Did you know the original 80's Bounty TV ad was actually not done in the Caribbean but here on Crete? So grab your Bounty Bars and come on; we gonna show you that Paradise!
Our daytrip starts with a visit to the southernmost town of the European continent, Ierapetra. It's good we do this in the morningtime, at high noon you really don't wanna be walking around town: it's just too hot.
After that it's time to stroll through the mountainous tranquility of toplou monastery and see the ancient icons for which it's famous.
Our main destination - we wrote about paradise before, didn't we? - the idyllic oasis of Vai Beach, is the only natural palm tree beach of Europe set under the rugged Cretan mountain range. How the palms got there? Well, it's said that some Phoenician ships landed on this coast and the sailors, after munching the dates they brought from home, spit out the kernels just in the right spot. Climate was perfect for palms, no other big mean trees inhabiting the place; some 20 centuries to reproduce: voila, the famous vai palm tree beach, just ready in time for you to enjoy!
Pose for a photo, sunbathe or swim in the tropical like waters, just relax in the waterfront tavern owned by the local monks from nearby Toplou monastery. The guys really know how to make a pretty penny from the right surroundings.
After we have managed to drag you away from here, the bus follows the route west along the northern coast road and we visit Sitia with its pretty harbor and seafront taverns and cafe's. Sitia has a good reputation for its production of excellent wines and olive oil. Look out for pelicans, a local curiosity, spotted sometimes waddling along at the harbor.
Heading homewards a short photo-stop at Platanos, where you have magnificent panoramic views over the whole Bay of Mirabello.

A relaxing day for those of you who would like to combine the delights of sightseeing with the outrageous tropical side of Crete.