Vai Palm Tree Forest and Beach

Vai Beach

Vai is located 94 km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24 km east of Sitia. It is the most famous beach of eastern Crete, as its main feature is the large forest of Cretan palms (Phoenix Theophrasti) - after all, its name comes from the Greek word vayia which means palm tree. Here is the largest natural colony of palm trees in Europe with around 5000 trees while smaller colonies exist in other parts of Crete. The paradise palm forest is grown in a large 250-acre wetland system with brackish water gushing from the earth. At the meeting point with the sea, an exotic sandy beach is formed with the protected palm forest as a background. In a few places when you enter there are smooth rocks, while across the street you will see Peristerobrachi, some small islands that beautify the landscape. It is organized, as far as its protection status allows, with umbrellas, showers, water sports and a canteen. If you want some seclusion, there is a lovely sandy beach 5' north of Vai, while another ideal option is Psili Ammos beach to the south. The wider area belongs to the nearby Toplou Monastery, which is built with fortress architecture and hosts an excellent church museum.