Preveli with its riverside palm-groves is one of the most famous and beloved beaches in Crete. Its name and that of the broader region , is taken from the historical monastery nearby, dedicated to St. John the Theologian. This beach is located on the central south coast of the island, just a few km from the monastery of the same name, 43 km from Rethymnon city. The gorge that forms the river "megapotamos" ends at the Libyan Sea creating a small lagoon at its mouth. This lagoon, which the locals call "Lake" (limni , Gr:Λίμνη), is surrounded by palm trees and rich vegetation and is one of the most attractive places in Crete. In the past it used to be the ideal place for camping and naturalism. The sea is clean with a dazzling range of green and blue colors and the beach has fine white sand.