Vai Beach is exactly as its name suggests, a forest of palms, with thousands of palms (5000 to be exact) dotting the shoreline and extending several meters back from the ocean. Seen from above, the heavily layered fronds interlock to resemble a thick mat sheltering the ground beneath. Vai beach is found on the eastern coast of Crete and is touted to be the most famous beach of eastern Crete given its extensive shoreline and friendly waters. Its palm grove holds the title of being the largest in Europe, dating back 2000 years.

While at the beach, you can take a quick swim around the rock outcroppings cutting through the pristine waters or earn that sun-kissed glow from under the shade of the thatched shelters. Towards the north of the shoreline are jutting islets and quieter stretches. Beneath the light of the setting sun, the olive tinted fronds are set ablaze and frame the sandy shores, making for the perfect postcard scenery. With these views and more to offer, Vai Beach is a sure stop within Crete.