east crete,

  •  The palmbeach of Vai, in the north west of Crete, is without a doubt the most photographed of all Cretan beaches. Every day from all the corners of the island hundreds of people come to visit it. It is called the Caribean beach of the Mediterenean sea. Vai is famous for its palmtrees, the "phoenix theophrasti". It's typical for Crete and it doesn't grow in the wild anywhere else. They stand on the beach and in the valley behind it.

     
    Vai_Beach_Crete_2 Vai_Beach_Crete_3
    The entrance to the beach is through a big (paid) parking area (I suggest you leave your car a little bit before the beach where it is free). At the crossroad with the main road there is a banana plantation. You can visit Vai between 7.00 and 21.00. You will not find any hotels there because it is a protected area. For me it was a bit too crowded (since I like it quiet...), and I prefer the nearby beaches of Itanos and Kouremenos. No palmtrees there, but less people and it's equally beautiful.

  •  

    Xerokampos “dry plain”( it got its name due to the fact that the area had been a dry place for many years.) However, now the plain of Xerokampos is a gorgeous and lush green area in the very eastern part of Crete. The settlement of Xerokampos is built among olive trees, in a magnificent natural landscape surrounded by fantastic organized or non-organized sandy beaches and crystal –clear sea.


     

    Xerokampos_places_2

    Xerokampos_places_3
    The area is also ideal for those who love the beach as well as those who love to explore the seabed. The seabed is a real marine paradise.

    Xerokampos_places_4

    Xerokampos_places_1
     
    Xerokampos is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists alike.It’s a very quiet place for relaxation, suitable for companies, couples and families. It is also a unique place for those who love hiking, since they can enjoy the magnificent routes in the mountains and at the same time they can see caves and gorges, especially the gorge of “Hametoulo”

     

    Anyone who likes walking should definitely go up to the top of one of the many nearby hills. Up there you will feel the magic of the view and you will forget about everything!

    Don’t forget that Xerokampos is the starting point for excursions to the sights of the whole Eastern Crete.