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Heading north into the broader region of Vai, the first beach you meet is that of Psili Ammos.
This is very close to the beach at Vai with its renown palm-forest. A small, delightful beach with sand and crystal-clear waters, it is deserted and secluded, which recommends it to those wanting to escape from the crowds, and to the nudists.
From here you can visit the palms by taking a path that leads to Vai.
Without any organization itself, it is yet no real distance to Vai where there operates a canteen and refreshments can be had.
Going north but a few metres brings one to Vai and its forest of palms.
Each year it attracts a huge number of visitors – it is one of the most popular destinations in all Crete.
The palm forest – the biggest on the island, with some five thousand specimens of the Theophrastus palm – covers about 70 acres. This native palm also grows on the river banks at Preveli in some numbers, and to a lesser extent here and there on the island, mostly on the south coast.
The long beach has blue-green water, fine sand and pebbles. Combined with the palm trees, the effect is that of some more exotic location.
The impression is strengthened if one takes the path at the south end of the beach to higher ground, whence one can take in the whole unique view from one’s vantage point.
Because of the palms, the area is protected. As a result, both construction and unsupervised camping are prohibited. Therefore you will find no hotels at Vai, nor rent-rooms: accommodation must be sought elsewhere nearby.
Despite this, the beach is organized: umbrellas, sunbeds, canteens and refreshments; also opportunities for water-sports.
A little to the north of Vai, on Cape Sidero, in and around Itanos (or Erimoupoli) are some very pretty beaches.
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