Lassithi Palm Forest

Location: Vai

Vai is a large sandy beach on the eastern side of Crete surrounded by a large palm tree forest. It is the biggest palm tree forest in Europe and comprises more than 5,000 trees! As one can easily tell, in combination with the golden beach, Vai forms an impressive landscape.

There are many legends concerning the creation of this palm forest. It is said that this forest dates back to medieval times and that the Arabs planted these trees when they conquered Crete. Others say that the trees were planted by Saracen pirates who used to hide in the nearby area. Another version says that this forest was built by Phoenician sailors who had colonized this part of Crete. However, scientists have proven that the Vai Palm trees are an endemic species that has existed in Crete since ancient times.

This uncommon forest became a popular attraction in the late 1970s when hippies who were pushed out of Matala sought a new refuge in the area. By the early 1980s, the Vai palm forest had become a permanent campground littered with copious piles of rubbish. Fortunately, this beach has since been cleaned and has been declared a protected area, with rare flora and fauna living on its shores.

Vai Palm Forest currently belongs to the Monastery Toplou and is visited by thousands of visitors every year. It is situated 25 km from Sitia town and 7 km from Paleokastro village. The road that leads to the forest is quite well-constructed and well-signed.