The picturesque palm beach of Vai

The picturesque palm beach of Vai is located on the north-eastern coast of the island, near Palekastro, about 20 km from the town of Sitia.

The wide, fine sandy beach is bordered by an exotic palm forest: the Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti) forms the largest natural palm grove in Europe here, with about 5000 trees. The palm forest and the beach are under nature conservation, the forest is only partially accessible.

The forest of Vai of has a fascinating history, as it is thought to have originated from seeds discarded by Phoenician merchants during the Classical period.

Its unique location, surrounded by golden sand and crystal clear waters, adds to its charm. The forest's tropical atmosphere attracts many visitors, making it a popular destination during peak season. In addition to its natural beauty, the forest is also home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Access to the beach is limited to daylight hours to prevent fires, and camping is not allowed. Visitors can find food and drinks at the snack bars and coffee shops on the beach.