- Vai
- Palm forest, organised, busy
- Itanos
- Small coves, ancient ruins, quiet
- Kouremenos
- Long bay, windsurfing
- Base
- Sitia or Palekastro
Vai
Vai's sandy beach is backed by the largest natural forest of Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) in Europe. It is protected and fenced, with sunbeds, a taverna and paid parking. Arrive early or late to avoid coach groups.
Itanos
About 2 km north, the ruins of ancient Itanos stand on two low hills above small sandy coves. There are no facilities, but the water is clear and the setting quiet.
Kouremenos
Kouremenos, near Palekastro, is a long bay where steady wind makes it one of Crete's best-known windsurfing spots. On windless days it is a calm, spacious beach.
Putting it together
Visit Vai in the morning, swim at Itanos at midday, and finish at Kouremenos or Chiona in Palekastro for dinner.
Questions before you go
Which is quietest, Vai, Itanos or Kouremenos?
Itanos.
Is Vai beach organised?
Yes, with sunbeds, a taverna and paid parking.
Where is Kouremenos?
Near Palekastro, about 15 minutes south of Vai.
