Preveli Beach

[Graham_and_Karen]

This year we visited Preveli beach for the first time. In previous years there used to be a boat doing trips from Plakias but we didn't see it doing the trip this year. First point to make is - before you go, think about how much you want to go - if you're not too fussed, then don't bother - it's not the easiest of beaches to get to. A couple of years ago we made the mistake of driving down the road to Preveli and following signs to the Preveli Beach Car Park. Only when we had paid the exorbitant fee did we realise that the beach was a few hundred feet down a cliff. Lots of steps and didn't fancy carting beach towels, mats etc all that way. So, if you park at the top, be prepared for lots of steps down (and then up!  ).
This year we parked at Preveli Bridge, then walked down the dirt road, over the cobbled bridge, then veered off the road, following a track to the beach. I think the path might have been more difficult to follow in previous years but a lot of the walk was through areas affected by fires so it was easy to see the way to go (follow the red dots painted on the rocks). Foolishly, we imagined a a, mainly downhill walk, following the river. In fact, most of the walking was uphill, ending up at around the same level as the cliff top car park  . Fortunately, this time we were in walking mood so we enjoyed the exercise. The beach itself was nothing special and there was a steady stream of coach parties making their way down the cliff path from the car park. We avoided the river pedaloes but, seeing the signs for 'Palm Forest -->' we thought "what the heck, while we're here ...". We were pleasantly surprised - a pleasant walk, getting more interesting, the further up the valley you get. Ideally, we wanted to walk right up the valley to Preveli Bridge where we'd left the car but when we got to the point that involved wading waist deep in water, and with the path uncertain beyond that, we turned back. After getting back to the beach, we crossed to the beach east of Preveli, started walking back by the dirt road, then rejoined the path, retracing our outward walk.

It would be good to hear from someone who's walked up from the beach to Preveli Bridge, following the river as we'd like to try that next year.

I know Graeme thought the water was oily. I can't comment as I don't think we bothered to go in the water while we were there.

[Graham_and_Karen]

Yes, from the Venetian bridge - we like our walks  
The path we took brings you down to the track between the two beaches. The last bit is quite steeply down and ill-defined but no problem as you can see where you are heading. We had a drink in the taverna at the beach to the east of Preveli. We could have taken the car down there but fancied the walk and were unsure whether the dirt road was ok for our little car. Probably no problem, so long as you take it slowly.

[LenG]

Yes, from the Venetian bridge - we like our walks  
The path we took brings you down to the track between the two beaches. The last bit is quite steeply down and ill-defined but no problem as you can see where you are heading. We had a drink in the taverna at the beach to the east of Preveli. We could have taken the car down there but fancied the walk and were unsure whether the dirt road was ok for our little car. Probably no problem, so long as you take it slowly.

We walked from the gorge to the bridge and then with a car on the dirt road to the beach on the east of preveli beach. The beach itself was in our point of view terrible, liked ligres more. The walk from the gorge to the bridge was not quite what we have expected. On the side of the river there were several 'hippies', even with a young child (6-7jrs) barefooted.
I was not feeling certaint of the situation but the scenery was beautiful.

Gerard and Liane

[Allan Barham]

When you say Prevelli Bridge do you mean the old venetian bridge by the taverna, if so thats a heck of a walk down to the beach.
The easiast way ........which can be done by car if you take it easy is down what is called swallow canyon, which starts at the old monastary/venetian bridge. Once parked at the beach which is free you then clamber up and along the cliff top path arriving at Previlli beach from the East.
The Gorge is well worth the visit IMHO, but as described in the other thread oily water spoilt the snorkelling at the beach  

I would've liked to venture further up the river bed  on our visit but the boulders got bigger and bigger and looked like there was no way past them, but i'm sure there must be  

If the unmade road is still in the same state as when we last used it you were very wise not to attempt it in a small car.  We found it deeply rutted in places and posed significant risks to the wheels and undertray which are normally excluded from your car insurance and become your responsibility if they are damaged.  You really need a four wheel drive vehicle with good ground clearance to be safe.  I concur with the view that Ligres is easier to reach and offers a better beach part of which is clothes optional.

Regards,

Allan