Preveli Monastery
Μονή Πρέβελη
An Orthodox monastery built on a cliff above the Libyan Sea. It sheltered Allied soldiers during World War II and has a small museum, with views over the south coast.
Preveli Monastery was founded around the 16th century. It stands on a high sea cliff, its white walls, stone courtyards and bell tower set against the Libyan Sea. The monastery was a centre of resistance during the 1866 Cretan revolt and World War II. In 1941 monks helped hundreds of Commonwealth soldiers escape by submarine from a nearby beach. A memorial outside and a statue of a monk carrying a rifle commemorate this. The church inside holds precious relics of the True Cross, and the small museum displays icons and vestments. Entry costs about €3 to €4, and visitors must dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. It is about 45 minutes' drive from Rethymno. Just a few kilometres downhill is the Preveli Beach car park.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–18:30 (shorter in winter; may close at midday)
Nearby sights
- Kato Preveli Monastery
- Preveli Beach
- Schinaria Beach
- Ammoudi Beach (Plakias)
- Damnoni Beach
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge
- Myrthios
- Plakias