This tour is ideal for anyone wishing to spend a day surrounded by the nature, sea sea, nature and authentic Cretan beauty. On this bus tour you will visit the following attractions:
Let’s look at the details of this sightseeing tour in 2026!
The journey to Vai Beach from Achlada begins early in the morning, with the bus travelling east along Crete’s northern coastal road – one of the island’s most picturesque routes. As we leave the busy resort areas behind, the landscape gradually changes into quieter countryside dotted with olive groves, small villages and rugged hillsides. Occasional glimpses of Mirabello Bay sparkling in the morning light can be seen as the road passes through the wider area of Agios Nikolaos. Further east, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and dramatic, with dry, rocky slopes providing a beautiful contrast to the deep blue sea.
The first stop is Erimoupolis Beach, a peaceful, sandy beach known for its calm atmosphere and shallow, clear waters. Far from the larger organised beaches (but not so far from the beach of Vai), it offers a more natural and relaxing setting where you can truly unwind. The soft, golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, and the gentle sea is ideal for swimming. The surrounding coastline is beautifully unspoilt, creating a sense of seclusion that feels like another world compared to the busier tourist resorts. Here, the only sounds are those of the waves and the sea breeze. Beach of Erimopoulis is like a perfect introduction to the tranquil beauty of eastern Crete.
Next is Itanos Beach, one of Crete’s most beautiful coastal areas, renowned for its turquoise waters and stunning natural surroundings. The beach is very near and actually made up of several small coves, each with its own character, and all with inviting, crystal-clear seas. Just a short walk away lie the fascinating remains of ancient Itanos, which was once an important city-state and trading centre in eastern Crete. You can explore the ruins of ancient buildings, including basilicas and walls, while enjoying panoramic sea views. This combination of history, archaeology and beach relaxation makes this one of the most unique stops on this tour. Are you ready to move on? It’s only a five-minute bus ride to Vai Beach, our next stop!
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly Vai Palm Beach, one of Crete’s most iconic natural attractions. Famous for being home to Europe’s largest natural palm forest, Vai offers a setting of unparalleled exotic beauty. Countless palm trees surround the crescent-shaped sandy beach, creating a landscape that often feels more tropical than Mediterranean. The beach itself is beautifully organised and ideal for swimming, with clear blue waters and soft sand perfect for relaxation. You can also climb to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay and palm forest. Whether you choose to swim, sunbathe or simply admire the scenery, Vai provides a truly unforgettable beach experience.
According to local legend, the famous palm forest at Vai was “created” by pirates who once landed in this quiet bay, bringing bags of dates with them. It is said that the seeds they discarded took root and gradually formed the dense grove that covers the area today. Whether it’s true or not, the story adds to the charm of this unique place. Today, the palm forest is a protected natural area spanning around 250000 square meters.
One way or another, this day trip is entirely dedicated to enjoying the beaches of eastern Crete. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, revealing ever-changing landscapes and offering a glimpse into the quieter eastern part of the island. Without leaving the comfort of the coach, you’ll see traditional villages, rugged mountains and stunning coastal scenery that many tourists never get to see. Each stop at a beach reveals a new facet of Crete: from secluded sandy coves to historic shores and exotic bays lined with palm trees. This day offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing and discovering hidden beauty. If you’re up for a long journey eastwards – come along!
If you would like to visit Vai Palm Beach on an organised bus tour and you are staying in Achlada, the cost of the trip in 2026 is:
This tour is sometimes included in special promotions and sold cheaper for our followers – keep an eye out for discounts on Instagram!
Are you traveling as a big family or a group? Contact us in advance or visit our offices and we will try to make you the best offer.
You are welcome! We will run this personalised tour in a suitable car or minivan for you on any day. No large groups, long pick-ups or waiting – just you, your family or friends and the guide! You can ask us in advance – and we will organise everything for you.
You can book an organized excursion to Vai Palm Beach from Achlada online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2026 the excursion to Vai Beach and the beaches of Itanos and Erimoupolis from Achlada takes place from 17/05 to 27/09. Available tour days – Sunday.
Please note that trip schedules are subject to change, including cancellation. This is extremely rare and may be due to weather conditions. For example, heavy rains at the beginning (April and May) or end of the season (September and October) and other force majeure situations. If there are any changes, we will try to let you know as soon as possible.
Please make sure that you have correctly identified your vacation area in Crete and read the cancellation and refund policy.
If there is less than 24 hours before the trip, please contact the manager to check availability before you make a booking!
Firstly, you can come to one of our offices where booking for all services is available and payment can be made either by cash or card.
Secondly, in case of online booking you can choose cash payment (which is available for some areas only) or you can pay online by card. In the case of cash, we will arrange a meeting with our courier in advance, who will bring the prepared documents to your hotel or villa and collect the cash. Please note that this option is only available for bookings made well in advance (days or weeks before the trip!). In case of online payment, you will receive the tickets by e-mail or WhatsApp – as you prefer.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of your trip!
As there are no roads within this village (only narrow pedestrian streets), and the largest hotel is the Ecotourism Holiday Hotel (Mourtzanakis Residence), a transfer can be arranged from there or from the main square as an optional extra. If you haven’t rented a car or simply would like to use our transfer service (we offer both cars and minibuses with drivers), please contact us in advance.
It depends on how you choose to get to the meeting point.
Our main meeting points are located on major roads and in major resorts – anywhere that a large bus can safely drive up to and stop.
If you have a rental car (and you probably do – otherwise, getting to the village of Achlada is extremely difficult, as there is no public transportation here, and a large bus simply cannot navigate the local roads), we can offer you several nearby meeting points to choose from, where you can park your car and join the main group. This is usually the easiest and most convenient way.
If you would like to leave your car at your hotel and require additional transportation to the nearest meeting point and back, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to arrange everything.
You will receive full details of the time and place of the pick-up with your travel documents when you make your booking. Please read it carefully before the trip.
This excursion is also available from various locations across the island of Crete. The tour itself will follow the same itinerary and programme, with only two differences. Firstly, there may be different transfer options available, which may result in a different price in some locations. Secondly, the departure and return times may be different too.
You can join this activity from any of the following towns: Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Fodele, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion (city), Heraklion area (other cities), Hersonissos, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Milatos, Sissi, Stalida.
It’s going to be an easy beach day! There will be no long walks.
You will have the opportunity to have a snack at the beach of Vai, where there is a cafe and even have a lunch in a tavern.
All the necessary sun protection, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, money for extras.
Yes, the guide will be with the group throughout the trip. As this is primarily a beach trip, the guide mostly be involved in organizing and assisting the group, but of course he will tell you about all the sights on the route.
Not very high, since it’s mostly a trip to the beach and a little bit of walking.
Languages: English, German and French are available on any scheduled day throughout the season.
The weekly language schedule for this trip is as follows:
Please note that this is an approximate tour schedule. Times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up and drop-off locations. Exact times will be sent to you along with other information when you make your reservation and specify your hotel.
| Schedule of the excursion program | |
|---|---|
| 7:20 - 8:20 | Departure from the hotel |
| 10:30 | Arrival at Erimoupolis Beach |
| 10:30 - 12:15 | Free time at Erimoupolis Beach and Itanos Beach |
| 12:15 - 12:20 | Transfer to Vai Beach |
| 12:30 - 15:00 | Free time at Vai Beach |
| 15:15 | Departure to the hotels |
| 17:30 - 19:30 | Return to the hotels |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 hours | From hotels by bus to the Beach of Erimoupolis |
| 1.5-2 hours | Free time at the Itanos beach and Erimoupolis beach |
| 5-10 minutes | Transfer by bus to the Vai beach |
| 2.5 hours | Free time at the Vai beach |
| up to 3 hours | Transfer by bus to the hotels |