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Vai Beach 🏝️ is one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete, located at the very tip of the island’s eastern peninsula — 35 km from the Delfini Studio 🐬 and 25 km from the town of Sitia. It is a breathtaking place with crystal clear, blue water 🌊, fine light sand, and an exotic palm forest 🌴.

Vai is home to the largest palm grove in Europe, with more than 5,000 Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti). The entire area belongs to the historic Toplou Monastery, located nearby.

There are several stories about how this unique palm grove came to be. One legend says the trees grew from date pits thrown away by Saracen pirates, later washed ashore. Another claims the palms were planted by the Phoenicians, who sailed the Mediterranean twenty centuries ago. The real explanation is probably simpler — the palm is an endemic species, naturally growing on Crete, and here it found exceptionally favourable conditions.

Due to increasing visitor numbers and the fact that not all tourists respected nature, the grove was declared a protected area and incorporated into the National Park. Thanks to this, it can still be admired today in its pristine, unchanged form.

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The Knossos complex is the most important centre of Minoan civilisation on Crete and one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Europe. Considered the oldest city on the continent, it is listed by UNESCO. Located near Heraklion, in the central part of the island, it is the best preserved palace complex from the Minoan period, the earliest civilisation in Europe.

Minoan civilisation developed from 3000 to 1100 BC and left behind many intriguing monuments. Its birthplace was the unique island of Crete. Knossos is regarded as its largest and most important centre, functioning continuously from 2000 to 1400 BC.

The discoverer of the Knossos complex — covering around 20,000 square metres — was the British amateur archaeologist Arthur Evans (1851–1941). It was nearly discovered earlier by his colleague Heinrich Schliemann, who, following Homer’s clues, found the ruins of Troy and Mycenae. Evans devoted his entire life to Minoan civilisation, beginning excavations in Knossos in 1900. He was fascinated by the possible links between the ruins and the mythological labyrinth of King Minos. The name “Minoan civilisation” refers to this legendary ruler of Crete. Myths of the Minotaur, Theseus and Ariadne, and Daedalus and Icarus are all connected to his reign. Scholars believe that “Minos” may not have been a personal name but rather a dynastic title — similar to “pharaoh” in Egypt.

The Minoans maintained many trade and political connections with neighbouring cultures. Their civilisation extended beyond Crete. Researchers study their links with the later Mycenaean culture and with the island of Thira (Santorini), where the ancient city of Akrotiri flourished. Some scholars trace the beginnings of Minoan culture to the massive volcanic eruption on Santorini around 1650 BC. The final blow to the civilisation was likely the invasion of the Mycenaeans from the mainland. The first destruction of the palace occurred around 1700 BC, with further destructions in the 15th and 14th centuries BC.

Evans’ work resulted in concrete reconstructions at Knossos and freely interpreted frescoes discovered in the ruins. Decorative paintings with numerous plant and animal motifs were found. One fresco shows a man leaping over a bull — likely depicting tauromachy, a ritual spectacle characteristic of Mediterranean cultures. Crete also yielded figurines of women with exposed breasts (probably priestesses or goddesses) holding snakes.

For a long time, these artefacts led scholars to believe the Minoans were a peaceful, somewhat hedonistic society in which women played a significant role. However, the writing systems used on Crete have not been fully deciphered. And this was not a purely peaceful civilisation — the symbol of Knossos was the double axe, and the island is full of ancient weapons and traces of fires and battles.

Knossos is commonly called a palace. Visitors can see the throne room, ceremonial chambers, royal apartments, temples, guardrooms and storerooms. Much of this is a free interpretation of the ruins. To some researchers, the numerous buildings, corridors and passages resemble the mythological labyrinth built for Minos by the ingenious Daedalus — the place where the Minotaur, half man and half bull, was said to hide.

The truth remains unknown — there are studies and theories. Whatever the case, today the Knossos complex is a magnet for travellers, and everyone can find their own version of its story.

Toplou Monastery is a jewel among the places worth visiting in the far east of Crete. This powerful monastic complex stands on an almost desert like plateau. It is an important site in the island’s history and today a key destination for visitors, as well as one of the most dynamic local enterprises. It is the only monastery on the eastern tip of Crete preserved in such excellent condition.

The full name of the monastery is “The Monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Cape” (gr. Μονή Παναγίας Ακρωτηριανής). The commonly used name “Toplou” was given by the Turks (the word top means “cannon”). The monastery was a true fortress, equipped with its own artillery, and the monks were trained to defend it. Thanks to this, they successfully repelled pirate attacks along the Cretan coast. It was one of the wealthiest monastic communities on the island.

The exact date of the monastery’s foundation is unknown, but it certainly existed during the Venetian period. In 1530, it was plundered by the Knights of Malta, and in 1612 it survived a powerful earthquake. The Venetians helped rebuild it, recognising the strategic value of a fortified outpost in the face of the growing Ottoman threat. In 1646, eastern Crete was conquered by the Ottoman army. The monks returned only after 1704, when the Turkish authorities allowed the monastery to function again.

When visiting the monastery, it is worth remembering its defensive character. The entrance consists of two separate gates — a decorative one and a defensive one — separated by a small courtyard. Above the courtyard and surrounding buildings rises a 33 metre high Renaissance bell tower built in the 17th century.

The main courtyard is paved with pebbles and decorated with pots of fragrant flowers. It is surrounded by stone buildings with wooden galleries leading to the monks’ cells and communal rooms — the kitchen, dining hall and storerooms. At the centre stands the monastery church. The church is adorned with stone plaques, including one with an inscription from 132 BC (an ancient document known as the Arbitration of Magnesia). The small monastic church (katholikon) contains beautiful 14th century frescoes and 18th century icons. The most precious of them are said to be kept out of sight, stored in the sacristy — including the famous icon “Great Are You, O Lord” painted by Ioannis Kornaros in 1770, composed of dozens of miniature biblical scenes. The monastery also houses a museum presenting its long history. Visitors can see engravings, documents, old Bibles, crosses and seals. There is also an exhibition dedicated to the monastery’s role in the Cretan struggle for independence in the 19th century and during the Nazi occupation.

The monks continue traditional agriculture. A restored 19th century windmill at the entrance symbolises this heritage. Today, the monastery’s agricultural estate is far more modern than it appears. Under the Toplou brand, the monks produce olive oil, raki and wine — white (from Vilana and Thrapsathiri grapes) and red (from Merlot, Shiraz and Liatiko). Each year, the monastery’s vineyard produces tens of thousands of bottles, sold both in Greece and across continental Europe. Visitors can taste the wines in the nearby winery and purchase all monastery products and souvenirs.

The monastery is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Admission costs a symbolic 3–5 euros. There is a small free car park in front. As in all religious sites on Crete, visitors should dress appropriately. Toplou Monastery is located about 15 minutes from Vai Palm Beach (gr. Παραλία Βάι).

On 26 September, the monastery celebrates its feast day, marked by a large festival attended by pilgrims from all over Crete.

Mnisi z klasztoru zajmują się tradycyjnym rolnictwem. Ich tradycje rolnicze symbolizuje odrestaurowany, XIX – wieczny wiatrak, znajdujący się przed wejściem do monastyru. Współczesne gospodarstwo klasztorne jest dużo bardziej nowoczesne niż się wydaje. Pod marką Toplou mnisi produkują oliwę, raki oraz wino (białe z odmian vilana i thrapsathiri, oraz czerwone z odmian merlot, shiraz i liatiko). Każdego roku klasztorna winnica produkuje kilkadziesiąt tysięcy butelek, trafiających nie tylko na greckie stoły i na rynki kontynentalnej Europy. Win klasztornych można skosztować w winiarni znajdującej się nieopodal klasztoru. Można tam także kupić wszystkie produkty klasztorne i pamiątki z obiektu.

Klasztor jest czynny codziennie od 09:00 do 18:00. Wstęp kosztuje symboliczne 3-5 Euro Przed klasztorem znajduje się niewielki, bezpłatny parking. Odwiedzając klasztor, podobnie jak inne religijne budowle na Krecie, trzeba ubrać się odpowiednio. Klasztor Toplou do palmowej plaży Vai (gr. Παραλία Βάι) dzieli około 15 minut drogi…

W dniu 26 września klasztor świętuje, odbywa się wielki festyn, na który przyjeżdżają wierni z całej Krety.

Kato Zakros is a charming fishing village located in a beautiful Mediterranean bay in the southeastern part of Crete. The drive by car through mountain serpentines and gorges offers unforgettable views and many natural and cultural surprises. In its heyday, Kato Zakros was an important centre of trade with Egypt and the East. At the beginning of the 20th century, excavations began here, during which the remains of a Minoan palace and the surrounding town were discovered. It is believed that the palace had around 300 rooms, including a temple, treasury, storerooms, royal chambers, administrative rooms and various workshops (of a blacksmith, goldsmith, stonemason, potter and perfume maker). Today, the entire archaeological site is open to visitors.

In the village of Kato Zakros, along the bay, there is a small, picturesque pebble and stone beach. The shoreline is lined with atmospheric tavernas serving traditional Greek food and small, cosy studios for rent.

While in Kato Zakros, you can walk the trail through the Valley of the Dead. In Minoan times, the caves in the gorge were likely used as burial sites.

The route to Kato Zakros — through mountain paths, the ruins of the Minoan town and traditional tavernas — creates unforgettable impressions of Crete’s old and new traditions.

Makrygialos is the most famous resort in eastern Crete, located just 15 minutes from Delfini Studio. It is a beautiful, atmospheric and still intimate seaside town on the Libyan Sea.

As recently as the 1950s, Makrygialos had no road connection with the rest of Crete. All food and goods were transported to and from the small harbour by boat. As tourism developed, the town gradually changed its appearance. Abandoned houses were replaced by small, family run hotels.

The history of Makrygialos’ port dates back to Minoan times. During excavations in the 1970s, archaeologists discovered traces of ancient settlement. The most interesting find is the remains of a Minoan villa built around 1480 BC. Later, the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD were uncovered.

Makrygialos developed around a small bay that formed a natural harbour. Today, the town consists of two neighbouring settlements — Makrygialos to the west and Analipsi to the east. They are connected by the Great Beach, a long sandy beach with full tourist infrastructure. There are also other beaches in the area: the pebbly Kalamokanias in the western part of town, Lagoufa Beach next to the largest hotel complexes, and Manousos Halavridi Beach.

Sitia (Sitea) is a charming, intimate town located on the northeastern coast of Crete. It is a peaceful oasis, very different from the large, bustling cities of western Crete such as Heraklion, Rethymno or Chania. It is an ideal place for those who value tranquillity and a cosy, almost family like atmosphere. Strolling along the seafront promenade or enjoying coffee in seaside cafés feels different here than in the crowded tourist centres of the west. And interestingly… there is plenty to see.

The port — surrounded by a promenade decorated with pebble mosaics of fish — and the nearby ponds where swans, geese and cormorants swim add charm to the town’s atmosphere. The Venetian Kazarma Fortress, standing on a hill above the town, recalls the turbulent history of Sitia and the region. It once served as a military garrison during Venetian rule. Archaeological sites in Sitia itself, in Petras and in nearby Palekastro offer unforgettable encounters with antiquity. The regional archaeological museum is modest and intimate, yet well worth a visit.

Picturesque hillside streets, family run shops and the traditional Tuesday market reflect the living traditions, crafts and agriculture of the region. From Sitia, it is only a short distance to many attractions on the eastern tip of the island — Vai Beach, Toplou Monastery, the Minoan palace in Kato Zakros and the Richtis Gorge.

Like all of Crete, Sitia has had a turbulent history. The town was under Venetian rule, and because of its strategic location, the occupiers fortified it, creating one of their bases in the eastern part of the island (Kazarma Fortress). Over the centuries, the town suffered even more: an earthquake in 1508, a bloody pirate attack in 1538, and finally destruction by the Venetians themselves in 1651, fearing an Ottoman invasion. For nearly two centuries, Sitia remained abandoned. The Turkish occupiers did not encourage locals to return. Only in the second half of the 19th century, when the Ottoman governor rebuilt the town, did the population slowly come back.

Today, Sitia is a charming, quiet Greek town with an almost family like atmosphere. It is a perfect place for a peaceful siga siga holiday and for discovering the hidden treasures of Minoan culture and the traditional customs of the region.

Spinalonga is an island located in the picturesque Mirabello Bay, about one kilometre off the northern coast of eastern Crete. It is a place with a fascinating history. First, it was a powerful Venetian fortress that protected Crete from invaders for centuries. Later, it became the largest and last active leper colony in Europe. Because of its past, the island has become a symbol of exclusion and the extraordinary strength of spirit of the people who lived and died there in solitude.

Its history is long and complex. The Venetian period lasted from 1579 to 1715. In 1579, the Venetians began building a massive fortress on the island. Its purpose was to protect Crete from pirate raids and Ottoman attacks due to its strategic location. Crete lies at the crossroads of three continents — Europe, Africa and Asia — and has always been crucial for trade routes across the Mediterranean. For more than a century, Spinalonga was an important part of the Venetian defence system. The fortress served both as a military stronghold and as a refuge for civilians during sieges. The Venetians controlled the island until 1715, when it was taken over by the Ottoman Turks.

For nearly 200 years (1715–1903), the island was under Ottoman rule. After taking control, the Turks settled on Spinalonga, turning it into a thriving community and an international port. During this time, the island experienced significant development — mosques, baths and residential houses were built, many of which can still be seen today. The Turkish settlement grew and became an important trading point in the region. Because of the island’s defensive character, Muslim soldiers and their families lived there, and it also served as a place of exile and imprisonment for convicts from across Crete.

For almost two centuries, the island’s inhabitants engaged in lively trade, and Spinalonga’s port became an important transit point for ships sailing across the southeastern Aegean Sea.

In 1903, the island was transformed into a leper colony. The Turks left, but their architectural legacy remained.

From 1903 to 1915, people diagnosed with leprosy from all over Crete were sent to live on the island. They had to face not only their illness but also harsh living conditions. Over time, the colony functioned like any other community — with shops, workshops, schools and even theatres. The residents tried to lead normal lives, supporting one another and forming a strong, close knit society.

Boats to Spinalonga depart from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

The well preserved fortress, Ottoman buildings and remains of the leper settlement leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

The warmest city in Greece and the southernmost city in Europe. Modern Ierapetra was built on the site of ancient Ierapytna, which around 150 BC competed for dominance in the region with Presos and Itanos (today among the best preserved archaeological sites).

In the Roman era, Ierapytna flourished as one of the cosmopolitan cities of the Roman Empire. Its port was important due to easy access to Egypt and the Middle East. The Romans destroyed the city after more than two years of fighting with its inhabitants. Once conquered, it was rebuilt, with new temples, baths and theatres constructed.

Ierapytna maintained its importance during the early Byzantine period but was later destroyed by the Arabs. Under Venetian rule, the town was fortified. Even today, visitors can admire the Kales Fortress (gr. φρούριο Καλές), built in the 13th century. A powerful earthquake in 1780 destroyed much of the town, which is why few ancient monuments have survived despite its long history.

Today’s Ierapetra is primarily an agricultural town — thanks to its excellent climate, it produces vast quantities of vegetables exported throughout Europe.

The most important monument in Ierapetra is the Kales Fortress, which was repaired by the Turks after the earthquake of 1508, when they took control of the town in the 17th century.

While in Ierapetra, it is worth visiting the oldest church in the city, dedicated to Jesus Christ. It was built around the 12th century as a monastic katholikon. One of the most intriguing landmarks is Napoleon’s House — according to local tradition, Napoleon spent one July night here in 1798 on his way to Egypt. Another attraction for history lovers is the Turkish mosque — one of the few on the island that Cretans did not demolish after regaining independence in 1898.

Museum enthusiasts will also find something for themselves. The town’s Archaeological Museum is housed in a former Ottoman school from the late 19th century. Its collection includes artefacts from nearby archaeological sites. Among ceramics, incomplete Roman statues and coins, the most valuable exhibits include a Minoan sarcophagus found in Episkopi (c. 1450 BC) and a statue of the goddess Demeter from the 2nd century AD.

Ierapetra and its surroundings offer many spacious, easily accessible beaches (e.g., Limanakia, Apovathra, St Andrew’s Beach). It is worth knowing that the sand on the southern coast of Crete is usually grey black.

A port on the northeastern coast of Crete, where tradition blends with modernity. It is also the cosmopolitan capital of the Lasithi region, combining contemporary architecture with the history of the Dorian era.

The history of the town begins in the 3rd century BC, when it became part of the Dorian city of Lato, located to the south. Until the 6th century AD, it served as an important trading point and a centre for recruiting mercenaries.

In 1206, the Genoese pirate Henrico Pescatore built the Mirabello fortress on the highest point of today’s Agios Nikolaos, on Kefali Hill. He did not enjoy the castle for long, as the entire island was soon purchased by the Venetians. The fortress did not survive, and today the regional government offices stand in its place. Historical sources mention that it housed a salt warehouse, with salt brought from the Elounda area. The Venetians were determined to maintain a complete monopoly on salt supplies throughout the Mediterranean, which explains the strong protection of this resource. The Mirabello fortress was destroyed several times (in the 1303 earthquake and by pirates in 1537), yet it was always rebuilt. Only at the end of the 17th century, when the Ottomans besieged the town, did the Venetians blow it up as they surrendered — and it was never rebuilt.

During Venetian rule, the town held little significance. Under Ottoman rule, it slowly depopulated. After the 1866 revolution, towards the end of Turkish rule, the town began to repopulate and developed as a port trading citrus fruit.

Modern Agios Nikolaos is shaped by the dynamic growth of tourism, which began here much earlier than in other parts of Crete. The heart of the town is the area around the harbour and Lake Voulismeni. In the 19th century, it was a freshwater lake — the second such lake on Crete after Lake Kournas. In 1870, it was connected to the sea by a navigational channel. The lake has its own mythology: the goddesses Athena and Artemis were said to bathe here, and locals believed it was bottomless and inhabited by monsters. Today, fishing boats and small vessels moor along its shores, surrounded by lively tavernas, cafés and bars.

The town is home to a private Ethnographic Museum and an Archaeological Museum. Near the town centre stands the 12th century church of Panagia Vrefotrofos, where 14th century frescoes can be admired. A historical walk can end at the church of St Nicholas, the town’s patron. Built between the 7th and 9th centuries, it has preserved its original form — a simple, single nave church decorated with remnants of 9th–11th century frescoes.

The charm of Agios Nikolaos also lies in its narrow streets and numerous stairways, essential for exploring this hillside town, as well as its small beaches (Ammos, Kitroplatia, Ammoudi). Due to its popularity among tourists, Agios Nikolaos is often referred to as the “Cretan Saint Tropez”.

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