BEACHES

IN PALEKASTRO AREA

Palm beach Vai

The combination of a magnificent beach with a rare grove of palm trees makes Vai one of the absolute musts of Crete.

According to legend, Arab pirates who came to Crete threw out the pips of the dates they were eating while they were here and that from these came this grove of 5000 palms. It is prohibited to camp overnight within the grove, which covers an area of 60 acres and is protected by fencing under the care of the Forestry Service. It is organised and has been awarded with the EU Blue Flag.

It is an exotic, tropical beach with fine sand and pebbles and crystal-clear blue sea. 6 km far from House Margot, Palekastro and 25 from Sitia.

The rain waters form a small pond at the palm forest.	In the summer there are many people, especially at noon time.	The most ideal time to visit Vai is either  in the morning till 12 or in the afternoon after 4 o'clock.	The palm trees offer shade for you who dont'  want to rent an umbrella for the sun.

On the hills of the surrounding area, especially in spring, there are wonderful flowers and unique plants.	The best time to visit Vai is either early in spring (March-April) or late in autumn (October-November).	If nevertheless you desire to visit it in summer, you have to know that it doesn't  have the same view as of this photo. What it lacks this photo is: the countless visitors.	At 5 minutes' walking distance there is a smaller beach norther than Vai.

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