Vai beach is located on the east coast of the island of Crete, 24 km from Sitia and 94 km from Aghios Nikolaos, to the east. Vai is the most famous beach in the Lasithi region and is a tropical bay characterized by a palm forest of the Phoenix Theoprastii species, rocks, crystal clear water, white sand mixed with pebbles and rocky bottom. It is excellent for snorkeling and is one of the favorite beaches and most frequented by visitors! Its fascinating and lush landscape attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Small curiosity: its name derives from "Vai" which means "palm" in Greek.
Origins of the beach of Vai
The Vai beach was discovered by the Hippies of Matala and Preveli in the 70s following the commercial of a brand that became very famous: the advertising of the Bounty (the delicious coconut and chocolate dessert) and from there the communities of Hippy began to arrive intrigued by this paradisiacal puogo.
To review the advertising spot filmed here at Vai beach and then repeated for several years: click here
Instead, in 1980 mass tourism arrived with tourists who were not at all environmentally friendly and who left it year after year in a state of total degradation, despite being classified as a protected area since 1973. The decline was such as to push the authorities to close it and carry out its reclamation. To date Vai is still protected by national and international laws and is among the 19 protected natural areas of Greece.
The palm forest is currently fenced and there is also a small spring that feeds a small river. Popular legends say that these palms are the result of random sowing by pirates but in reality it has been proven that these palms arrived much earlier (over 2000 years old). Specifically, it is an endemic species that has few and slight differences with the classic palms that we all know and their main difference is that its dates are not edible.
Is Vai beach equipped with sun beds and umbrellas?
The beach of Vai with its "Badiera Blu" is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas (limited number) to relax in a big way! It has toilets, a bar where you can relax while sipping something fresh, a restaurant where you can eat some good Greek or fish dishes, and for those who don't want to give up the fun in the water ... well there is only the embarrassment of the choice ... you are in a tropical paradise! On the left of the beach you will also find the possibility of renting jet skis, canoes and pedal boats to give you the chance to discover this endless expanse of calm sea, crystal clear and very clear.
For those who want to relax and want to be totally surrounded by nature, there are also stretches of free beach. It is sufficient to continue to the right looking at the sea and go beyond the staircase of the panoramic place, finally you will reach a secluded sandy beach. If this does not satisfy you, go beyond the path between the stones and beyond the umbrellas you can catch a glimpse of the small secluded corners, excellent for enjoying excellent relaxation with the sound of the waves hitting the shore.
In Vai beach you can climb some rocks equipped to admire the view from above and take pictures that will be the most memorable ones of your holiday in Crete. From that height, but also from the point of view of the bay, you can admire the small islets that rise from the water in the distance, making the landscape even more enchanting.
We recommend arriving early to find a place: given the beauty and the tourist flow that characterize this corner of paradise. Don't forget to add the beach of Vai to the list of things to do in Crete, you won't regret it! And of course, at the end of your tour you will be satisfied and you will look forward to going back!
How to reach the beach of Vai in Crete?
The beach of Vai can be easily reached by car. We are exactly 2 and a half hours from Heraklion, 2 hours from Malia / Hersonissos and 1 hour 40 from Elounda. Once in the area, follow the signs for the monastery of Toplou and continue for about 8 km. The road is in good condition.
You can leave your car in the parking lot (€ 3 per day) located 10 minutes walk from the bay and then with a pleasant walk you reach this fabulous beach!
For those who want to reach it by bus on their own, you can take the line departing from Sitia.
For those who want an organized excursion, all the travel agencies of the various villages of the island of Crete, have this goal in planning.
Certainly reaching it by car will give you maximum freedom to arrive and leave when you prefer.
What to visit around the beach of Vai?
If you prefer architectural works to relax on the beach then we suggest you pay a visit to the Monastery of Toplou, which is also the "owner" of the palm grove on the beach. This monastery is particularly intriguing and suggestive. In fact, more than a monastery it looks like a fortress and inside you can admire a splendid collection of Byzantine figures.
We remind you that here in Greece as in Italy, in order to visit these sacred places, clothing that is not too "by the sea" is always necessary, so we advise you to bring a pareo or something that allows you to enter without problems.