The unique Vai palm-forest lies east of Sitia and occupies an area of 250 square km. It is a tropical landscape which is an exception in Greece. Its unique beauty is reminiscent of tropical locations, as 5,000 palm-trees o extend for two miles and reach the beautiful golden beach which attracts scores of swimmers in summer. It is the largest known palm-tree forest throughout Europe.
According to a local legend, Phoenician merchants arrived here and threw date-seeds, which produced the famous palm-trees (vagia), after which the area was named. It receives a large number of visitors who come to see the rare landscape and enjoy its marvelous sea