Malia is Crete's busiest young person's resort, with around 12,000 guests a week in peak season. Sitting on the north coast just 35km from the airport, its main draws are the legendary nightlife and 5km of beautiful white-sand beaches offering the cleanest sea - perfect for swimming and water sports.
Malia panorama
Wide landscape photo - old & new town, beach & olive groves
Malia sits on the North Coast of Crete, just 25 minutes from the airport in an area of great natural beauty, surrounded by olive groves and the slopes of Mt. Selena. It is best known for its lively atmosphere; however Malia is not only for young people - it has a lot to offer everyone. The beach is one of the best in Crete: 3 miles of fine, golden sand that gradually slopes into the warm, clear blue sea. Malia gives you the best of both worlds, as it consists of two parts - the new town and the old town, separated by the main road. In the new town there are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit everyone's taste; in the picturesque old town there are many winding narrow streets where you will find traditional Greek tavernas and small coffee shops.
Malia is also ideally located as a base to explore the rest of Crete: Agios Nikolaos - 18 miles (30km), Heraklion - 20 miles (32km), Hersonissos - 5 miles (6km), Sissi - 5 miles (6km), Stalis - 1 mile (1.6km).
Daytime
Malia main beach
Landscape beach photo - golden sand meeting blue sea
Beaches
Malia's beach is over 3 miles long, with fine golden sand that gradually slopes into the warm, clear blue sea. The beach is split into areas, each offering something different - loud or chilled music, water sports, and some with a pool and grassed area if you don't like the sand and sea. Each area has its own bar and café/restaurant where you can have food delivered to your sun bed, or sit in the shade and relax out of the sun. Some beaches are run by hotels; the majority are open to the public and will welcome your custom.
Malia is made up of six beaches. Walking along the sand away from Malia town, you first come to Glozanie Beach (Malia's main beach), then Pyrgos. Follow the beach around and you reach Agia Pneuma (Holy Spirit), named after the tiny church on the rocky outcrop just before Malia Marina. The marina - still being built - has a lovely fish restaurant where you can sit and watch the boats. Then comes Sun Beach, which has the sea, sun beds and umbrellas plus trampolines and two swimming pools (one for children, with slides and inflatables). Next is Tropical Beach, a large expanse of sand with a few sun beds, umbrellas and a couple of cafes for refreshments. This leads onto Potamos Beach, used a lot by local people - lined with trees that give natural shade and one small Greek taverna where you can relax and enjoy the local cuisine. Potamos Beach is renowned for its cleanliness and was voted the cleanest beach in Europe in 1997.
Water Sports
All kinds of water sports are available from the water sports centre on the beach, including Jet Skis, Banana Boat, Flying Fish, Ringos, Water Skiing, Pedaloes and Parasailing. It is also possible to do some water sports from the hotel beaches.
Diving
There are many diving centres around Malia, all offering the full range of PADI diving courses whether you are a novice or experienced diver. All the equipment you need is provided.
Boat Trips
Boat trip from Malia harbour
Photo - boat / harbour / day cruise
There are many boat trips available from Malia and the surrounding area. Whether you want a day cruise away from the beach, to go fishing, or to visit one of the smaller islands, there is something to suit everyone's taste.
Fishing - This trip goes from Agios Nikolaos and is a nice day out whether you fish or not; the staff are professional fishermen and will take you out to the fishing areas to try to catch your own.
Daily Boat Cruise - Leaving from Malia Port, this day trip cruises around the bay of Malia, where you will see Stalis, Hersonissos and Sissi from a totally different perspective. It also includes a BBQ lunch on board, swimming, snorkelling and shopping (when you stop at Sissi).
Boat Hire - To cruise in luxury, hire a lovely boat from Malia Port for a day, two days, or even a week, and go wherever you like. The boat comes with its own captain, so all you have to do is relax.
Spinalonga - For this trip you first travel to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda to pick up one of the larger boats, or to Plaka opposite Spinalonga to take a little local boat across to this historical island. Spinalonga dates back to the 17th Century when the Venetians built the fortress; in later years it became a leper colony where all who had contracted the disease were sent. In 1957, when a cure was found, the island became uninhabited and was taken over by the National Greek Tourism Organisation in 1963. If you have read the book "The Island" by Victoria Hislop, based on Spinalonga and the little village of Plaka, it is well worth a visit - although mostly in ruins now, you can still see the little shops, the houses and the hospital, and it brings the book to life.
Chrissie Island - For this trip you first travel to Ierapetra on the south side of Crete; the island is one hour away across the Libyan sea. This small, almost flat, uninhabited island has beautiful golden sand covered with millions of colourful sea shells, sand dunes and a forest. It has been declared a National Park, so visitors keep to designated paths to ensure the island stays as it is.
Santorini - The only volcanic island in Europe, with the most spectacular landscapes; its traditional villages are built on tall cliffs offering breathtaking panoramic views. One of the most popular destinations in Greece, its blue-and-white houses are the most photographed of all. Boats for Santorini leave from Heraklion Port.
Water Parks
Water park slides
Photo - Water City / Star Beach slides & pools
There are four water parks close to Malia: Water City, set in the mountains above Anopolis; Acqua Plus, between Kastelli and Hersonissos; Star Beach, on the borders of Stalis and Hersonissos; and a smaller park in Malia called Malia Slides.
Water City - Set into the mountainside above Anopolis, around 20 minutes from Malia, open 10.30am until 6pm. There are pools and slides to suit everyone - Tarzan, Jacuzzi, Hydro Tubes, Free Fall, Body Slide, Cyclone, Lazy River, Multi Race, Kamikaze, Black and Red Holes, Turbo Guns, Hyper Race, Crazy River, Sidewinder, Turbo Cyclone and a giant park pool - plus two children's pools and five slides designed for children. Dotted throughout are a restaurant, bars, cafes and fast food stands.
Acqua Plus - Set into a hillside surrounded by beautiful gardens with panoramic views, the slides set amongst weeping willows, palm trees and bougainvillaea. A large pool and many slides - Aqua Slalom, Black Holes, Crazy River, Hydro Massage Pool, Kamikaze Hydro Tube, Lazy River, Octopus Space Bowl, Super Hydro Tube and a Space Bowl. There is also a play area with Pool, Air Hockey and Table Tennis, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Star Beach - As the name suggests, situated on the beach on the outskirts of Hersonissos over a large beach-front area. As well as the sand and sea, you'll find 4 large slides, a lazy river, a family area with a children's pool, mini slides and an adventure playground, plus water sports including Banana Boat, Flying Fish, Parasailing, Tubes, Jet Skis and Water Skiing. There is a party area with competitions, foam parties and games, and four bars, a restaurant and snack bars. You can even shop, have your hair or nails done, or get a piercing or tattoo.
Malia Slides - Just outside Malia, about 10 minutes' walk away; a lovely place to relax in the sun around a pool. Three pools - the main pool surrounded by grass with sun beds and umbrellas; a slide pool with a triple multi-race slide and a tube; and a children's pool with a slide. There is also a restaurant and bar. Smaller than Water City and Acqua Plus, it is Free to enter and ideal when you've had enough of the beach. Malia Slides is home of the famous Sundance Party.
Horse Riding
There are a few horse riding stables in Crete; the nearest to Malia is Amarillis Stables in Stalis, where you can take a short trek or a full-day ride. It is the ideal relaxing way to see a different side of Crete - trekking through olive groves up into the mountains on rarely used trails, into small traditional villages, taking in amazing scenery and fantastic views.
Bicycles, Mopeds & Quads
It is possible to hire bicycles, mopeds and quads in Malia to get around town and to visit other places. You need a full driving licence to hire a moped or quad; by law you must wear helmets and obey the road signs, and the local police give out heavy fines if you are caught not following the law.
Go Karts
There is a Go Kart track in Malia, on the road behind the Malia strip, open daily from 10am until 8pm.
Golf
The only golf course in Crete is close to Malia, just 15 minutes away in Hersonissos - a spectacular 18-hole, par 71 course hewn out of the mountains and surrounded by beautiful views. There is also a driving range and practice putting greens, and all equipment can be hired.
There is a Crazy Golf course right in the middle of Malia on the strip, open from 10am until 10pm - a fun way to spend time during the day out of the sun, or in the evening, as most of it is in the shade.
Food
Like the town of Malia, which is split into old and new, the places to eat are split too. On the Main Road you'll find lots of Cretan fast food places selling local giros and souvlaki; move into the old town and you'll find numerous Greek tavernas scattered around the maze of narrow streets, serving traditional Cretan food alongside some European dishes.
In the new town there is something to suit everyone's taste, from cheap fast food outlets selling burgers and pizzas to restaurants serving Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian and Steak House dishes - and of course English food, including the famous English Breakfast, available at all times of the day or night.
Accommodation
Every type of accommodation is available in Malia - from single rooms right through to all-inclusive resorts, from reasonable prices to the more expensive and even to the luxury.
There are many hotels, studios and apartments in the middle of the nightlife, in the old town and in the surrounding streets - the further from the centre, the quieter it is. Most have their own pools, open to everyone whether you are staying there or not. The majority of hotels used to be exclusive to several tour operators, but it is gradually becoming easier to book them direct over the internet.
Shopping
There is an abundance of shops in Malia selling clothes, shoes, local crafts, leather goods, T-shirts, jewellery and souvenirs. For self-caterers there are many small shops and three large supermarkets where you'll find everything you could possibly need. Also look out for the little local shops and street stands selling their own locally grown produce - potatoes, tomatoes, melons and bananas.
For the more serious shopper, Heraklion is only 30 minutes away on the bus (which leaves Malia every half hour), where you'll find many international stores.
There is a local market in different streets every day in Heraklion; the main one is in Patelles Laiki Street on a Saturday, starting at 8am and finishing around 2pm - so get there early. The stalls sell local freshly grown fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, olive oil, cheese and fish, plus clothes, shoes, textiles, rugs, carpets and household items, all interspersed with fast food stalls selling souvlaki, giros and drinks. It is so colourful and busy that it is worth going just to soak up the atmosphere.
Nightlife
Malia is a lively, atmospheric resort, especially at night when the town comes to life. The bars open at 8pm and continue right through until the early hours of the morning. Most of the bars and clubs are on the "Y" shape in the centre of Malia's new town, where two roads lead from the main road, join half way through the resort, and continue down to the beach. There is a bar or club to suit everyone's taste - young or old, from 60's music and karaoke right up to the latest tunes - every night of the week through the summer season.
There is a twenty-four-hour bar just outside the town, about 10 minutes' walk from the centre, where you can carry on partying after the clubs have shut. There is also a Gay bar (the only one in Crete) five minutes further out of town.
Sightseeing
Malia and the surrounding area have many places of interest - from beautiful countryside to ancient archaeological sites, museums, churches and idyllic traditional villages. Towards the end of the Heraklion prefecture, Malia is an ideal base for seeing the many wonderful sites.
Malia Old Town - A small traditional town up in the hills from the new town; a maze of narrow streets with old traditional houses, pensions, hotels and Greek tavernas. Within the twisting labyrinth there are 4 churches, all beautifully decorated with Byzantine icons and sacred heirlooms. Next to the church of Panagia Galatiani is the only surviving well in the old town, where local people once drew their water.
Minoan Palace of Malia - This famous archaeological site is just 3km outside town; it is the 3rd largest Minoan Palace in Crete. Excavations show the original palace was built around 1900 BC, with a second built on top around 1600 BC. Open 8.30 till 15.00, Tuesday to Sunday. It was the Minoan King's summer palace, so Malia was a cosmopolitan place even in ancient years.
Lychnostatis - This open-air museum, between Stalis and Hersonissos and close to Star Beach, shows how the Cretan people used to live - with recreated houses, gardens, orchards and businesses set in a village theme, showing how they decorated their homes and the equipment they used on their land.
Milatos Caves - Set in the mountains along a narrow winding footpath above the tiny village of Milatos, just 20 minutes from Malia. Inside is a tiny church built in 1935 to commemorate the events of 1823, when local people hid in the caves to avoid the invasion of the Turks. After 15 days of starvation and thirst they tried to escape but were captured; the men were killed and the women and children sold into slavery.
Heraklion - The capital of Crete, 30 minutes from Malia, where the airport and port are situated. It has many places of interest - the Venetian Castle, Knossos, museums, and an abundance of churches and monasteries.
Fortress of Koules - This two-storey Venetian castle is very impressive and surrounds the harbour. Built by the Venetians in the 13th Century, it was restored twice - once in 1303 after a devastating earthquake and again in the mid 1500's. The architecture is typical Venetian; the walls are very thick and built of stone.
Knossos - This Minoan Palace, built on a hill just 5km from the centre of Heraklion, has been inhabited since 6000 BC. This huge palace was discovered in 1878 and excavated from 1900 by Arthur Evans, who restored parts of it. Many frescoes are still in place today as you walk around the site, and guided tours bring the ruins to life.
Museums - There are many museums in Heraklion, each covering a different aspect of Crete; depending on your interests, they are worth seeing if you have the time.
Archaeological Museum - A wonderful museum of over 20 rooms, housing items excavated in Crete from the Minoan period onward - sculptures, jewels and frescoes from all the archaeological sites, including the Palace of Knossos.
The Historical Museum - Gives a comprehensive view of Cretan history from early Christian times to the present day, with exhibits organised chronologically. The library holds rare editions, periodicals, the local newspaper archive and historical photographs.
The Natural History Museum - Located near the port, covering five areas: Zoological, Botanical, Anthropological, Paleontological, and Geological & Mineralogical. Many exhibits are designed to involve children with interactive displays.
El Greco Museum - In the village of Fodele just outside Heraklion, the (disputed) house in which he was born, dedicated to the famous Cretan painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos, also known as El Greco.
Monasteries and Churches - There are over 20 monasteries and numerous churches scattered around the Heraklion prefecture, including:
- The Cathedral and Church of St Minas, Heraklion
- The Church of St Catherine, Heraklion
- The Church of St Mark, Heraklion
- The Church of St Titus, Heraklion
- The Monastery of Vrondissi, slopes of Mt. Psiloritis
- The Church of Michael the Archangel, near Arkalochori
- The Church of Profitis Ilias, Arkalochori
- The Church of Panagia Kera, Kroussonas
- The Monastery of Valsamonerou, Vorizia
Aquariums - There are two aquariums in Crete, both close to Malia - Aqua World in Hersonissos and the CretAquarium in Gouves.
Aqua World - In Hersonissos, 20 minutes from Malia, open April to October, 10am to 6pm daily. It started as one man's dream from a small glass box at home and has grown into a public aquarium whose mission is to encourage interest in marine life and reptiles.
The CretAquarium - In Gouves, just 30 minutes from Malia. This purpose-built modern aquarium is open all year round and gives an insight into the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea and all its creatures.
Further afield
Lassithi Plateau - Unique and stunningly beautiful, with small roads and trails meandering through a patchwork of fields dotted with little white churches. This lush, fertile area holds many small traditional villages, surrounded by the Diktean Mountains.
Dikti Cave - Dikteon Andron, the cave where Zeus was born. A steep path leads to the entrance, with amazing views over the surrounding area; inside, steps descend into its heart, where subdued lighting makes the stalactites and stalagmites extremely impressive.
Homosapien Museum - This amazing museum shows the kinds of places people have lived through the centuries, from the cave to bricks, and explains how the land was worked in days gone by. There is also a lovely café and a great little souvenir shop.
Matala Caves - Now protected and very impressive, carved from the rocks by the Cretan people in the early stone age - little passages, stone beds and fireplaces. During the 70's the caves became the homes of the international hippie community.
Samaria Gorge - On the far side of Chania, approximately 6 hours from Malia. Declared a National Park in 1962 to protect the endangered Kri Kri wild goats that live only in the gorge. Open from early May until October, this breathtaking 16km downhill walk from the Omalos Plateau to the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea is an amazing sight - parts of the gorge are only 3 metres wide. There is an abandoned village in the centre with the small church of Santa Maria.
Imbros Gorge - Runs parallel to Samaria; at 7km it is shorter and easier but an equally beautiful walk, starting from the last house in the village of Imbros and ending in Komitades. The route follows the river bed, with places only 2m wide and walls reaching up to 300m. The scenery is beautiful and, because of its shorter length, it is ideal for families.
Vai Beach - On the eastern tip of Crete, over 3 hours from Malia. This crescent-shaped beach is beautiful, famous for the only natural palm tree forest in Europe; the water is calm and a lovely turquoise. At one end you can climb steps past the restaurant to a viewing platform on top of the cliff for amazing views over Vai and the surrounding area.
Other villages and towns close to Malia
