Preveli Monastery

The building

There are two monastic sites: Kato Preveli by the river, largely ruined, and Piso Preveli on the cliff, which is the one you visit. The present church and courtyard date from the nineteenth century rebuild after an Ottoman destruction. The view from the terrace is the one on the postcards — sea, gorge mouth, and the palm forest as a dark green smear below.

The history

The monks sheltered Allied soldiers after the 1941 airborne invasion and helped get them off the island by submarine from the beach below. That is why British and Australian visitors still come, and why there is a memorial on the approach. The museum holds vestments, weapons and the usual Cretan monastic mix of liturgy and resistance.

Practicalities

Admission is paid on site and is not included in the tour price; carry cash. Shoulders and knees covered. About 45 minutes from Rethymno via the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Thirty to forty-five minutes is enough for the courtyard, the church and the view. The palm beach is a further descent — a separate stop, with its own parking and a walk or boat depending on how you do it. Closed on some religious days; check if you are self-driving at Easter.