Best Beaches near Spiliára in Lassithi region, Crete Island

Kouremenos beach is located 4.4 km away.

Kouremenos, situated 91km east of Agios Nikolaos and 21km east of Sitia, is just a kilometer east of the quaint town of Palekastro. Palekastro offers a wider variety of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options, but there are also several new hotels near the beach for your convenience. The beach itself is the longest in the region, stretching over 1.5km and framed by Cape Tenta to the north and Cape Plaka to the south. With its fine brown sand, shallow turquoise waters, and abundant tamarisk trees, it’s a stunning location. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and beach bars are available in certain areas.

The real allure of Kouremenos, though, is the strong wind that constantly sweeps the area, making it a hotspot for windsurfers and kite surfers from all over Europe. This is why it’s home to some of Greece’s largest wind turbine parks.

Windsurfing at Kouremenos is an experience not to be missed. A windsurfing school operates on the beach, offering equipment rentals at reasonable prices. The Meltemi, or northwest summer wind, is particularly strong here due to local thermal and funnelling effects, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing with an average wind force of around 6 Beaufort during the summer season.

The beach is suitable for windsurfers of all skill levels. The flat, shallow waters near the coast are perfect for beginners, while further out, the small waves provide a challenge for more experienced surfers. There’s also a rocky area at the northern end of the beach where experts can show off their skills. The local school has even installed buoys to indicate the entry point.

Hiona beach is located 4.9 km away.

Situated 91 km east of Agios Nikolaos, 18 km east of Sitia, and 2km east of the quaint town of Palekastro, Chiona is a beautifully serene sandy beach. Its pristine white sand and crystal-clear shallow blue waters make it a popular spot despite its relatively small size.

The name ‘Chiona’ translates to ‘carob storehouse’ in the local Cretan dialect, a nod to the storage facilities that were typically built near Cretan beaches for transferring carobs via ship due to the lack of roads. Indeed, the area was traditionally known for its carob trade.

Visitors to Chiona can enjoy a perfect day out, especially when combined with a meal at the renowned local fish taverns. While the beach offers minimal facilities (primarily near the taverns), there are tamarisk trees along the coast that provide a respite from the sun. To the east of the main beach, several secluded coves offer a peaceful spot for swimming, including the first sandy beach, Bondalaki, which is possibly the best in the entire area.

From Chiona, one can spot the small Grandes islands. Just beside the beach, in the location of Roussolakkos, the remains of an ancient Minoan port and settlement can be explored. Heading north from Chiona will bring you to the lengthy Kouremenos beach, Crete’s most famed spot for windsurfing. Lastly, a walk to the peak of the hill Kastri, located at the west end of the beach, will reward visitors with stunning views of the sea and the remnants of an old fort.

Skinias beaches is located 5.5 km away.

Skinias, a secluded region, is situated 94km to the east of Agios Nikolaos and 20km to the east of Sitia, nestled in one of Crete’s most remote eastern corners. This wild terrain is home to three charming little coves, perfect for anyone seeking solitude, located at the end of the Katsara gorge. With no amenities or shade-providing trees in sight, visitors should be prepared with water and an umbrella.

Access to the beach is through a challenging dirt road that leads to the central beach of Skinias. Those with a standard vehicle will need to halt before reaching the beach due to the poor road conditions. The first beach you encounter is the central sandy beach of Skinias, renowned for its stunning water hues. This pebble-strewn beach is recommended for snorkelling and fishing activities. If you tread 200m to the east, following the rocky coastline dotted with numerous caves and vibrant blue waters, you will soon arrive at the eastern pebbly beach of Skinias. Conversely, if you head west from the central beach towards Karoumes, you will find another pebble beach, born from the mouth of a brief, small canyon.

Maridati beach is located 5.6 km away.

Maridati, nestled in the verdant valleys of Palekastro, is a stunning pebbly beach. It’s situated 90km to the east of Agios Nikolaos, 21km east of Sitia, and 5km to the north of the renowned Kouremenos windsurfing beach. The beach, rather short in length, is encompassed by two rocky capes. This secluded spot offers a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds, perfect for a tranquil swim.

Not far from the beach, about 50 meters away, you’ll find a small wetland filled with fresh water that serves as a haven for various bird species. You’ll also come across several tamarisk trees in the vicinity.

In historical times, the springs and torrent of Maridati used to draw the attention of Venetian ships.

Reaching Maridati by car from Palekastro is straightforward. Take the road to Vai and look out for a sign to Maridati on your right, approximately 5km from Palekastro. From there, you’ll need to navigate a 1.5km dirt track. Despite its rough terrain, the path is in good condition and the breathtaking beauty of Maridati is well worth the journey!

Kokinos Kavos beach is located 6.2 km away.

As a resident of Crete Island, if you venture north of Maridati along the rugged coastline until you reach the Vai palm grove, you’ll discover a number of isolated, small coves. These hidden gems can only be reached either by boat or a 2:30-hour hike on foot. The initial beach you encounter goes by the name of Kokkinos Kavos, or Red Cape, a moniker it acquired due to the area’s reddish rocks. The beach features a mix of sandy and pebbly patches along its seabed.

Karoumes beach is located 6.6 km away.

Karoumes beach, a serene and secluded area, is situated 110km east of Agios Nikolaos and 29km southeast of Sitia. The beach is nestled at the end of the picturesque Chochlakies gorge, a part of the E4 trail. The only way to reach the beach is by trekking through the gorge, as the rough terrain of the region doesn’t permit road access. To get there, you need to park your car in the charming village of Chochlakies and embark on the trail that begins 1km east of the village. The gorge spans 3.5km and is filled with water until springtime. The hike generally lasts 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace and is only feasible when it hasn’t rained. The trail alongside the river offers stunning views as the gorge, with its towering cliffs, weaves through the barren mountains. During the trek, you’ll encounter numerous ponds (in spring) and a vast variety of flora. As you approach the exit, the high cliffs transition into a small valley.

At the valley’s edge, you will discover the tranquil Karoumes beach. This beach features small pebbles, and its eastern orientation ensures calm waters. It’s also home to numerous trees providing shade, and some rocks on the beach’s northern side. The beach’s remote location and challenging access make it an ideal spot for solitude. For those seeking even more isolation, there are two hidden beaches, each only 3-5m long, located 300m and 400m south of the main beach.

Approximately 700m north of Karoumes beach, on the trail from Karoumes to Agathias (near Palekastro), you’ll find an incredible sandy beach called Mavromouri Cape. This beach, surrounded by rugged hills and dotted with rocks in the sea, is well-shielded from waves and wind. Rock recesses offer shade to the few visitors, who typically reach the beach by boat.

If you venture to Karoumes, don’t miss the Pelekita cave, situated 3km south of the beach. Near the cave is an ancient quarry, formerly used for building the Minoan palace in Kato Zakros. Be sure to bring torches if you plan to explore the cave’s interior. From the cave, you can continue south to Kato Zakros via the E4 trail. Alternatively, you can trek from Agathias to the three Skinias beaches and then stroll south along the coastline until you reach Karoumes.

Kedromouri beach is located 6.8 km away.

As a resident of Crete island, if you stroll along the northern coastline from Maridati to the Vai palm grove, you’ll encounter numerous secluded tiny coves, only accessible by boat or foot (a 2:30 hour journey to Vai). Midway between Maridati and Vai, you’ll find the most stunning beach, Kedromouri. Named after the juniper trees that adorn it, Kedromouri translates to junipers’ cape.

Skaria beaches is located 7.2 km away.

To the east of Hiona’s primary beach, you’ll find numerous tiny inlets where you can swim in solitude and without clothing. The first sandy coast, known as Bondalaki, is arguably the most stunning. If you continue eastward along a rough dirt road towards Cape Plaka, you’ll soon encounter a series of pebbled inlets set against an uncanny landscape of chasms and rugged mountains. The final inlet, Skaria, is Crete’s furthest eastern beach, significantly impacted by sea currents, resulting in an unfortunate amount of litter. The beach before this, Pilos, is set in clay terrain and is the perfect spot for privacy.

Psili Ammos beach – Lasithi is located 7.8 km away.

The picturesque Psili Ammos beach, situated near the renowned Vai palm beach, is about 95km east of Agios Nikolaos and 25km east of Sitia. A brief stroll from Vai, across the eastern hill, leads you to this hidden gem. The beach, with its fine sand and crystal clear waters, is often deserted, making it a perfect spot for solitude and naturism.

Psili Ammos, translating to ‘fine sand’ in Greek, is an apt description of the sandy stretch that defines the area. The beach takes shape at the end of this narrow sand strip, and its turquoise-green waters make it one of the most beautiful secluded spots on Crete. Lack of large trees necessitates carrying an umbrella for shade. Hunger pangs can be satiated at the nearby Vai canteen. The area is a protected zone owing to the rare Vai palm forest, hence tourist facilities like taverns, hotels and rooms are scarce.

A walkway from Psili Ammos heads south, leading to Maridati beach after a 2.5-hour walk. This trail is dotted with numerous small coves and their accompanying secluded beaches. The first one encountered is recognized for its stunning rock formations.

Vai Beach, Crete: Europe’s Largest Palm Forest by an Exotic Shore is located 8.1 km away.Vai Beach is an exotic sandy beach in far eastern Crete, backed by the largest natural palm forest in Europe. Vai Beach sits 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Sitia, in the Lassithi region. The beach pairs whitish sand and flat turquoise waters with a dense grove of Cretan Date Palms, a setting that recalls African and Caribbean seascapes. Vai is widely considered the most famous beach in east Crete, and its name comes from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek.The sections below cover what the beach is like, the palm forest, how it became protected, getting there and parking, facilities and swimming, the protection rules, where to stay, and the nearby beaches worth pairing with a visit.

What Vai Beach is like?

Vai Beach is an organised sandy beach set inside a rare palm grove. The beach forms near the shore of a wide valley that a local river has watered for centuries, and its whitish sand meets flat turquoise waters that stay usually calm. A few spots hide slippery smooth rocks underfoot, while small islets sit offshore and add to the landscape. The palm forest rises directly behind the sand, so the shade, the greenery, and the sea combine into one of the most distinctive scenes on the island.The water shows blue and green tones and generally stays gentle, which suits families and easy swimming. Snorkelling and spearfishing are both rewarding here, and the tree line offers natural shade away from the umbrellas.

The palm forest: the largest in Europe

The palm grove at Vai is the largest in Europe, with approximately 5000 trees of the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Smaller colonies of the same species grow in other parts of Crete and in Southwest Turkey, which makes the Vai forest the standout example of its kind. The grove is more than 2000 years old, and it is planted across a broad valley fed by the local river.Legend once held that the palms grew from date stones discarded into the sea by Saracen pirates. The dates in that story do not add up, because the grove predates the pirates by many centuries. The explanation has since shifted to the Phoenicians, who governed the Mediterranean Sea 20 centuries ago. The entire region belongs to the powerful Toplou Monastery, the largest landowner in eastern Crete. Built like a fortress in the 15th century, the monastery holds a great collection of Byzantine icons, and travellers often pair it with the beach on the same trip.

How Vai became famous and protected?

Vai stayed almost unknown until the early 1970s, when a popular commercial for Bounty chocolate was filmed here against the palm-tree background. The advert showed coconuts falling from the trees, yet Vai palms produce dates rather than coconuts, so the crew hung coconuts falsely to create the right impression. The commercial made this earthly paradise renowned around the world.Fame brought crowds. Hundreds of hippies came to spend their holidays here, and after the hippies faded out in the 1980s, backpackers arrived and the site degenerated into a rubbish-strewn campground. Authorities responded by fencing off the palm grove and proclaiming it a conservation area. The protected zone now opens to the public only during daylight, which is why Vai has recovered its beauty and holds it today.

Getting there and parking

Reach Vai by driving to the beach car park at the end of the road, since the beach sits at the far northeastern tip of Crete well beyond Sitia. Leave the vehicle in the parking area, which is the only place to stop close to the sand. Buses also run from Sitia, and travel agencies across Crete organise daily tours that fold the beach into a wider east-Crete itinerary.A car gives the most freedom in this remote corner, where public transport is limited and the surrounding coves reward independent exploring. Booking ahead is sensible in high season, and you can compare vehicles and pick-up points through the site’s guide to car rental in Crete. If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, a guided Toplou and Vai palm beach day trip from Agios Nikolaos handles the transfers and the timing for you.

Facilities and swimming

Vai Beach is slightly organised, offering only what the protection scheme allows: umbrellas, showers, water sports, and a canteen. That short list reflects the conservation status rather than any lack of care, and it keeps the setting close to natural. The whitish sand shelves into flat, turquoise, usually calm water, which makes swimming easy for most visitors and comfortable for families.Snorkelling suits the clear shallows, and the small islets and smooth rocks give the seabed some variety. Bear in mind that the shade of the palms is protected, so most sunbathing happens under the hired umbrellas on the open sand.

Protection rules to know before you go

Vai Beach is a fenced conservation area that opens to the public only during daylight, so plan the visit for daytime hours. Overnight stays and camping on the protected land are not permitted, which is the direct result of the damage caused in the 1980s. The rule protects both the ancient grove and the quality of the beach experience.Respect the fenced boundaries of the palm forest and keep to the sand and marked areas. The closest rooms to let stand outside the protected zone, a 15 to 25 minute walk from the beach, and that separation is intentional.

Where to stay near Vai

The nearest accommodation clusters around the villages of Palekastro and Kouremenos, roughly 6 to 7km from the palm beach, since the protected zone itself allows no lodging. This area gives you a base within a short drive of Vai while keeping you close to several quieter beaches on the same coast. Sitia, about 20km away, offers a larger town with more choice for those who prefer a livelier evening.For a self-catering option on the road to Vai, Maridatis Apartments in Palaikastro sits only 150 metres from Maridatis Beach and about 3km from the centre of Palaikastro.

Nearby beaches worth pairing with Vai

Several beautiful beaches lie within a short walk or drive of Vai, which makes the far east easy to explore across a single day. The palm forest anchors a stretch of coast dotted with sandy coves, ancient ruins, and secluded bays. Each of the beaches below adds a different character to a Vai day trip:

• Just south over the eastern hill, Psili Ammos beach offers fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a deserted, naturist-friendly feel.
• Just north of the palm forest beside the Itanos archaeological site, Itanos beaches reward snorkellers with white sand, calm water, and submerged ancient ruins.
• About 0.6km away between Vai and Itanos, Voulismata beach stays reachable only on foot by a coastal walk, which keeps it the most remote and least visited of the group.
• Midway between Maridati and Vai, Kedromouri beach takes its name from the juniper trees that shade it, and it is reached by boat or a long coastal hike.

There is also a lovely sandy beach five minutes north of Vai for anyone seeking more isolation. For the full picture of the coast, browse the wider directory of beaches in Crete and plan a route that fits your days.

Tips for visiting Vai Beach

Come early in the day to claim shade and parking, because Vai draws thousands of visitors each summer and the car park fills fast. Budget for the extras too, since prices for parking, umbrellas, and the canteen run high, a common note among visitors. Bring water, sun protection, and cash, and treat the fenced grove with care.Despite the costs and the crowds, Vai remains one of the most special beaches in Crete and firmly earns its place on an east-coast itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

What is Vai Beach known for?

Vai Beach is known for the largest natural palm forest in Europe, a grove of about 5000 Cretan Date Palms (Phoenix theophrasti) that rises directly behind the sand. The forest gives the beach its exotic, tropical look and its name, which comes from the Greek word for palm.

Where is Vai Beach in Crete?

Vai Beach lies in the far east of Crete, 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Sitia, within the Lassithi region. The beach sits near the northeastern tip of the island, past Sitia and close to the Toplou Monastery.

How do you get to Vai Beach?

Drive to the beach car park at the end of the road, or take a bus from Sitia, or join one of the daily organised tours run by travel agencies across Crete. A rental car gives the most freedom in this remote corner of the island.

Can you swim at Vai Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Vai Beach, where whitish sand meets flat, turquoise water that stays usually calm. A few areas hold slippery smooth rocks underfoot, so watch your step near them, while the open sandy stretches suit easy swimming and snorkelling.

Are there facilities at Vai Beach?

Vai Beach is slightly organised within its conservation limits, offering umbrellas, showers, water sports, and a canteen. The facilities stay minimal by design, because the protected status keeps development to a minimum.

Can you stay overnight at Vai Beach?

No, Vai Beach is a fenced conservation area that opens to the public only during daylight, so overnight stays and camping are not allowed. The closest rooms to let stand outside the protected zone, a 15 to 25 minute walk from the sand.

Is Vai Beach worth visiting?

Yes, Vai Beach is worth visiting for its unique palm forest and exotic scenery, which make it one of the most special beaches in Crete. The parking, umbrella, and canteen prices run high, yet the rare landscape and easy swimming reward the long trip east.