The monastery of Preveli (or Prevelis) is located 37km south of Rethymnon, in a beautiful natural setting on the western slopes of Megalos Potamos (the exit of Kourtaliotiko Gorge) and the palm grove of the area. It includes two separate monasteries which are located 1.7km from each other, the Kato (Lower) Monastery of Prodromos and the Piso (Back) Monastery of Theologos.

Kato Monastery of PreveliThe first monastery complex, which the visitor first meets, coming from Rethymnon, is the Kato Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodomos (St. John the Baptist), which is ruined. It is located near Megalos Potamos river and the arched bridge of the area. It is a irregular set of buildings with a central courtyard, in the center of which you can see the church of St. John the Baptist. The church is surrounded by the buildings that housed the dining room, the cooking room, the abbot room, the cells, an olive oil press, warehouses, etc. The monastery was formerly used all year round, as the surrounding areas were ideal for cultivation and farming. However, it was later abandoned, as it was destroyed and looted several times by the various conquerors of Crete.