Vai Palm Forest

Vai is a dense stand of Cretan date palms, a species native to the island and found in only a few places, growing in a valley that opens onto a sandy bay on the eastern tip of Crete. It is the largest natural palm grove in Europe, and it is protected, so the trees are fenced and viewed from paths around the edge rather than walked through. The beach in front is a proper sandy curve with sunbeds and a canteen, and the combination of palms and sand is why coaches drive three hours to get here. A short climb to the viewpoint on the ridge shows the whole grove and the bay together, which is the view worth having.

What you actually see

• The palm grove - thousands of native Cretan date palms in a valley behind the beach.
• The ridge viewpoint - a short climb giving the grove and bay in one frame.
• The bay - fine sand with shallow entry, backed directly by the palms.
• The protective fencing - a plain reminder that the grove is a reserve, not a park to wander.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn avoid both the August crush and the worst heat. Arrive before ten or after five in summer, when the coach groups are elsewhere. The viewpoint is best in morning light. Facilities run only in season, and out of season you may find the car park empty and the canteen shut, which some people prefer.

Honest expectations

In July and August the beach is covered in sunbeds and the sand under them is hard to find. You cannot walk in the grove itself, only around it, which surprises people. The drive from Heraklion is around three hours each way for a half-day site. Beyond the beach and the viewpoint there is little else at Vai.

Nearby

Itanos ruins on the next headland, Palekastro village and the beaches around Sitia.