
Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip worth booking?
Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip is a 11-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $57 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (4)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Discover the wild Northeast Cretan Coast on this full day road trip. Visit the largest Palm Forest Beach of Europe and swimm in the crystal clear waters of Erimoupoli, few steps from ancient Itanos.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the wild Northeast Cretan Coast on this full day road trip. Visit the largest Palm Forest Beach of Europe and swimm in the crystal clear waters of Erimoupoli, few steps from ancient Itanos.
What's included
Included
- Public Liability Insurance Coverage from ALLIANZ for all our tour participants
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Driver
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Sunbeds
- Monastery Entrance Fee (5€ in cash)
What you'll see and do
Heraklion
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus ride will differ.
150 minutes here
Erimoupolis Beach
Bus Drive to Erimoupoli-Itanos: 2.5 - 3hours 1st stop: Erimoupoli-Itanos –1h 45 minutes Few steps north of Vai, lay the beach of Erimoupoli and the ancient city of Itanos. There are three bays with beaches that are accessible through small hiking paths. The beaches are quiet, with sand and clear turquoise waters and unique geological formations. Between the beaches, is the important Minoan settlement of ancient Itanos, creating a unique combination.
105 minutes here
Vai Beach
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 5 minutes 2nd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes Continue the tour to visit Vai Palm Beach, the largest natural palm forest in Europe. One of the most emblematic landscapes of Crete, the palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
150 minutes here
Heraklion
End of the tour – Return at resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2.5 – 3 hours hours. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
French: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
English: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
French: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
German: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
English: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
German: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
German: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
French: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
English: Heraklion area
Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included
English: Hersonissos, Malia
Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included
German: Anisaras, Gouves area
Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included
French: Agia Pelagia area
Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cretan Odyssey
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Guide had lots of...
Guide had lots of knowledge however booked as an English tour however it turned out multilingual. We wish we had more time at Toplou Monastery and a bit less at Vai Palm Beach. Maybe 2 hours at Vai and then add the ‘spare’ time to Toplou.
via Viator
So so
The trip could've been planned better. Couple places like Ierapetra and Sitia, in my opinion, were not worth visiting. Especially Ierapetra - only had like 35-40 minutes there and there's nothing to see, just the beach and cafes you can get everywhere in Crete. So wasted like 1.5h for it in total. It would have been better to spend that time in Vai beach. Vai beach was the highlight of the trip for me, it has very beautiful scenery and would've been nice to spend there a bit more time. Toplou monastery was quite interesting to see as well. Sitia was alright, cannot complain too much because it is on the way back so might as well stop there for a bit. The view of nature and villages while driving was nice to see. The guide was informative about things that i did not find particularly interesting or useful as well, so to be honest zoned out for the most part while they were talking. Overall if you only have a few days in Crete i would not recommend, but if you have spare time or staying here longer you can choose this trip for a few good parts.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sun
- Price range
- $57 to $60
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything Cretan Odyssey runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip cost?
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Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip?
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Included: Public Liability Insurance Coverage from ALLIANZ for all our tour participants; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; Professional Driver; and Tour Guide. Not included: Lunch; Sunbeds; and Monastery Entrance Fee (5€ in cash). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 450 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What booking options are available for Crete: Vai Palm Forest, Itanos & Erimoupoli Beach Road Trip?
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There are 12 options to choose from, including French: Anisaras, Gouves area, English: Anisaras, Gouves area, French: Hersonissos, Malia, German: Hersonissos, Malia. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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