Lassithi Vai beach

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General information

Lying on the eastern coast of Lassithi, the mesmerizing Vai Beach is a true gem of nature that fascinates visitors with its stunning beauty. It has become famous for its unique palm tree forest that has given it its name, and it easily ranks among the most impressive beaches in Greece.

Covering a surface of 62 acres and consisting of around 5,000 palm trees, this is the largest palm tree forest in Europe. It was first recorded during the Classical period and its existence has falsely been attributed to Phoenician merchants or Arab pirates who threw away the seeds of the carobs they had been eating. The truth, though, is that this species is indigenous to Crete and has been flourishing for thousands of years thanks to the warm and dry climate. This palm tree forest constitutes a significant wetland that is home to a rich bird fauna, while also hosting countless migratory birds every year.

In front of this unique forest stretches a long beach with fine golden sand and fairytale azure waters. In a few places, the sea bottom is covered by smooth rocks, while a skerry jutting out of the water gives it a unique charm.

During the 70s, Vai became a pole of attraction for the hippies who had to abandon Matala, while later, in the 1980s, it became a popular destination for backpackers who transformed it into a dump site. This is why it has been declared a protected area where camping is strictly forbidden, while the main entrance is open from sunrise to sunset. It is organized as much as possible, taking into account its status as a conservation area, and amenities include umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. Moreover, there are water sports facilities for jet skiing and wakeboarding, as well as a canteen.

If you don’t mind walking a bit, you can climb up the stairs you will see at one edge of the beach and visit the observatory, which affords breathtaking views of the sea and palm tree forest.

Things to See & Do in Vai

Check out the things to see & do in Vai during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Sightseeing

Vai Map

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