The palm beach of Vai (Greek: Βάι) is one of the largest attractions of the Mediterranean island of Crete. It features the largest natural palm forest in Europe,[1][better source needed] made up of Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti). The palm beach, which belongs to the Moni Toplou, is the touristic centre of East Crete, with thousands of visitors each year. Vai lies close to Palekastro, Sitia and the Dionysades islands.