The Kourtaliotis River is the most famous in Crete as the Preveli palm forest is near the place where it discharges. Kourtaliotis is called “Megalos Potamos” (i.e. Big River) in that place.

The springs of Kourtaliotis are near the Koksare village in the Rethimno prefecture. It goes through the Kourtaliotiko gorge and ends to the famous and beautiful beach of Preveli, in the Libyan Sea.

It is about 7 kilometers long and its name came from the Cretan word “kourtala” that means applause. Its name came from the sound of the strong winds facing the imposing rocks of the area.