RIVIERA - Vai Palm Beach, Toplou Monastery

The experience starts from Agios Nikolaos heading east. It is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the sublime Gulf of Mirabello. This is eastern Crete Riviera. We pass through many picturesque village and we reach the 15th-century Toplou Monastery. The compound features a small museum with notable exhibits of Christian Orthodox art, such as sacred utensils and chalcography by monks of Mount Athos. There is also an olive press which produces olive oil of outstanding quality and wine making facilities. Both the olive oil and the wine produced in the monastery are exported all over the world.

You may participate in a wine and spirit tasting session (optional) at the monastery’s cellar.

Then we pay a visit to one of the main attractions in eastern Crete, that is, the protected Vai palm forest. It is unique in Europe and is located next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. There will be plenty of time for you to enjoy swimming and the rare beauty of the landscape.

On our way back, we will stop at Platanos and watch the sunset in an area with an enchanting view.