Preveli Beach loop via Preveli Bridge – 20th April 2024
I decided to ignore the guide who suggested parking at the bridge, going down to the coast on one side of the gorge and coming back up on the other in a clockwise direction. Instead I saw that Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach had parking and was only 600 metres away from Preveli beach so if I did a loop from there I could have a swim if it was nice. I also decided to go anti-clockwise. The first bit was a mistake. Narrow cliff hugging road with blind hairpins and parts where only one car could pass. At least going down I was on the cliff side of the road, coming back up on the edge side was a f’ing nightmare. Those Top Gear boys could do one of their false jeopardy, still with scary bits, films on it. The second choice was a big hit. Ending up with a slow climb to the cliff above the beach and a steep descent rather than the other way round. This was a lovely walk. At the bridge is a nice taverna which serves good food and coffee. Had a stop at the halfway point then called back for lunch when I collected the car. The gorgeous lamb chops and salad and 0% beer settled me after that drive out.
The start at Drymiskiano Ammoudi beach. Windy and 19. Had to swap this day with the one planned cos the ferries aren’t running. Alexos Aygo on the right.Halfway up the first climb. The south coast of Crete looking east.Following this river valley up and to the left then crossing over at Preveli Bridge and down the other bank. Feeling at peace.The poppies have started to bloom and when the valley closes in, you are swamped by the smell of wild Thyme.All the little beeses in their colourful hives ready to get out and pollinate.Caught two of them on the job. Christ! they be swarming at me.Google told me to go over this bridge in the car. Bit dubious but was the only way to get to the beach road.Down to the river bank. It rained last night but Crete doesn’t seem to be suffering drought like a lot of the med.The guardians of the bridge having a siesta.Here you go, the famous bridge. A work of art with that beautiful arch. Made in the 1850’s when they cared. Modern hash of concrete and tarmac in front, “That’s enough. It’ll do, Alexos.” I did walk over it – the old one.Ze water is bubbling out of the ground and flooding the wood. We need a plumber quickly. “Can get to you a week on Thursday.”Are they sheepish goats or goatish sheeps. Well, droopy long tails so … Sheep! And rancid ones at that. Smelt them from about 400 metres away.Tiny church hidden in the valley. Greek Orthodox. The priests can marry but only before becoming a priest. Are they as bad as the Catholics? Turns out – nearly. Religion eh! What a con.Back to the climbing. The river gorge below. Heading back to the sea.Meeting the sea at Preveli beach. I’ve still a bit to go.Preveli and beyond it, Drymiskiano Ammoudi. Just need to get down this cliff.Down at the beach at last, but of course I still have to cross …… the river. Time for the boots and socks to come off.Looking up the river gorge where it bends at its bar, and the Palm forest lining its banks.The heart rock. I don’t see it. I see Thing from the Fantastic 4. His big right fist is coming at you. Beside it is his head and he’s buried up to his shoulders in the sand.I’m safely up the scary bit, starting to relax and Δογγο (Greek Doggo) runs out on me. Fucking little go kart. I’m stopped in the middle of the road after a dozen peeps screamed past me, not even slowing down. The cheeky git is now on the left down a bit, giving me the, “What’s all the fuss about.”See, snow.
Having to drive for an hour and a half or so after the walk is a big problem. I get warm and comfortable and sleepy so quickly. Still, driving is the only way to get anywhere and give myself enough time to actually do the walks. Would recommend the Preveli beach loop though, any day. Thirty minutes or so in and I could feel the bliss come on me again. I’d missed it. Didn’t get it on Belle-ile-en-mer but that was partly my fault and the lurgy that took me down.
