The resort town of Malia (Crete): attractions, holidays, reviews. Malia - island of Crete
A city for a reckless youth holiday, Malia can replace Ibiza itself! Where, no matter how here, you can find everything you need for any type of recreation (beach, active, cultural)? If you are full of energy, want to light up all night, relax on full program surrounded by the most beautiful beaches and many nightclubs, you are in Malia!
The city is located just 35 km from Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. The city is divided into two parts: the old city, which is located in the foothills away from the beach and bustle. Here you can find old cozy streets with traditional houses, family taverns, colorful flowers entwined around old buildings.
The new part, which is closer to the beach, is full of movement. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels for every taste - life is in full swing here. When choosing hotels, it is worth considering the location of the hotel in order to know what to expect from the area: the noise of fun or a calm environment.
How to get there
You can get to Malia from Heraklion by taxi, bus or rented car. bus service very developed, so the most budgetary and convenient will be a trip to regular bus. But if you arrive late in the evening or with a large company, you can consider the option of a taxi.
Hotels
This resort has a large selection of hotels of any star rating: 3 five-star hotels, 10 four-star hotels, the rest - budget hotels 1-3*. 17 B&Bs, up to 100 rental properties.
Beaches
Malia has the best sandy beaches in Crete. The beaches are fully equipped for relaxation, there is a large selection water attractions, games on fresh air. At the peak of the season, the beach of Malia can be quite crowded. For a more secluded getaway, you can head a little northwest of the city, where there will be another, more spacious and uncrowded beach.
Families vacationing with children, before deciding to spend their holidays in Malia, should keep in mind that an atmosphere of eternal celebration and permissiveness reigns here.
Young people mainly go to the city for three Cs (from the English sea, sand, sex), so it would hardly be appropriate for children to watch love scenes, which are not rare, right on the beach.
Cafes and restaurants
The city of Malia, as mentioned, is famous for its restaurants, bars and clubs. Many restaurants are popular due to the grateful reviews of tourists on the Internet, but there are many small, unknown, cafes and taverns that are also worth trying. Steakhouses with Mexican, English grilled food, traditional taverns with authentic food, family taverns with Greek cuisine, pizza and pasta, pubs with drinks and snacks, an American restaurant with barbecue and steaks... The choice of establishments is amazing!
shopping
Shopping is also possible. There are 2 large supermarkets, many small shops and souvenir shops. It is better to buy all the necessary things in a supermarket near the central beach, and souvenirs in a huge store on a parallel street. Prices are not exactly ideal, but affordable. Also in the city you can buy gold and silver jewelry in one of the many shops. There is no doubt about their originality and authenticity.
What is interesting
Malia is not only a city of entertainment and vibrant nightlife. For lovers of history and architecture, you can visit the archaeological centers three kilometers from the city. The ruins of the Mali palace of the Minoan era were found here. Fragments of buildings, utensils, workshops have been preserved in the palace. Fragments of some found vessels confirm that there was a settlement on the site of Malia back in the Neolithic era.
The multifaceted city will be of interest to everyone who wants to spend beach holiday with visits to both entertainment and cultural events, but not very suitable option for holidays with young children.
For several decades now popular place recreation is the island of Crete. Malia is a town in Greece, located on the coast Aegean Sea. It is a famous youth resort. It is located in the northeastern part of the island, not far from the capital. Heraklion is located 34 km from Malia. It has everything you need for a fun and active pastime. Tourists can visit magnificent beaches, enjoy natural scenery. At night there are discos and other entertainment programs. For accommodation, you can choose any hotel, there are a lot of them in the city. Malia, which is known throughout the world, will amaze everyone with the splendor of the ancient architectural buildings. Guests of the city can order an excursion program, during which they will see all the beauty of this place.
Description of the city
Malia, though small, but very popular resort. It is located on which about 60 square meters. km. Height above sea level varies from 0 to 10 meters. About 4,000 people live here permanently. The original inhabitants are Greeks, the official language is Greek. The city of Malia (Crete) is divided into two parts: new and old. The atmosphere of antiquity reigns in the latter. Here you can see the winding labyrinths of streets, Byzantine churches and taverns that will delight tourists with national dishes.
The new part is the exact opposite of the old one. Everything here corresponds to modern life. In this part there are numerous hotels and restaurants, entertainment clubs. The streets are always very noisy, loud music is heard until the morning. The resort town of Malia is located in the UTC + 2 time zone in summer (there is no time difference with Moscow), and in winter - UTC + 3 (1 hour less than in the capital of Russia).
Climatic features
The weather in the city does not differ at all from the rest of the Aegean coast. In Malia, summers are very hot, and in winter the humidity level rises, but there is no cold. The season in the city opens in early April. Maximum temperature reaches +35 °С. By this time, the water in the sea warms up to a comfortable +25 °C. Such conditions are ideal for families with small children. Parents do not have to worry that the kids will catch a cold and get sick. IN winter time it starts to rain, but the temperature does not fall below +14 °C. Tourist season ends at the end of October.
Things to do in Malia (Crete)
For tourists who like to spend time culturally, Malia will hospitably open its sights. Right in the center of the city is the unique church of St. Nektarios. She's enough large sizes, inside is decorated with frescoes of incredible beauty. Very close to this temple is the Venetian church of St. John. A little further from them, tourists can see beautiful square. On it rises the temple of St. Dimitrios. This building was built on ancient ruins.
In the eastern part of Malia there is a unique palace called the Minoan. In terms of size, it occupies the 3rd place among similar structures. It is located on the territory of 7.5 thousand square meters. m. The first excavations in this place began in 1915.
Many attractions are located in the vicinity of the city. For example, 5 km from Malia is mountainous area Mohos. Here you can see the way of life local residents. A few kilometers away from the city center, guests can visit monastery Saint George. Its surroundings open immediately after entering Selinari. The building where the monastery is currently located was built in the 15th century.
Excursion programs
Malia (Crete) - unique city of a kind. For guests who come here to admire cultural heritage tours are conducted. These programs are quite varied. They include visits to various attractions, museums, and if you wish, you can even visit the capital of Crete. People who are fascinated by religious history will be interested in an excursion to the cave of Zeus. According to local legend, the ancient Greek god spent his childhood here. Before you get into it, you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
Do not upset and excursion program to the island of Spinalonga. This boat trip includes visits to archaeological sites. You can also visit the island of Santorini. This place has long been quite popular with tourists, as it is considered calling card Hellas. More to admire mountain lake Kournas, if you book an excursion on fascinating island Gramvousa.
Beaches
Excursions and sightseeing are not the only things you can do if you go to these places on vacation. Malia (Crete) is world famous for its beaches. They are considered the best on the coast. The infrastructure is well developed here, the reviews of tourists fully confirm this. The entire territory of the beaches is clean, well-maintained and well-groomed. Every tourist will find everything they need. Here you can not only relax on the sand or sunbathe on a sun lounger, but also engage in water sports. However, tourists who would like to spend time quietly by the sea will not be very comfortable here, as the beaches are always crowded. They tend to choose places located in the vicinity. These beaches are located a little further from the city center, but are also well-maintained.
city at night
Since Malia (Crete) - youth resort, life here begins mainly at night. Almost all entertainment venues open at dusk. There is a large disco in the city center. Clubs such as Banana, Malibu, Camelot Castle are open until the morning. Entrance to the territory entertainment venues free, tourists pay only for ordered drinks. It is worth noting that the shops located in the city are also open until late in the evening. The center of Malia is filled with the sounds of loud music and motorcycles. This transport is popular with young people. The noise does not subside until the morning. That is why for those tourists who want to relax in silence, it is better to choose hotels located on the outskirts.
Hotels
Tourists who come to rest in these places are provided with accommodation different levels apartments. Malia (Crete) is a well-developed city, there are more than 70 hotels here. Let's look at the most popular of them.
- Alexander has four stars. It has about 290 rooms. All of them are equipped with modern furniture, air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, telephone. Each room has a balcony. Going out on it, you will admire the garden or the sea. They are also equipped with marble bathrooms and showers. In the reviews, tourists especially highlight the interior of the hotel. Turkish sauna, fitness center, heated swimming pool are on site. For an active pastime there are sports grounds for playing volleyball, basketball, tennis. Children will also not be offended, for them there is a children's pool, a club, an equipped playground. At night you can visit restaurants and bars. There is a beach, which is only 5 meters away. It is equipped with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas to protect from the sun.
- Blue Sea Village Resort & Spa. This hotel has five stars. It has a high level of comfort. Takes very large area. 200 bungalows and 10 suites have been built here for living. Rooms are equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, refrigerator. There is a balcony or veranda. The hotel has a laundry, shops, parking for cars, halls for celebrations, as well as SPA and fitness centers. Guests are offered a sauna, jacuzzi, outdoor pool. Fans of active pastime are invited to ride water skis, banana boats, canoes, and you can also go windsurfing. In the reviews, most tourists noted that the conditions are fully consistent with the five-star level. The beach is within walking distance. There are sun loungers, sunbeds and umbrellas, which are provided to tourists completely free of charge.
- Meropi. This hotel is located on the first coastline cities. It has four stars. The hotel has 96 rooms for accommodation. All rooms are equipped with modern furniture, there is a bathroom. There are three swimming pools on site. According to reviews, this hotel ideal for a fun and active holiday.
How to get to the city
All tourists who are planning a vacation in a city like Malia (Crete) are interested in knowing how to get here. Residents of the Russian Federation are advised to use the plane. international Airport located in the capital of Crete. He accepts a large number of charter flights. Already from Heraklion to Malia can be reached by bus. As a rule, the journey takes about 1 hour. Those who do not want to travel by public transport can rent a taxi. The cost of such services is quite acceptable. A very large number of taxis stand at the exit of the terminal. If you book a car in advance, it will be waiting in the baggage claim area.
This is one of the most party places in Crete, therefore it attracts young people and lovers of nightlife. We note right away that young people are mainly from Great Britain, Germany and France, there are few Russian speakers.
Malia on the map of Crete
The infrastructure in Malia is very well developed: hotels of any star rating, equipped beaches, all kinds of entertainment, taverns, cafes, pubs, motorcycle and bicycle rentals, supermarkets, souvenir shops.
The city center (Dimokratias and Mattheou Zachariadi streets) is at the mercy of clubs and bars. The most popular of them are: Zig Zag, Appolo, Warehouse, Candy. They open after 22:00 and work almost until the morning. Entrance is free, except for special events, only drinks are paid.
If you want to visit Malia, but do not like parties, then we recommend settling in the vicinity of the town, where it is calm and picturesque. Nearby resorts Stalis and Chersonissos look much more calm and respectable.
Sightseeing lovers won't be disappointed in Malia either. 3 km away, the resort is closest to the cave of Zeus and the Lassithi plateau. If not enough, then you can go to Heraklion - the trip will take 1 hour.
Sea and beach
The beach in Malia, although it has a single name, is not a single entity. In fact, this is a combination of suitable sandy and unsuitable rocky sections of the coast.
Suitable sites - have a gentle entrance to the water. Water activities, children's and sports grounds, showers, paid sun loungers and umbrellas are available on the coast. Beach honored blue flag for cleanliness and infrastructure.
It is worth bearing in mind that the beach in Malia is crowded, and Greeks also come here on weekends.
If you want some privacy, then go to sand beach Potamos, which is 2 km away, is close to the ruins of the Malian palace. It is also equipped with everything you need: there are several bars, sun loungers, umbrellas, cabanas.
the very best nearest beach considered to be located 4 km from the center of Malia.
Attractions
Malia is divided into two parts - old and modern. In the Old Town with its narrow streets, houses with climbing flowers and taverns with live Greek music are the main attractions of Malia:
- church of St. Nektarios,
- Venetian Church of Saint John,
- Church of Saint Dimitrios.
But still the most significant sights are located in the vicinity of the resort. First of all, it is 3 km from the city. They have not been reconstructed and are in their original form. It is the third largest minoan palace on Crete. Unique jewels made by Cretan masters 3,000 years ago have been found here.
You can also visit the monastery of St. George, 5 km from the city. Located 6 kilometers from Malia cozy town Mohos, where you can see the traditional way of life of the indigenous people.
How to get to Malia
1. Heraklion Airport.
You can get from Malia on your own by bus, taxi or rented car.
Bus.
Buses run every 15-30 minutes to Malia from Heraklion bus station A every 15-30 minutes, making a stop at the airport. Hours of operation are approximately 6 am to midnight. Travel time - 1 hour. The fare is 4 euros. The stop at the airport is on the right, 100 meters from the exit from the arrivals area, next to the parking lot of car rental companies. In Malia, the bus passes through El. Venizelou, next to the Old City. Makes 3 stops, numbers 31-33. Walking with luggage to the sea is quite far and inconvenient, especially in the late afternoon, when young people on ATVs become more active. Therefore, calculate your strength when you think about taking the bus.
Taxi.
The best way to get directly to the hotel is by taxi. The option is more expensive, but if there are several people, then it is worth considering. You can also . Then they will meet you at the airport, help you with your luggage and already know your destination for sure. In addition, you can ask for child seats.
Car rental.
If you plan to travel a lot around Crete, then the airport - the best place For . There is the largest selection of companies and cars, including those with automatic transmission. If you do this in advance, you can save a lot. Also save on taxis.
2. Port of Heraklion.
It is located near the intercity bus station of Heraklion (Bus Station A). From there, buses run regularly to Malia during the season, which, among other things, pass through the airport.
Hotels
The resort has a large selection of accommodation. Hotels in Malia have different stars and their total number is close to a hundred. You will also find many
34 kilometers east of Heraklion, in the direction of the city of Agios Nikolaos, there is a popular tourist resort Malia.
About 4,000 thousand years ago, in its place was an ancient Minoan city, which, due to its advantageous position on the shores of natural sea bay, was an important political and commercial center.
Two kilometers from Malia, the ruins of a palace built at the same time as the famous Palace of Knossos and owned by Sarpedon, brother of King Minos, have been preserved. Archaeological excavations began here in 1915 and continues to this day. The most famous find is a gold pendant in the form of two bees with a drop of honey in their paws. It has become the unofficial emblem of Crete, and a copy of it can be purchased at any jewelry store on the island.
Modern Malia is known for its numerous beaches, restaurants, shops, clubs, discos. It has everything you need to make your vacation unforgettable.
How to get there
- by KTEL bus for 3.80 euros from Heraklion. From the city bus station A, flights to Malia depart every hour, starting at 6.30, the last one at 21.45. The trip will take 35-40 minutes. From the airport terminal to the bus station, a bus runs every 15-20 minutes for 1.10 euros;
- a taxi from the airport will cost 40-50 euros;
- You can rent a car right at the airport. The cost of a weekly rental car Opel Corsa will be approximately 350 euros, VW Polo will cost 400, and Toyota Pirus 560 euros.
Car rent
If you have a license and driving experience for more than a year, then for good rest costs . A large number of historical and natural attractions, beautiful beaches, picturesque gorges, waterfalls, caves. All this splendor is located in different parts of the island, having a car at your disposal, it will be much easier to visit them.
It is better to order a car in advance via the Internet, indicating the airport or hotel where you plan to stay. But it's easy to do on the spot. Malia has a large number of rental offices.
Closer to the middle of June, with the beginning high season, the cost of renting a car is increasing, and the range of cars offered is decreasing.
So, during the season, the cost of a Skoda Fabia for a week will be 410, and at the end of September, the rental will cost 257 euros.
In addition, renting for seven days will cost significantly less than one. The price of the same Skoda Fabia per day will be about 85 euros. 
When concluding a contract, pay attention to insurance, it should be as complete as possible, although the roads in Crete are good, but due to the mountainous landscape, they are not very easy to drive. The price of gasoline in Greece is 1.70 euros per liter, diesel costs 1.37 euros.
The cost of renting a scooter for a week is about 300 euros, for a day - 34 euros, for a motorcycle - 400-500 euros, for a day - 58-64 euros. A bicycle will cost from 5 to 12 euros per day, be sure to ask for a bike lock.
One of the popular and reliable car rental companies in Malia is Cretamotor.
Located at: Grammatikaki street. If you move from a large church in the center of Malia to the embankment, the first turn to the left, then 300 m, the entrance is on the right.
Telephone: +30 28 970 33 039.
Beaches
The season in Malia starts in April and ends towards the end of October. The maximum air temperature reaches +35°C, and the water warms up to +25°C.
Stalis beach stretched throughout the town. It has everything you need: umbrellas and sun loungers (5 euros for a set of one umbrella and two sun loungers), changing cabins, a shower, a volleyball court, a rescue service, a center aquatic species sports. Numerous cafes and taverns are located along the beach, almost all of them offer a children's menu.
Sandy beaches of the village of Malia ( sun beach, Dolphin) are considered the best on the coast. Clean and well-maintained, with a gentle entry into the water, they provide all the conditions for comfortable rest. Umbrellas, sun loungers (5 euros per set), children's and sports grounds, showers. The Dolphin water sports center offers catamaran and banana boat rides for 5 euros, parasailing for 40 euros. Regular customers can get a discount.
The beach bar Dolphin is very popular. Here you can spend the whole day renting an umbrella and sun loungers for 5 euros. The bar is famous for excellent cocktails, inexpensive quality food and a pleasant atmosphere created by the owners of the bar - a Dutch couple.
Potamos beach (Potamos) is located near the ruins of the Malian palace, two kilometers east of the port of Malia. This is a large sandy beach with coarse white-golden sand and crystal clear clean water there are always few people here. There are several bars, cabanas, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas (6 euros).
Malia Hotels
Malia is a lively resort focused primarily on tourists. In the village and its surroundings there are about 70 hotels and apartments that can satisfy any request.
Hotel Royal Heights Resort 5*
Located on a hill near the center of Malia and covers an area of approximately 24 hectares. Nothing breaks the night silence here, the proximity of the city known for its stormy life is practically not felt. The hotel provides a shuttle bus that takes you to the beach and town.
It consists of two-story modern buildings with hotel entrances to each room and villas with their own garden and swimming pool. All rooms offer superb sea views. On the territory of the Royal Heights Resort there are several swimming pools, a spa center and a fitness club with a sauna and Turkish bath work all year round.
During the season, a week of accommodation will cost a family of two adults and one child about 125,000 rubles;
High Beach Hotel 4* and Miramare Annex High Beach 3*
The small High Beach Hotel is located 200 meters from the center of Malia, on the seafront. Next to it is the Miramare Annex High Beach 3 * building.
These hotels have a common infrastructure: a small but well-groomed and green area, a fish pond, 2 pools with bars, a beach bar. In the Miramare building, the rooms are somewhat smaller.
The hotel beach is sandy with a gentle entrance. You can rent catamarans and canoes for free at Dolphin Club Water Sport. Sunbeds are free of charge, beach towels for a deposit of 10 euros, change of towels - 2 euros.
The hotel also operates on an all-inclusive basis. The hotel has a mini club for children from 4 to 12 years old.
A week for a family of three will cost 115,000 rubles in a 4* building and about 92,000 rubles in a 3* building;
Cretan Malia Park 4*
Located 1 km from the village of Malia, on the seashore. It consists of the main building and a complex of two-story bungalows, in a park area.
The hotel has its own sandy beach and is recommended for family vacation. There is an opportunity for large and table tennis, aerobics, there is a volleyball court on the beach.
Meals can be ordered on an all-inclusive basis, or leave only breakfast.
Price week stay for a family of three will be about 95,000 rubles;
Philoxenia Family Hotel 3*
The buildings of the Philoxenia Hotel are separated by 150 meters from their own sandy beach.
Consists of several three-storey buildings.
The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV, have a balcony or terrace.
On the territory there is a swimming pool, playground, tables for table tennis and billiards.
The cost of a weekly stay for a family of three will be about 40,000 rubles;
Malia Beach 3*
The hotel is built in traditional Cretan style. Offers for accommodation 35 small rooms equipped with air conditioning, mini fridge and balcony.
On the territory there is a small pool with a bar and a jacuzzi, sunbeds are free. Located in the city center, 800 meters from the beach. Umbrellas and sun loungers are paid, 5 euros per set. BBQ nights are held every week.
For a week, the cost of living for a family of three will be about 29,000 rubles;
Apartment Pyrgos 2*
Located 100 meters from the sandy beach and a short walk from the center of Malia.
The air-conditioned rooms feature a balcony and a kitchenette with a stovetop and refrigerator.
The swimming pool is close to the beach and sun loungers are provided free of charge. The pool bar serves drinks and snacks.
Weekly accommodation will cost a family of three 28,000 rubles.
Where can you eat delicious food?
Tavern Milos
Located in the old city at the address: st. G.Lapidis 9. According to numerous reviews, it is considered one of the best not only in Malia, but throughout Crete.
A cozy veranda surrounded by greenery, a friendly owner and, of course, excellent Cretan cuisine.
Simmered lamb, eggplant stuffed with meat and cheese, freshly caught sardines. Fruit and brandy as a compliment.
approximate cost dinner for two, including salad, main course, beer or local, will cost 45-50 euros. Phone: +3028970 33150
Cretan Family
The tavern is located next to the Malia Park Hotel. Cozy with excellent food. Huge portions.
The menu is traditional Greek dishes: grilled meat and fish, stewed rabbit, shrimps, mussels, octopus. Excellent steaks, the owner's favorite dish, which he cooks himself.
Half a liter of homemade wine costs 4 euros. Main meat dish costs 8 euros, seafood about 20 euros, 6 euros.
Dinner takes place in a great atmosphere, all family members play musical instruments remember guests by name. For dessert, lemon liqueur or brandy, fruit and homemade cream are offered as a compliment. Phone: +302897031527.
Kalesma Tavern
Located in the old town at Omirou 8. Large selection of traditional Cretan dishes. Here they cook perhaps the most delicious moussaka in the region.
On the menu: lamb kleftiko, stiffado (8 euros), baked feta in tomato sauce, onion soup. For dessert, homemade chocolate mousse, Greek yogurt with honey, fruit.
The average price for a dinner for two with drinks is 35 euros. Phone: +30 2897 033125.
Malia Port Fish Tavern
Malia Port is located next to the port. From the veranda you can admire the sea view.
Only fresh fish and seafood: anchovy, sea bass, shrimp, mussels, octopus, cuttlefish. Large portions.
Prepare freshly squeezed juices.
Lunch for two will cost 40-45 euros. Phone: +302897032463
What and where can you buy?
There is a small shop at the entrance to Malia from Heraklion
Soaps based on olive oil will cost 3.5 euros, creams cost from 7 euros, masks from 10. Magnets for 1 euro, the cost of fragrant Cretan honey starts from 5.5 euros. Everything is carefully packed in paper, and then in a branded package.
There are two supermarkets in Malia: SPAR on the embankment and another Chalkiadakis SPAR on Mattheou Zachariadi street, behind the church of St. Nektarios. Here you can buy olive oil and much cheaper.
The price of olive oil starts from 5 euros per liter. Connoisseurs advise buying a yellow wrinkled melon here, which has a honey taste.
There is a large souvenir shop on Dimokratias Street, which sells paintings, figurines, porcelain and leather products on three floors.
On main street cities, pay attention to the sellers of small Cretan bananas, sometimes they are greenish. Not very cheap, 2 euros per kilo, they taste great.
Sights of Malia
temples
On the main street of Malia is the most big church of the city - St. Nektarios, its interior is decorated with frescoes by the Greek artist M. Vasilakis.
It is behind this church that the lanes of the old town begin. If you turn left at the first crossroads, you can reach the Venetian church of St. John.
The surroundings of Malia are of interest to travelers who prefer active recreation.
Ruins of a Malian palace
In the east of Malia, about three kilometers from the center, there is a well-known archaeological excavation area of the Malian palace. Its ruins, in contrast, have not been reconstructed and are in their original form. Visitors have a chance to mentally recreate their original appearance. Entrance to the territory costs 4 euros, you need to have time to enter before 15.00.
Mohos
5-6 kilometers from Malia in a picturesque mountain valley the cozy town of Mohos is located. For those who want to see the traditional way of life of the Cretans, it is worth taking a walk along the paved hiking trail.
You can relax and dine in the Lithos tavern with the hospitable owner Nikos: home-made olive oil, lamb stewed over low heat, steamed fish, Greek yogurt with honey, all traditional Greek cuisine on your table. The approximate cost of a dinner for two with homemade wine will be 20 euros.
Monastery of St. George
Five kilometers from the city is the monastery of St. George. It can be seen on the mountainside right at the entrance to the Selinari Gorge. The modern monastery complex, impressive with its architectural decoration, was built on the site of the old one, which was founded during the period of Byzantine rule and destroyed by the Turks in the 16th century.
According to legend, three brothers lived in these places, originally from the island of Rhodes, and one of them, Nikolaos, was enlightened, he found the icon of St. George in the mountains. The old monastery church was erected on this site. After this event, Nikolaos became a hermit and settled in a cave near the place where he found the icon. When the saint died, his relics were transported by sailors to Rhodes, and the very place of his death, the rock opposite the monastery, was marked with a large cross.
Currently, the miraculous icon can only be seen on the feast of St. George in May. A copy of it is exhibited in the monastery church. From the platform in front of the monastery, there is an excellent view of the surroundings, right up to the coast.
You can come here by rented car on the road leading to Agios Nikolaos or by taxi for about 15 euros, admission is free.
Before visiting the monastery, you should take care of the appropriate clothing.
Some excursions
From Malia, it is convenient to make a trip to Agios Nikolaos, a charming city, inside which a large freshwater lake Vulizmeni. There are numerous cafes around the lake.
It is nice to sit here, drink a cup or a glass of cold juice. You can dine in one of the many taverns on the waterfront or in the depths of the narrow streets of the old city.
You can get here for 3.30 euros by bus from Malia, departing every hour. The last bus from Agios Nikolaos leaves at 22.15.
Already from Agios Nikolaos you can take a bus for 1.70 euros or a taxi for 10 euros to get to Elounda, admire Mirabello Bay and swim in the excellent municipal beach this popular holiday village.
From the port of Elounda every 30 minutes from 9.00 to 16.30 a sightseeing boat leaves for the legendary. The ticket costs 10 euros, the entrance to the territory of the abandoned city is 2 euros.
Night life
From 22.00 hours in Malia begins a stormy night life, which continues until 5 o'clock in the morning. Hundreds of young people, mostly from England and Germany, come here to spend their fun holidays.
Most popular clubs: Malibu Club, Camelot Castle And Banana Club. In general, there are a lot of clubs, admission to them is free, only drinks are paid. Therefore, you can move from one to another all night long, in search of the one that you like the most. Dance clubs are candy club And Appolo Club.
Most taverns and cafes, as well as souvenir shops in the city center, are open until late in the evening.
At the same time, in Malia, one of the most gently sloping entrances to the crystal clear sea, developed infrastructure.
Families with children and those who do not want to take part in the bustling fun until 5 in the morning should choose hotels on the outskirts of the city, where the noise from numerous discos is not heard. In this case, your vacation will not be overshadowed, and you will be able to fully enjoy magnificent nature and hospitality of this region.
Malia Beach is the most youthful and party beach of Crete. This East End a huge beach stretching for 6 km, starting from Stalida.
If you want to really have fun, see the azure water, enjoy the beauty the cleanest beach with fine sand, and also you are not embarrassed by a huge number of people, then you will be delighted with this place.
The city of Malia is primarily known for its vibrant nightlife, as well as the huge cultural heritage of ancient times and past civilizations. The clean and well-groomed sandy beach of Malia is considered the best on the coast; here you can find everything for a comfortable stay.
Weather conditions in Malia
In all the resorts of Crete, including the town of Malia, it is warm and humid in winter and hot in summer.
The tourist season in Malia opens in April and closes at the end of October. The maximum air temperature at this time reaches +35°C, and the water warms up to +25°C.
August is the warmest month of the year, at this time the average daytime temperature is +29.7°C, and at night +22.9°C, the water warms up to +26.2°C. It is not cold here in winter, but it rains. The temperature, as a rule, does not fall below +14°C.
Attractions near the beach
Opposite the beach you can see a small island where the Church of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis Sotiros) is located. Perhaps now it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Malia's beach.
There are others near the beach cultural objects. In the city itself, you can visit the church of St. Nektarios, the interior of which is decorated with frescoes by the Greek artist M. Vasilakis, the Venetian church of St. John, as well as the church of St. Dimitrios. This is part of a town with narrow streets, passing through which you can enjoy the beauty of flowers and live Greek music. But the most important sights are located in the vicinity of the city - these are the ruins of the Malian Palace, Mohos and the monastery of St. George.
Ruins of the Mali Palace
The famous archaeological excavation area of the Mali Palace is located 3 kilometers from the beach of Malia. This is the third largest palace of the Minoan state in Crete. According to archaeologists, the ruins belong to the second palace, destroyed as a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred around 1450 BC. e. And why the first one was destroyed, no one knows.
The ruins of the Mali Palace have not been reconstructed and are in their original appearance. Therefore, visitors have the opportunity, looking at parts of the former palace, to recreate in their minds its original appearance. At the moment, excavations are continuing by the French Archaeological School, whose representatives put forward the hypothesis that south of the palace is ancient city which is yet to be explored.
Mohos
The cozy town is located in a picturesque mountain valley 5-6 kilometers from Malia. There is hiking trail where you can take a walk and get acquainted with the traditional way of life of the Cretans.
Monastery of St. George
The monastery is located 5 kilometers from the noisy beach of Malia. The monastery surprises with its peculiar architectural solution. It is believed that the monastery was erected at the site of the discovery of the miraculous icon of St. George. The icon was found by Nikolaos after a divine revelation. After the construction of the church, he settled in a cave near the monastery and became a hermit. Look at the rock opposite the monastery and you will see a large cross - the place where, according to legend, Saint Nikolaos lived.
Please note that in common days a copy of the miraculous icon is exhibited in the monastery, while the original can only be seen at the feast of St. George, which is celebrated in May. When going to the monastery, do not forget about appropriate clothing.
There is also a platform in front of the monastery, which offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings and the coast.
Excursions
A large number of excursions are also organized from Malia. The most popular are: excursion to the Palace of Knossos, a trip to the Lassithi plateau, a visit to the island of Spinalonga, an overview of the cave of Zeus, as well as excursions to the charming city of Agios Nikolaos, inside of which there is a large freshwater lake Voulismeni.
Infrastructure
In general, we can say that the beach of Malia includes everything you need and even more. Everything is here: the sea, the purest sand, hotels for every taste, all kinds of entertainment, taverns, cafes, pubs, souvenir shops. There are huge supermarkets near the beach. In Malia, you can rent any type of transport: a bicycle, an ATV, a motorcycle, a scooter, a car of any brand.
Malia Beach is located in front of the city and is filled with a huge number of holidaymakers. On the beach you can find everything you need for relaxation: showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sun loungers, beach bars, massage rooms, sports grounds and much more. You can also go windsurfing here - the weather permits.
If you want to find all the entertainment of the island in one place, then you can safely go to Malia. However, keep in mind that during the season it is quite crowded and noisy. From 10 pm in Malia, a vibrant nightlife begins, which continues until the morning. Most often, young people from England and Germany come here, there are few Russians here, but everyone here has the same goal - to spend an unforgettable and fun vacation. Therefore, if you want peace and tranquility, then central beach You won't like Malia. In this case, you can go to Potamos Beach - it is less crowded and more peaceful here.
Families with children and those who do not want to participate in all-encompassing fun until 5 in the morning should choose hotels on the outskirts of the city - noise will not be heard here.
Where is the beach of Malia
The town of Malia is not at all big, it is inhabited by a little less than 3,500 people. Malia beach is located in coastal zone near Hersonissos, about 35 km from Heraklion - administrative center islands of Crete.
It is located in front of the city and is eastern part big beach 6 km long, which starts from Stalida.
Panoramic view of Malia beach in Greece Google Maps
How to get to Malia beach in Crete
You can get to Malia beach by bus, rented transport or taxi.
Bus
Taxi
For the most comfortable way to the beach, you can use taxi services: Kiwitaxi, CreteTaxi.net or others operating in Crete.
Car rental
One of the most popular ways for tourists to get around the island is to rent a car. IN tourist places in Crete, as a rule, there is a large selection of companies and cars. In order to rent a car, it is enough to have a passport, driver's license and means of payment.
Video about the beach of Malia in Crete
