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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Palm beach in Vai belongs to the TOP 10 most popular tourist destinations in Crete. It is known primarily from the palm forest, which grows here. It is the largest palm grove in Europe, covering about 250 thousand square meters, which currently grows less than 5000 trees. However, not only palm trees attract tourists to this place, because the picturesque Vai is also a great sand and pebble beach, partially hidden in the shade of palm leaves. A warm and dry climate, an exotic beach with whitish sand and palm trees bring to mind landscapes from Africa and the Caribbean.
From Bounty to hippies
Vai grew loud when in the 1970s a commercial of coconut Bounty bars was filmed on the background of a palm grove, which probably most of you associate. Coconuts falling in advertising were fabricated because only date palms grow on Vai. Nevertheless, paradise on earth was discovered. The hippies first appeared here, looking for a new mecca, and Vai became a giant camping site surrounded by a mountain of garbage.
The changes were brought by the 80's. The hippie movement began to die, so representatives of this trend ceased to belong to the Vai landscape. In addition, in 1980 a regulation on the protection of palm forest was issued. The relevant regulations, the European Union and forestry services are watching today, so that no one would threaten the safety of the forest. Vai is one of the 19 areas of Greece recognized as an area of special protection under Protocol 4 to the Barcelona Convention on Protected Areas of the Mediterranean. The area is fenced and is only available during the day. You can not smoke bonfires, break tents, all activities that can threaten fauna and flora are forbidden. There are also no hotels or apartments for rent. The nearest accommodation units are already built outside the protected area. This restrictive action, however, has had a positive effect, because today Vai is a clean and beautiful place, and the beach is decorated with the Blue Flag
The genesis of a palm grove
Reading various guides you probably came across various theories about the emergence of a palm forest. The most popular of them says that the palm trees grew out of date seeds, which were chewed by the Saracen pirates who came here. Pips that spit out on the ground turned into about 6,000 trees. In another theory, the place of the Arabs was occupied by Phoenician sailors who colonized this part of Crete. These legends, however, can be inserted between fairy tales, because scientists have dealt with them, who proved that the species of palm growing here is an endemic plant known as Phoenix theophrasti (Cretan Date Palm). This palm tree has been known since ancient times and its existence has been recorded in historical accounts.
Vai Beach
Although the beach is considered to be sandy, it is actually sand and pebble. The gravel turns into dust in places, which, when heated, reaches temperatures that prevent comfortable walking. For this reason, wooden platforms have been placed here. The beach is equipped with a complete tourist infrastructure. For 6 € you can rent sun loungers here with a characteristic umbrella, if there are free seats. Due to its fame, this beach in high season is heavily besieged, so after arriving there is a high probability that the seats are only in the shade of palm trees (though not necessarily) or just on the sand. Other facilities include fresh water showers and toilets.
There is a tavern by the beach, supposedly placed illegally, unfortunately offering prices at slightly inflated prices. The beach, like the palm forest, is fenced and the car should be left in a paid parking lot located 200 m in front of the beach.
On the Vai you can also do typical sports water sports (wakeboarding, scooters, water skiing), calm waters also encourage enthusiasts of watching sea life for swimming with a snorkel. It is also worth spending some time to enter the viewpoint, from where you have a beautiful view of the beach and the forest.
How to get to Vai
This beach is available for motorized tourists, because travel agencies rarely offer their customers a trip to remote Vai. You can also get here by KTEL, because there is a connection organized from Sitia, but you have to plan it well. First, ngo to Sitia, 24 km away, and catch a bus to Vai 2-3 times a day.
Vai is located 94 km from Agios Nikolaos and 24 km from the larger city of Sitia. Due to the very distant location from popular tourist centers, an excursion to Vai is worth combining, for example, with visiting the monastery of Moni Toplou, to which the whole area belongs. It is also worth taking the opportunity to look into Itanos, where there are very interesting excavations.
If your hotel is in the middle of Crete, getting to Vai will be an expedition to which you have to spend the whole day. Getting from the western part of Crete is basically unprofitable. Convenient New National Road past Lastros goes into a much narrower road full of curves to the limit. It passes into a more simple form only after the village of Skopi, not far 9 km before Sitia. For this reason, getting here takes a lot of time and is quite tiring. Next to Sitia, the landscape is compared to some of the North African ones. Overcoming the remaining road between Moni Toplou and Vai is not a problem. It is a fairly simple route, just follow the signs.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
If we were to list the most beautiful beaches of Crete, Kedrodasos would undoubtedly be at the forefront of such a list. Although it is located just a kilometer from Elafonissi, the most famous beach in Crete, even in the high season, Kedrodasos still remains wild and unobstructed by crowds. You will not find here, at least for now, sunbeds and umbrellas and other typical tourist infrastructure such as changing rooms, toilets, beach bars or taverns.
Triopetra is located at the foot of the Siderotas mountain about 52 km south of Rethymno. In the old days there was a settlement here, which was a cluster of a dozen or so small houses built mainly by the residents of the village of Akoumia, located about 13 km north of Triopetra. At that time, these buildings were inhabited only during the summer. Residents of the village of Akumia moved to them to be closer to their cultivated fields.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Piekna wyspa szkoda by bylo stracic cos tak pieknego
Christian Arnidis - Moja Grecja Szczerze to bym się zdziwił gdyby na Santorini nie bylo trzęsień ziemi . Wyspa leży na tzw łuku wulkanicznym jaki się może wytworzyć kilkadziesiąt lub kilkaset kilometrów za linią subdukcji czyli obszarem gdzie jedna płyta tektoniczna się wciska pod drugą . To działa tak że najsilniejsze wstrząsy są w obszarze subdukcji , słabsze na łuku wulkanicznym . Kilkadziesiąt lub kilkaset metrów za . (...)
gość PiotrWie My na szczęście na razie jedziemy na Gran Canarię, na Cyklady dopiero 10 kwietnia, mam nadzieję że do tego czasu się uspokoi bo mamy w planach między innymi Amorgos.
kiedyś ten świat musi się skończyć …
Wartość 7700, to jakaś gruba kaczka dziennikarska. Uniwersytet Ateński raportuje niecałe 1200 zdarzeń od 26.01.2025, EuroMediterranean Seismological Centre z kolei prezentuje dane o 1375 zdarzeniach. W tym 137 powyżej 4 magnitudo i 4 powyżej 5 magnitudo.
Nie zmienia to faktu, że skala zjawiska jest gigantyczna i wielu specjalistów ostrzega, że może to być wstęp do zjawiska o większej skali.
Oby się tym razem mylili.
Oby się Kolumbo nie obudził, wtedy to już będzie pozamiatane
Trzeba mieć nadzieję, że na tym się zakończy
Mamy nadzieję że wszystko się skończy dobrze trzęsienia są odczuwane na Krecie
gość dodekanezowiec Balos/Gramvousa wywarły na mnie największe wrażenie, Falassarna niedoceniana, Elafonissi przeceniana.
Ale tak poza tym Kreta nie ma za wiele pięknych plaż.
Cypr, Majorka, Sardynia - tam przy hotelach są od razu piękne plaże.
gość dodekanezowiec „Widocznymi i bardziej wymiernymi wyznacznikami tych zmian jest stale powiększająca się baza noclegowa nie tylko w postaci niezliczonych hoteli na północy wyspy i coraz szerszej ofercie południowego wybrzeża”
Ale Grecję cenię za to, że nie ma takiego przegięcia jak w Hiszpanii (50-piętrowy hotel w Benidorm mówi wszystko), ani takiego niedorozwoju (uzasadnione słowo, należy im się) jak we włoskiej Kalabrii. (...)
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