Description
East Crete Excursion (Ierapetra - Toplou Monastery - Vai Palm Forest - Sitia)
VAI PALM FOREST EXCURSION: Visiting the best parts of east Crete by going to one of the biggest cities of the south (Ierapetra), the historical Monastery of Toplou, swimming at the famous Palm Forest beach (Vai), ending our journey in one of the most picturesque town of Crete (Sitia)!
Pick-up's from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion), Lygaria, Agia Pelagia. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]
Operating Days:
Every Sunday
Languages:
English, French, German: All days
Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour
Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Entrance to Toplou Monastery: 3 Euros, all your meals and drinks
Tour highlights:
• Visit the town of Ierapetra, well known for its local products
• Spend a relaxing day at the famous palm beach of Vai
• Explore the Toplou Monastery
• End the tour by visiting the town of Sitia
Essentials to have with you:
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Swimsuit/ BeachTowel
• Comfortable shoes
• Water
Direction:
Southeast Crete
Duration:
11-12 hours approximately 360 km. (depending on where you get on)
Overview:
Start your day tour from the lovely town of Ierapetra, the southern most of Europe, known for its warm weather and local products. Continue the tour, to discover the beautiful eastern part of Crete. Visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. 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. The day tour includes a visit to Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. Last stop of the day, the cosy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old (Free of charge)
Booking Guiding Lines:
► Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
► Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below
► IMPORTANT UPDATE: leave in the comments box, the following information per passenger, as it's been required by the Greek Law, applicable after July 30th, 2020 due to COVID-19 measurements: Nationality
PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, Lunch and island entrance. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).
PICK-UP TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
Pick up place |
Pick up time |
Sissi |
08:50 |
Nikos hotel - Filipidis S/M |
08:50 |
Malia church |
08:45 |
Malia Bay - Malia Park - Sirens |
08:50 |
Drossia - Kernos Beach - Ikaros Village |
08:50 |
Alexander Beach - Ariadni |
08:45 |
Cactus - Aktia |
08:40 |
Mochos Cross |
08:35 |
Stalis bus stop - Blue Sea |
08:35 |
Nana B/S - Mediterraneo |
08:30 |
Belvedere - Eri bus stop |
08:30 |
Silva Beach - Pela Maria |
08:25 |
National Bank - Chalkiadakis S/M |
08:25 |
Koutouloufari (Esperides Resort) |
08:25 |
Piscopiano well (pigadi) |
08:25 |
Mathioudakis - Creta Maris |
08:20 |
Hersonissos Village |
08:20 |
Knossos Royal - Royal Mare - Annabelle |
08:15 |
Cretan Village - Laguna - Chrissi Amoudia |
08:10 |
Serita - Zorbas – Anissa - Bella - Lytos |
08:05 |
Analipsi Beach Road |
08:00 |
Analipsi Bus stop |
08:00 |
Amirantes B/S |
07:55 |
Gouves Beach Road |
07:50 |
Gouves Cross-Lavris |
07:45 |
Gournes Church |
07:40 |
Rinela - Hatzis |
07:35 |
Knossos Beach - Arina |
07:30 |
Karteros - Amnissos |
07:25 |
Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel |
07:15 |
Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout) |
07:05 |
Giofyros (Meliriton) |
06:55 |
Amoudara |
06:50 |
Agia Pelagia - Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia and Lygaria via shuttle service. A minimum of 2 adult participants is required. |
06:40 |
LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!
CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.
IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organiser tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.
► COVID-19: All passengers are required to wear masks at all times when in boats and busses or in indoor areas.
For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560
Need HELP? Check if we are online & chat with us!
We LOVE to answer questions...
This excursion is eligible for the Summer 2023 Special Offer Discount!

You don't need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book...
East Crete
from: €48.00
Tour info
Accompanied service
Schedule
Morning Pick-up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.
Bus Drive to Ierapetra: approx. 1.5 – 2 hours
1st stop: Ierapetra - 40 minutes: Visit the most southern and warm town of Europe, famous worldwide for its agricultural products distributed all year round. Enjoy some free time for a walk on the lovely beach road.
Bus Drive to Ierapetra: 1 hour 30 minutes
2nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes: Our participants will enjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou. There they will spend about 40' of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors.
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes
3rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours: Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes
4th stop: Sitia– 40 minutes: Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets.
End of the tour – Return to resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
Bus Drive: approx. 2 – 3 hours hours
Special offer
Description
East Crete Excursion (Ierapetra - Toplou Monastery - Vai Palm Forest - Sitia)
VAI PALM FOREST EXCURSION: Visiting the best parts of east Crete by going to one of the biggest cities of the south (Ierapetra), the historical Monastery of Toplou, swimming at the famous Palm Forest beach (Vai), ending our journey in one of the most picturesque town of Crete (Sitia)!
Pick-up's from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion), Lygaria, Agia Pelagia. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]
Operating Days:
Every Sunday
Languages:
English, French, German: All days
Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour
Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Entrance to Toplou Monastery: 3 Euros, all your meals and drinks
Tour highlights:
• Visit the town of Ierapetra, well known for its local products
• Spend a relaxing day at the famous palm beach of Vai
• Explore the Toplou Monastery
• End the tour by visiting the town of Sitia
Essentials to have with you:
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Swimsuit/ BeachTowel
• Comfortable shoes
• Water
Direction:
Southeast Crete
Duration:
11-12 hours approximately 360 km. (depending on where you get on)
Overview:
Start your day tour from the lovely town of Ierapetra, the southern most of Europe, known for its warm weather and local products. Continue the tour, to discover the beautiful eastern part of Crete. Visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. 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. The day tour includes a visit to Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. Last stop of the day, the cosy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old (Free of charge)
Booking Guiding Lines:
► Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
► Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below
► IMPORTANT UPDATE: leave in the comments box, the following information per passenger, as it's been required by the Greek Law, applicable after July 30th, 2020 due to COVID-19 measurements: Nationality
PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, Lunch and island entrance. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).
PICK-UP TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!
CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.
IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organiser tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.
► COVID-19: All passengers are required to wear masks at all times when in boats and busses or in indoor areas.
For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560
Need HELP? Check if we are online & chat with us!
We LOVE to answer questions...
This excursion is eligible for the Summer 2023 Special Offer Discount!
You don't need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book...
Additional information
HER – Agia Pelagia, HER – Amnissos, HER – Amoudara (Gazi), HER – Analipsis, HER – Anissaras, HER – Gournes, HER – Gouves, HER – Heraklion City, HER – Hersonissos, HER – Karteros, HER – Kokkini Hani, HER – Koutouloufari, HER – Lygaria, HER – Malia, HER – Piskopiano, HER – Stalis, LAS – Sissi
AG.PEL: Alexander House Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: Ambelos Apts. (Main Road), AG.PEL: Bella Vista Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: Blue Bay (Reception), AG.PEL: Blue Bay Resort Hotel (Main Road), AG.PEL: EKO – Ag. Pelagia Gas Station, AG.PEL: Happy Cretan (Main Road), AG.PEL: Irida Hotel Apartments (Main Road), AG.PEL: Laundry, AG.PEL: My hotel (add it in the comments), AG.PEL: Nicolas Villas, AG.PEL: Out Of The Blue Resort (Entrance), AG.PEL: Panorama (Main Road), AG.PEL: Pela Mare Ag. Pelagia, AG.PEL: Peninsula Resort & Spa (Main Road), AG.PEL: Sea Side Resort & Spa (Reception), AG.PEL: Shell Gas Station, AMNIS: AKS Minoa Palace (Main Road), AMOUD: Agapi Beach (Main Road – Taxi Station), AMOUD: Apollonia Beach Resort & Spa (Main Road – Bus Stop), AMOUD: Candia Maris (Main Road), AMOUD: Creta Beach (Main Road), AMOUD: Dessole Dolphin Bay Resort, AMOUD: Neptuno Beach Resort (Main Road – Bus Stop), AMOUD: Roxani Hotel, AMOUD: Santa Marina (Main Road), AMOUD: Shell Gas Station, ANALPS: Analipsis church, ANALPS: Anthoula Village Hotel (Main Road), ANALPS: Atlantica Caldera Palace (Main Road), ANALPS: Europa Beach Hotel, ANALPS: Golden Star Hotel, ANALPS: Stella Village Hotel & Bungalows (Beach Main Road), ANISSR: Aldemar Knossos Royal (Main Road), ANISSR: Anissa Beach & Village Hotel, ANISSR: Annabelle Beach Resort, ANISSR: Bella Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Chrissi Ammoudia Hotel (main road), ANISSR: Galini Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Kosta Mare Palace Resort & Spa, ANISSR: Laguna Resort & Spa (Reception), ANISSR: Lyttos Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Mitsis Cretan Village (Reception), ANISSR: Mitsis Royal Mare Thalasso & Spa Resort (Main Road), ANISSR: Paradise Island Villas – (Crossroad), ANISSR: Serita Beach Hotel (Main Road), ANISSR: Zorbas Village Hotel, GOURN: Gournes Church, GOUVES: Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort (Bus Stop), GOUVES: Aphrodite Beach Club (Beach Road), GOUVES: EKO Gas Station – (Lavris), GOUVES: Gouves Church, GOUVES: Hotel Diogenis Blue Palace (Beach Road), GOUVES: Marina Beach Resort (Beach Road), GOUVES: The Island Hotel (Beach Road), HERAKL: Capsis Astoria Hotel, HERAKL: Galaxy Hotel, HERAKL: Koules Fortress / 18 Agglon Sq. (Roundabout), HERSON: Albatros Spa Resort Hotel (Corner), HERSON: Creta Maris Beach Resort (Bus Stop), HERSON: Hersonissos Village, HERSON: Mediterraneo (Main Road), HERSON: National Bank, HERSON: Pela Maria Hotel, HERSON: Royal Belvedere Bus Stop / Eris Bus Stop, HERSON: S/M Chalkiadakis, HERSON: S/M Mathioudakis, HERSON: Silva Beach, KARTER: Karteros Corner, KOKHAN: Arina Beach Resort (Main Road – Bus Stop), KOKHAN: Knossos Beach Bungalows & Suites (Main Road), KOKHAN: Rinela Beach Resort & Spa (Main Road), KOKHAN: S/M Hatzis (Bus Stop #4), KOKHAN: Shotels Sunset Beach Hotel, MALIA: Amvrosia Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Drossia, MALIA: Ikaros Village Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Kernos Beach Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: Main Church (St. Nektarios / Taxi Rank), MALIA: Malia Bay Hotel, MALIA: Malia Park Hotel (Main Road), MALIA: McDonalds Fastfood, MALIA: Nikos Hotel, MALIA: S/M Filipidis, MALIA: Sirens Hotel (Main Road), PISKOP: Pigadi Piskopiano (Well), SISSI: Bella Vista Apartments (Main Road), SISSI: Castello Village Resort (Main Road), SISSI: Grecotel Meli Palace (Main Road), SISSI: Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village (Main Road), SISSI: Maritimo Beach Hotel (Main Road), SISSI: Sissi Bay (Main Road), SISSI: Sissi Church, SISSI: Sissi Mare Apartments (Main Road), STALIS: Alexander Beach Hotel & Village, STALIS: Blue Sea Beach Hotel, STALIS: Cactus Royal Spa Hotel, STALIS: I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa / Aktia Hotel (Main Road), STALIS: Mochos Cross Road (Bus Stop #29), STALIS: Nana Beach, STALIS: Stalis Bus Stop
Ierapetra, Monastery of Toplou, Sitia, Vai Palm Forest
Culture Tour, Land Excursion
English, French, German
1 Day
April, May, June, July, August, September, October