Palm forest of Vai, Palm forest and beach in eastern Crete, Greece
The palm forest of Vai spans 250,000 square meters along a sandy beach, featuring thousands of Phoenix theophrasti palm trees native to Crete.
In the early 1970s, former Matala hippies established a camp at Vai beach, which led to environmental issues until its protection status in 1980.
The Toplou Monastery maintains ownership of the Vai area, representing one of the largest landholdings in Eastern Crete under religious administration.
The beach lies 24 kilometers east of Sitia, with direct road access and parking facilities near the palm forest entrance.
Scientists have identified these palms as an endemic Cretan species, forming the largest natural palm forest in Europe with 4,500 specimens.
Location: Sitia Municipality
GPS coordinates: 35.25417,26.26472
Latest update: May 11, 2025 01:21
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