Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Monastery · Rethymno, Creta
Mosteiro de Preveli (Moni Preveli)
The Preveli monastery, high above the south coast, 35 km from Rethymno, with a 19th‑century church, an icon museum, views over the Libyan Sea and the memory of the rescue of Allied soldiers in 1941.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mosteiro de Preveli (Moni Preveli)
The Preveli monastery sits on a terrace above the Libyan Sea on Rethymno's south coast, with open views to the sea and to the island of Gavdos on clear days. There are two monasteries: the lower one (Kato Moni), now ruined by the river, and the upper one (Piso Moni), still active, which is the one visited. The present church dates from 1836 and holds a gold cross said to contain a fragment of Christ's Cross, and icons from the 17th to the 19th centuries displayed in the small museum.
The monastery was a centre of resistance in uprisings against the Ottomans and, in 1941 during the Battle of Crete, Abbot Agathangelos Lagouvardos sheltered and fed British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers, who were evacuated by submarine from the beach below. In reprisal the Germans destroyed the lower monastery. A roadside monument, showing a monk and a soldier, commemorates the event and was paid for by Australian veterans.
In the courtyard there is a fountain, olive trees and a view over the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where the Megalopotamos river descends to the palm grove and Preveli beach, which lies immediately below.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning, before descending to the beach, when the monastery is quieter and the light on the sea is better. Check the opening times, which change in winter and sometimes close for lunch.
How to get there
It's about 35 km from Rethymno, around a one‑hour drive on the southern road, crossing the Kourtaliotiko gorge, with signs for Moni Preveli. There is no direct bus; taxi, car or tour are the options. The beach is 2 km further down, with parking at the top.
Tip
Shoulders and knees covered. Stop at the Kourtaliotiko gorge viewpoint on the way, and at the monk and soldier monument by the road. Combine the visit with Preveli beach just afterwards.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mosteiro de Preveli (Moni Preveli)
What is the monument of the monk and the soldier near Preveli?
A tribute to the rescue of Allied soldiers in 1941, who were sheltered by the monastery and taken off by submarine on the beach. It was paid for by Australian veterans.
Can you visit both Preveli monasteries?
The upper one, Piso Moni, is the active and visited monastery. The lower one, Kato Moni, is in ruins by the river and can be seen from the road.
Is the monastery of Preveli near the beach?
Yes, the beach lies below, about 2 km by road to the parking area, and then a walk down.