malia beach hotel

Malia is a place with many aspects that combines splendid beaches, stunning landscapes and charming mountain villages with a touch of traditional charm. Apart from that Malia has also established a reputation of being one of the most dynamic and vibrant places in Crete.

Malia Old Town
Have a walk in Malia's Old Town to absorb a touch of its traditional charm. Especially in the evening, the labyrinth-like alleys and picturesque, flower-filled courtyards give it that little something that makes it appealing and cherished. Have a look inside of one of the small, white-washed, Byzantine churches and their beautiful wall paintings and icons; you’ll be amazed at the refined atmosphere there is inside. For your dining pleasure, experience the culinary Cretan delights or flavours from around the world in one of the inviting taverns. Some of them are located in beautifully restored old Cretan houses that have kept their initial character.

Beaches & Water sports
The beach culture of Malia is of the most developed on the island. With 6km of fine, sandy beaches and access to a gradually deepening sea, it belongs to the area’s most treasured assets. The most frequented and popular beaches are on the central strip of Malia under the watchful eye of the little islet of ‘Afendi Hristou’ and its white-washed chapel. From here the beaches gradually get quieter to its east and west. Sports enthusiasts can live it up with the wide array of water sports that are offered like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing and beach volley ball.

Nightlife & Entertainment
When it comes to nightlife and entertainment, the area of Malia is hard to beat. It has gained – with good reason – a reputation of being party destination Number One in the Mediterranean. Malia’s Beach Road is a buzzing enclave of nightlife where the action mainly takes place on the streets. It clusters numerous bars, cafes, pubs and cutting-edge night clubs. The beat goes up after the sun goes down: No face control, no stress, just a good vibe in a cool atmosphere.

Minoan Archaeological site of Malia
Visit the remains of a unique palace that are evidence of the glorious Minoan civilization that flourished here 4,000 years ago and that turned Malia into an important trade and mercantile centre with substantial political and economic power. Set on a flat plain, with a small cove at its mouth and with Mt. Selena rising behind it, it is easy to envisage this seaside palace in its days of glory.

Malia's central position in Crete and its good infrastructure easily allow you to visit the island’s wider region. Use Malia as a base and discover the island of Crete with its attractive towns, charming villages and breathtaking scenery.

Krassi
The idyllic mountain village Krassi is the easternmost village of the prefecture of Iraklio with a population of 350. Perched on the northern slopes of Mt. Selena, at an altitude of 600m above sea level, it breathes a feeling of serenity with a giant plane tree – proudly presented as the oldest one in Crete – and with a well that has water running directly from the springs of Mt. Selena; there’s nothing like its cool shade on hot summer days! Chill out and relax in the cozy surroundings of one of the inviting taverns that serve delicious, authentic Cretan cooking with pure ingredients or enjoy Greek coffee or home-distilled raki in the tiny coffeehouses…

Mohos
This pretty mountain village on the way to the upland plateau of Lassithi has preserved its traditional character and takes you back in time, with picturesque alleys and flower-filled courtyards, where locals are sitting outside their doorstep in the loom of the evening, chit-chatting about everyday things, with lovely whitewashed churches and chapels, like the church of Panayia and its impressive Byzantine icons and wall paintings. Relax and enjoy Cretan hospitality on the shady village square for either a typical Greek coffee or raki, or a hearty, home-made Cretan dish. Weekends you may even witness a typical Cretan wedding or a traditional (organized) Cretan night.

Lassithi Upland Plateau
Let the attractive landscape of the upland plateau of Lassithi charm you: With its orchards, crop fields, a deep cave, vast mountains and the occasional white-sailed windmill, you get the feeling of driving away from the bustle of the tourist resorts, straight into the tranquility of rural Crete, where life still follows a slower rhythm. Beautiful panoramic views of the Bay of Malia alternate with olive and vine groves along the uphill drive and stunning, scenic views of the plateau.

Heraklion
The attractive, bustling capital of Crete and the Minoan site of Knossos – allegedly home to legendary king Minos – are well worth a visit. Heraklion is Crete’s biggest city and the island’s main gateway. Although it won’t easily cast off its disorderly image, the historic quarter inside the old city walls is anything but that. Here, traces of the past go hand in hand with a modern, cosmopolitan way of life: Modern shopping precincts with boutiques, mainstream shops, alluring cafeterias and taverns, alternate with beautiful historical buildings, sight-seeing attractions and museums. You will leave Heraklion with only the best of impressions

Crete Golf Club Hersonissos
A modern 18-hole championship golf course that covers a surface area of 6,400 yards. With each hole individually sculptured and seamlessly blended into the surrounding scenery, the course provides extensive practice facilities, including a covered driving range with 38 positions for players. Each hole has a selection of four tee beds, thus providing a challenge for all golfers, regardless their level of play. An excellent desert-style course with stunning views and a terrace opening overlooking its three lakes and the green course, with a spacious restaurant and golf equipment shop. Clubs, trolleys and buggies are for rent.