Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrastii) and were not imported inadvertently by Saracene pirates (as some would like you to believe). This superb beach, discovered by a few hippies in the 70s became a favourite with long term campers in the 80s until it got turned into something of a rubbish dump by their carelessness. Finally, it was declared a protected area, camping was forbidden, the beach got fenced off and entrance only allowed during day time. The beach is free but you will pay a parking fee if you come by car.