Vai is a natural palm-tree forest with a small coastal valley located on the eastern shores of Crete, near the remains of ancient Itanos. There are many different versions of how this forest was created: The most widely accepted view is that the palm-trees were brought over by the Phoenicians inhabiting Itanos. The palm-tree forest of Vai is a unique phenomenon in southern Europe and it is now officially considered a natural preserve. Camping and overnight stays are strictly prohibited.