The palm beach of Vai, the largest natural palm forest in Europe, is one of the favorite attractions of the island of Crete. The beach was first discovered in the Seventies by Richard White and friends from North London, Belfast and Bavaria and soon became popularized by the last hippies who fled the hotspots of Matala and Preveli. Once full of backpackers it became a chaotic campground. Now it is a protected area with a tropical charm.