A view like the Caribbean in Europe. This beach is closer than you think

Although it looks like the Caribbean, it is within reach for European tourists. Vai Beach is located on the beloved holiday island of Crete, 25 kilometers east of the town of Sitia. It is famous for its dense palm forest, which covers an area of ​​250,000 square meters. m. Local hippies started spending time there in the 1970s and 1980s. The great popularity of this place apparently began with an advertisement for a bounty bar, although it is not known exactly from which year. This was not hindered by the fact that the grove is covered with an endemic date palm (Phoenix theophrasti) and not a coconut palm. Although the coconuts in the advertisement were artificial, many people add this item to their travel dream list.

Vai beach in Greece. It reminds me of the Caribbean

Guidepokrecie.pl informs that the beach is probably the easternmost point on the island reached by visitors. The descent to the water is quite steep, so the location is not recommended for families with children. The place is also stormed by crowds of tourists. It is worth visiting outside the peak season, from May to early June and from mid-September to October. During this time, temperatures will be quite high and crowds will be fewer.

In Vai there is a viewing point located on a hill from which you can admire an impressive palm grove.

Visiting northern Crete

A trip to Vai Beach is already an element of optional trips offered by travel agencies. Others combine a visit to the palm grove with a day in the town of Sitia or a visit to the Moni Toplou Monastery. The journey by car from Heraklion to the famous palm grove will take approximately 2.5 hours.

There is a paid parking lot just behind the beach which fills up quickly, especially during the peak summer season. The parking fee is approximately 3.50 euros for the whole day.