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 Sissi 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 Sissi, 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 Sissi online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2026 the excursion to Vai Beach and the beaches of Itanos and Erimoupolis from Sissi 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!
Sissi is a charming, traditional fishing village that has kept its peaceful character. There are no big highways here, only narrow, winding roads and streets. This is why we have only a few meeting points, which are located in areas where the bus can drive and stop safely.
Most hotels in the center of Sissi are near the harbor. This trip is available to guests staying at the following hotels, villas and apartments, to name a few: Angela Studios & Apartments, Angela Suites Boutique Hotel, Castello Boutique Village Resort & Spa, Castello Village Resort, Enorme Santanna Island, Ergina Boutique Experience, Grecotel Meli Palace, Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort, Maria Hotel Sisi, Marigianna Apartments, Maritimo Beach Hotel, Porto Sisi Hotel Apartments, Sissi Bay Resort, Sissi Mare Apartments, Sunrise Sissi Apartments, Vasia Resort & Spa, Vasia Sea Retreat and some others.
Usually we collect guests from larger hotels in the area, main (wide!) roads or bus stops – wherever is most practical and safe. If you’d like to confirm your exact pickup location and time, or if you’re unsure of your accommodation’s details, simply reach out via WhatsApp or email and we’ll take care of it!
It depends on the location of your hotel or villa. In some cases a tour bus will literally stop at the front door of the hotel and you just have to be there, in others it may be a short walk to the nearest pick-up point. This is usually a large central street, bus stop, square, car park, etc. – somewhere where there is no risk of the tour bus getting stuck on a narrow one-way street or stuck in traffic.
If your hotel, villa or apartment is located outside of the tourist areas, please contact us in advance to arrange a possible meeting point.
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: Achlada, Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Fodele, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion (city), Heraklion area (other cities), Hersonissos, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Malia, Milatos, 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 |