Europe Greece Cities, Counties, Villages

Malia – The city of sand, sea, and sex

malia-crete-greece
Image by traytablesaway from Pixabay
Like the title of this article says Malia is famous for these three things: sand, sea, and sex.

Tourist Information

TypeCity
Getting thereBy CAR
From Heraklion (30 minutes)
From Chania (2:30 H)
By BUS
From Heraklion (1 H, Price: approx. 4 E)
From Chania (4:30 H, Price: approx. 20 E)
Online tickets: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/
Travel TipsIn Malia, you can rent cars, motorbikes, and quadbikes.
There are ATM machines in the newer part of Malia.
Have cash with you all the time especially on weekends as sometimes the ATMs are not refilled.
There are 2 supermarkets in Malia and a few minimarkets in Malia and in the villages around.
There is a BUS that can take you to the archeological site The Minoan Palace of Malia and this bus is passing along all the beaches of Malia.
LocationMalia, Crete, Greece, Europe

Map

What is Malia famous for?

As the title of this article says Malia is famous for these three things: sand, sea, and sex. Sand and sea because of the obvious reasons and sex because of the nightlife. There is a street, full of clubs and bars, where many tourists party every night. This street is connecting the old village with the beach.

Malia is located 37 kilometers east of Heraklion capital.

The Minoan town ruins lie three km east of the site and cover an area of approximately 1 square kilometer

What can you visit in Malia?

The Minoan Palace of Malia

The Minoan ruins lie 3 km east of Malia and have an area of approximately 1 square kilometer

This is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete

Probably Tarmaros is the ancient name of this place but this was not confirmed by any specialist

Malia Minoan palace

Malia Minoan Palace, the legendary palace of King Sarpedon

In Greek mythology, Malia Minoan Palace was ruled by the legendary King Sarpedon, son of Zeus and Europa and brother of King Minos of Knossos.

Chapel of Agia Varvara

a Byzantine chapel located on the beach of Agia Varvara with beautiful frescoes on its walls

The church of Panagia Galatiani

the church was constructed using milk instead of water

Potamos View Point

An excellent place for a panoramic view of the sea and the beach

Krasi village

  • 11 km south of Malia

  • In the village, there is a square with three ancient plane trees. It is said that the one in the middle is probably the oldest tree in the Mediterranean area.

From here you can buy olive oil and dairy products

In the village, you can visit The Church of Metamorphosis Sotiros – known for frescoes and the wooden carved temple inside

In the village, you can visit Krasi Tomb – A tomb discovered in 1929 by Marinatos. The tomb is on the north side, near the crest, of the hill ‘To Armi’ dominating Krasi village in South West. Starting from the Wend of the cemetery, follow the intermittent footpath up diagonally (15 mins).

Stalis village

the village has a sandy beach, a variety of shops, bars, and tavernas

3 km west of Malia

in the village, you can visit the Byzantine church of St. John dating back to 1600

Mochos village

12 km southwest of Malia

The village is mountainous

45 km southeast of Heraklion

The best beaches in Malia

  • Central Malia Beach
  • Potamos Beach in Malia
    • a family-friendly beautiful beach
  • Tropical beach in Malia
  • Sun beach in Malia
  • Paralia Beach
    • Small, white beach
    • You can rent sunbeds and there are bars close by

Where can you stay in Malia?

Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites (3*)

a beautiful complex with a private pool, beach area, and garden with palm trees

is located 150 m from the Malia beach

the rooms have a kitchenette

Akrogiali Beach Hotel Apartments (4*)

very nice rooms

close to a blue-flag beach

is located 300 m from the center of Malia

the rooms have a kitchenette

Parthenis Beach, Suites by the Sea (3*)

on the beachfront in Malia

outdoor swimming pool, games room

the restaurant serves traditional and international cuisine

Shops, tavernas, and entertainment are within walking distance

Laplaya Beach (3*)

beachfront complex

the hotel has a swimming pool and a bar

studios and apartments have a kitchenette

AneSea Hotel (4*)

the hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a shared lounge. 

Mirage Studios (3*, budget stay)

in the center of Malia

outdoor swimming pool, garden, and sun terrace

the beach is 600 m away

all studios have a kitchen

Villa Contessa Apartments “by Checkin” (3*, budget stay)

nice and clean rooms

Malia Strip is 700 meters away

Where can you eat good food in Malia?

  • Geitonia Malia – Cretan Creative Cuisine
    • in the center of Malia town, excellent food, traditional and modern Greek food, friendly staff
  • Candia Taverna
    • great fish dishes, traditional food, great service
  • The Hub-Taproom And Grill
    • a restaurant that serves breakfast, good food
  • The Greek Grill
    • delicious food, great service
  • There are tavernas and restaurants everywhere in Malia

Featured Photo Source: traytablesaway / Pixabay

About the author

Catalina

I am Catalina, and my passion for travel, mysteries, legends and archaeology drives me to explore the world and uncover its hidden wonders.