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The prefecture of Lassithi occupies the eastern part of the island and it is divided into 8 municipalities: Aghios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Neapoli, Makri Gialos, Lefki, Lassithi (Plateau of Lassithi) and Itanos
The multi-faced prefecture of La ...check all travel info about Lassithi prefecture. |
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| Vai. The Exotic Beach |
| Photo gallery | | | | | | | Destination Overview |
This is the only extensive palm grove in Greece. It is on the shore 2 klm north of Ermoupoli - ancient Itanos.
Its name comes from the word vai meaning palm-frond. There are various explanations about its origin, one being that Phoenician traders brought dates with them, another that they were planted by Ptolemy's soldiers or even by pirates.
This Palm grove is very ancient, because this species of palm (phoenix Theophrasti Greuter) already grew in Crete at the time of the Minoans.
This famous little bay with its fine sand is open to the public only between dawn and sunset. This 'African' landscape , a little oasis for relaxation , attracts many visitors and is preserved as a place of special natural beauty.
The combination of a magnificent beach with a rare grove of palm trees makes Vai one of the absolute musts of Crete.
According to legend, Arab pirates who came to Crete threw out the pips of the dates they were eating while they were here and that from these came this grove of 5000 palms.
It is prohibited to camp overnight within the grove, which covers an area of 60 acres and is protected by fencing under the care of the Forestry Service. It is organised and has been awarded with the EU Blue Flag.
It is an exotic, tropical beach with fine sand and pebbles and crystal-clear blue sea. 6 km far from House Margot, Palekastro and 25 from Sitia.
| | Accommodation in Vai (Sitia) | | | |
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