Vai Beach, Crete

Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete! Visit Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. Continue the tour to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot. Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle. Detailed Time Schedule: Morning Pick Up We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ. Bus Drive to Toplou: 2 hours amd 30 minutes 1nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40' of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors. Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes 2rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete. Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes 3rd stop: Sitia – 1 hour and 20 minutes Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets. End of the tour – Arrival at resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ. Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours

Discover the enchanting allure of East Crete with our meticulously crafted day tour. Toplou Monastery The journey starts as we make our way to the storied Toplou Monastery. You'll be allotted 40 minutes to delve into its rich history, admire its distinctive architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside that envelops this sacred site. Vai Palm Beach Next, we venture to the idyllic Vai Beach, celebrated for hosting Europe's largest natural palm forest. Enjoy two hours of leisure time to swim in its azure waters, sunbathe on its golden sands, relish a tasty lunch, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this unique landscape through your camera lens. Sitia Town Our exploration culminates in the picturesque town of Sitia, a gem that allows you to experience its lively beach road, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, and indulge in exquisite local sweets over a 40-minute visit. As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we return to Heraklion by bus, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories from this enchanting journey through East Crete's most cherished sights.

Discover the allure of Vai Palm Beach in Sitia—a slice of the Caribbean nestled within Crete’s shores. Swaying palm trees, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters transport you to a faraway island paradise. The lush palm forest, native to the area for over 2,000 years, adds an exotic touch. Pirates once planted these palms, and their legacy remains. Advertisers even featured Vai’s enchanting palm forest in a Bounty chocolate bar commercial, highlighting its irresistible appeal. Spend blissful hours lounging on soft sands, soaking up the sun, and listening to the gentle lapping of waves. Vai Beach invites you to unwind and escape. Explore hidden coves and coastal nooks—the secrets of this tropical haven. Whether you’re swimming in the cool sea or strolling along the shore, adventure awaits. Just a short walk over the hill, a secluded nudist beach awaits. Enjoy panoramic views above the scene while embracing the liberating ambiance. After your beach escapade, indulge in Cretan cuisine at nearby taverns. Let flavors recharge you for more beachside fun. Arrive at Vai Beach and spend 4 hours relaxing on the beach. Then, head to Malia for a short stop before returning to your starting point. 12.15 Arrival at Vai Beach (short stop between) 16.15 Departure from Vai Palm Beach 19:00 Arrival in Malia (short stop between) ROUTE: app. 150 km DURATION: app. 10 hours STAY IN VAI PALM BEACH: app. 4 hours