Vai is a protected area located on the east coast of Crete, between Cape Sidero and Cape Plaka, that is remote and, while not an official village of the island, is well-worth exploring if you have booked a villa in Crete due to its immense natural beauty and amazing beaches. For those looking to visit one of the island’s most photogenic beaches it is an ideal place to head to for a day or for those who want to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the views afforded by the area’s forest, it is perfect. If, however, you are looking for a less busy beach to enjoy, the area also boasts another great option. So, plan a perfect day by the beach in a dream location by packing up and making your way to Vai during your holiday in Crete…
Vai Beach is the most famous and most photographed beach in the area and is a serious looker with a pale shore that is made up of a mixture of fine sand and pebbles, lapped by perfect aquamarine waters, with craggy rock formations and the palm trees of the local forest (the largest palm tree forest in Europe) framing the bay, and rows of sun loungers under pretty straw parasols – it would be easy to think that you had somehow been transported to some tropical location at a glance! Located down a side road heading from east to west off the main road, this paved road runs a kilometre along the south side of Vai’s famous forest and leads to a parking lot that is enclosed by hills. Paths lead from the parking lot, along the forest, and then open out onto the beach.
In addition to its good looks, Vai Beach boasts facilities including a restaurant (run by the same nearby Toplou Monastery that owns the land in the area and serving delicious Greek food), restrooms, rentals of sun loungers and those pretty straw parasols, vendors selling all sorts of items that you might need for a day at the beach, and more. It is, as one might imagine, very popular so expect lines of traffic in the summer months and be aware that there is an entry fee and that the sun beds must be paid for. For some, this may be off-putting, while others will likely feel it is all worth it in order to enjoy one of the most remarkable beaches in Greece and an almost tropical beach experience in Europe.
The clear waters and conditions of Vai Beach also mean that it is brilliant for those who enjoy activities such as snorkelling, wind-surfing, jet-skiing, and more. Plus, if you are travelling and booking a villa in Crete out of season, you’ll find the beach much calmer and more relaxing, so you can enjoy the beach, go for a swim, and head to the restaurant (open from April to October) once you’ve worked up an appetite and enjoy delicious meals and sip wines made at the monastery while looking out at the peaceful beach below - all without a crowd around.
If you want to enjoy this part of the world in the summer months but without the intense crowds and the higher costs associated with Vai Beach, you could always follow the trail that leads over to Psili Ammos. This beach does not have any facilities, unlike Vai, but is named for the word for “fine sand” in Greek and, as one might expect, boasts a long sandy shore. Psili Ammos is a much more peaceful and quiet strand but you will need to bring your own snacks, water, and anything else you might require as you won’t find it at the beach itself. Be sure not to pack too heavily, though, as it is a bit of a trek to get there!
No matter what kind of day at the beach you enjoy, you’ll find great options if you visit the stunning area that is Vai while on vacation in Crete!