Taxi from Heraklion Airport to Vai

Vai, also known as Vaï, is a beautiful region located in the eastern part of Crete, Greece. It is situated between Cape Sidero and Cape Plaka, and is just south of the ancient site of Itanus and north of the villages surrounding Palaikastro. Despite its proximity to these villages, Vai is not considered part of any civic unit or official village. This secluded region is connected to the rest of Crete by Eparchos odos moni Toplou, the only road between Palaikastro and Toplou Monastery. The road is mostly deserted and unpaved, making it a unique and adventurous journey.

Vai is a protected area under the jurisdiction of the national government and has been designated as various types of parkland by different agencies. The most well-known area in Vai is the Vai Palm Forest, also known as Vai Aesthetic Forest, which is home to thousands of palm trees. This forest was previously used as a camping spot by travelers visiting the nearby beach, but it was eventually declared a national park and surrounded by a barbed-wire fence for protection.

Vai beach is a popular destination for tourists, but it can get quite crowded. Overnight camping on the beach is not allowed, and there are limited facilities available during the day. There is a building center behind the beach that offers some amenities, and a few restaurants have taken advantage of the road leading to Vai. The beach is lined with palm trees and sun shelters, but there are also rugged cliffs and deserted areas nearby. Visitors are encouraged to find lodging and necessities in the surrounding villages, as there are no official settlements within Vai itself.

In addition to being a national park, Vai is also part of the Natura 2000 protected areas, which is a network of protected areas throughout Europe. This designation aims to preserve the unique ecology and biodiversity of the area, including rare and endangered species. The abandoned land on the Itanos peninsula, which was acquired by the government for the national park, serves as a refuge for indigenous plants and animals, as well as a stopover point for migratory birds.

Furthermore, the entire area has been subject to archaeological research, as the French School at Athens has conducted excavations in the nearby ancient site of Itanus. The resulting Itanos Archaeological Survey discovered numerous sites dating back to the Neolithic period. As a result, two new Natura 2000 areas were established in northeast Crete for the protection of both species and important archaeological sites.

Until after World War II, the land in Vai was owned by Toplou Monastery. However, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the government acquired part of the land for the military base and declared the rest as protected parkland. This created a complicated ownership situation, leading to disputes and court cases. Despite this, the monastery still owns farms and businesses in the area, and many restaurants and other establishments in the region mention Toplou in their addresses.

If you’re planning to visit Vai, keep in mind that it is approximately 149 km from Heraklion Airport and takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes by car. For a convenient and hassle-free transfer, you can book a taxi from our website, MyCreteTaxi. With its stunning palm forest, beautiful beach, and unique ecology and history, Vai is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete.