanical garden, which showcases an array of medicinal herbs and endemic plants. The Maravel Garden features a diverse collection, allowing visitors to explore the region’s natural wonders. The tour lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time to appreciate the garden’s beauty and learn about its significance.

Feature	Description
Garden Size	5 acres
Plant Variety	Over 150 species
Highlights	Medicinal herbs, endemic flora
Guides	Knowledgeable experts
Duration	1 hour

The Maravel Garden offers a unique opportunity to explore the botanical riches of Crete, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural heritage.

Spili Village

After leaving the Maravel Garden, the tour ventures onward to Spili Village, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains.

The highlight of this stop is a photo opportunity at the 25 lion stone heads, which spout fresh mountain water. Visitors can spend about 10 minutes exploring this unique natural landmark and capturing its beauty on camera.

The lions, carved into the stone, create a captivating sight and a perfect chance to admire the architectural and natural wonders of the region.

This brief visit to Spili Village provides a glimpse into the charming rural character of Crete before the tour continues its journey.

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Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Following the visit to the charming Spili Village, the tour continues its journey towards the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge. This dramatic natural wonder, carved by the Megalopotamos River, offers a stunning photo opportunity. Visitors can admire the towering cliffs and lush vegetation that line the gorge’s walls.

Feature	Description
Scenery	Towering cliffs, lush vegetation
Duration	10 minutes
Highlights	Breathtaking views

The brief stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge allows guests to capture the natural beauty before moving on to the next destination, Preveli Beach, where they can enjoy swimming and exploring the lagoon and palm forest.

Preveli Beach

The tour now moves on to Preveli Beach, a stunning coastal destination.

Visitors will enjoy a 25-minute walk to the beach, where they’ll have 2.5 hours of free time to swim and explore the serene lagoon and palm forest.

Preveli Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, making it a picturesque spot for relaxation and discovery.

Guests can take in the breathtaking views, dip in the refreshing waters, and enjoy the natural beauty of this renowned Greek destination.

Plakias Village

After exploring the natural beauty of Preveli Beach, the tour moves on to the charming village of Plakias.

Here, visitors are given free time to wander the streets, browse local shops, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Plakias is known for its relaxed, seaside vibe and offers a chance to experience authentic Greek culture.

Visitors can stroll along the promenade, admire the traditional architecture, and perhaps indulge in a Greek coffee or light meal before heading back to Rethymnon.

This stop allows for a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders and cultural exploration on the tour.

Inclusions and What to Bring

The tour package includes a comprehensive set of features to enhance the experience for visitors.

Pickup and drop-off from the hotel, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, are provided. Guests can access Preveli Palm beach without needing to purchase a separate boat ticket.

Plus, a live tour guide accompanies the group throughout the excursion. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen.

This well-rounded tour offers a seamless and convenient way to explore the botanical garden, picturesque villages, and stunning natural landscapes of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Customers can typically customize the tour itinerary, though they’ll need to confirm with the tour provider. Many tours offer flexibility to adjust the schedule or add/remove stops based on individual preferences and interests.

Are There Any Restrictions for the Preveli Beach Visit?

The tour allows visitors direct access to Preveli Beach without needing a separate boat ticket. However, there may be restrictions on swimming or exploring the lagoon and palm forest based on weather and safety conditions.

Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?

The tour does not mention any group discounts. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly as they may offer special rates for larger groups. Contact them to inquire about any available discounts.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour. However, this would incur an additional fee. Speak with the tour operator to discuss your desired changes and obtain a revised quote for the extended tour.

What Type of Vehicle Will Be Used for the Transportation?

The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Travelers will be picked up and dropped off at their hotel or other designated locations along the route. The size of the vehicle may vary depending on the group size.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a captivating journey through Crete’s diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore the Maravel Botanical Garden, admire the picturesque Spili Village, marvel at the stunning Kourtaliotiko Gorge, relax on the idyllic Preveli Beach, and enjoy the charming Plakias Village. With its scenic sights and cultural experiences, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: