Vai Beach

Vai Beach is a sandy shoreline on the northeastern coast of Crete nestled within a protected bay featuring rocky outcrops. The beach is framed by a natural forest of Phoenix theophrasti palms that create a distinctive woodland setting above the water's edge.

French archaeologists uncovered a Minoan villa within the palm forest during excavations in the early 1950s, revealing that the area held settlement importance in ancient times. The discovery suggested that this coastal location served functional purposes beyond its current role as a beach destination.

The palm forest defines the local identity of this northeastern stretch of coast, creating a distinctive landscape that visitors immediately recognize as different from other Cretan beaches. The trees themselves shape how people use and experience the shoreline, offering both visual character and natural shelter.

The beach offers sun loungers, showers, and local taverns with a paid parking area that operates primarily during summer months. Access and facility availability can vary with the season, so checking conditions before visiting helps with planning.

This location holds the largest natural palm forest in Europe, with trees scientifically named after the ancient botanist Theophrastus who first identified them as a distinct species. Few places on the continent host such a concentrated collection of this particular palm variety.

Address: Epar.Od. Monis Toplous - Vai, Toplou 723 00, Greece

Phone: +302843340500

Website: http://cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/east-crete-beaches-lassithi/vai-beach-palm-grove

GPS coordinates: 35.25441,26.26493

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02