Malia Beach is the youngest and most party beach on the island of Crete. This is the eastern part of a huge beach that stretches for 6 km, starting from Stalida.

If you want to have a really fun time, see the azure water, enjoy the beauty of the cleanest beach with fine sand, and also you are not embarrassed by the 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-kept sandy beach of Malia is considered the best on the coast; here you can find everything for comfortable rest.

Weather conditions in Malia

All resorts in Crete, including the town of Malia, are warm and humid in winter and hot in summer.

The tourist season in Malia opens in April and closes at the end of October. Maximum temperature The air at this time reaches +35°C, and the water warms up to +25°C.

August is the most warm month year, at this time the average daytime temperature is +29.7°C, and the night temperature is +22.9°C, the water warms up to +26.2°C. In winter it is not cold here, but it rains. The temperature, as a rule, does not drop below +14°C.

Attractions near the beach

Opposite the beach you can see a small island on which the Church of the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis Sotiros) is located. Perhaps now this is one of the most recognizable symbols of Malia beach.

There are other cultural sites near the beach. 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 Temple of St. Dimitrios. This is part of the town with narrow streets, walking along which you can enjoy the beauty of flowers and live Greek music. But the most important attractions are located in the vicinity of the city - these are the ruins of the Mali Palace, Mojos and the Monastery of St. George.

Ruins of the Mali Palace

The famous archaeological site of the Mali Palace is located 3 kilometers from Malia beach. This is the third largest palace of the Minoan state on Crete. According to archaeologists, the ruins belong to a second palace, destroyed as a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred around 1450 BC. e. And no one knows why the first one was destroyed.

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 its original appearance in their minds. At the moment, excavations are continuing by the French Archaeological School, whose representatives have hypothesized that to the south of the palace there is ancient city, which has yet to be explored.

Mojos

The cozy town is located in a picturesque mountain valley 5-6 kilometers from Malia. There is a hiking trail along which you can take a walk and get to know the traditional way of life of the Cretans.

Monastery of St. George

The monastery is located 5 kilometers from the bustling beach of Malia. The monastery surprises with its unique architectural design. It is believed that the monastery was built on 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 on ordinary days a copy of the miraculous icon is displayed in the monastery, but the original can only be seen on 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 surrounding area and the coast.

Excursions

From Malia is also organized a large number of excursions. The most popular are: an excursion to the Palace of Knossos, a trip to the Lasithi 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, within which is located the large freshwater lake Voulismeni.

Infrastructure

In general, we can say that Malia beach includes everything you need and even more. There is everything here: the sea, the purest sand, hotels for every taste, all kinds of entertainment, taverns, cafes, pubs, souvenir shops. There are huge supermarkets not far from the beach. In Malia you can rent any type of transport: bicycle, ATV, motorcycle, scooter, 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 might need for relaxation: showers, changing rooms, umbrellas and sun loungers, beach bars, massage rooms, sports areas and much more. You can also go windsurfing here, weather permitting.

If you want to find all the island's entertainment 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 the central beach of Malia will not be to your liking. In this case, you can go to Potamos Beach - it is less crowded and more peaceful.

Families with children and those who do not want to participate in all-encompassing fun until 5 am should choose hotels on the outskirts of the city - there will be no noise.

Where is Malia beach

The town of Malia is not at all large; it is inhabited by just under 3,500 people. Malia Beach is located in the coastal area near Hersonissos, about 35 km from Heraklion, the administrative center of the island of Crete.

It is in front of the town and is the eastern part of a large 6 km long beach that 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 using a 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 to get around the island among tourists 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 Malia beach in Crete

A city for reckless youth holidays, Malia can replace Ibiza itself! Where else, if not here, can you find everything you need for any type of vacation (beach, active, cultural)? If you are full of energy, want to rock all night, relax full program surrounded by the most beautiful beaches and many nightclubs, come to 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, closer to the beach, is full of activity. 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 so that you 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. The bus service is very developed, so the cheapest and most convenient way to travel is by regular bus. But if you arrive late in the evening or big company You might consider taking 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 are budget hotels 1-3*. 17 B&B hotels, up to 100 rental housing options.

Beaches

Malia has the best sandy beaches on Crete. The beaches are fully equipped for relaxation, there is a large selection of water attractions and outdoor games. During peak season, Malia beach can get quite crowded. For a more secluded holiday, you can head a little northwest of the city, where there will be another, more spacious and less crowded beach.

Families vacationing with children, before deciding to spend their holidays in Malia, should keep in mind that there is an atmosphere of eternal holiday and permissiveness here.

Young people mainly go to the city for the three Cs (in English: sea, sand, sex), so it is unlikely for children to watch love scenes, which are not a rare occurrence, 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 thanks to grateful reviews from tourists on the Internet, but there are many small, unknown cafes and taverns that are also worth exploring. Steakhouses with Mexican and 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 huge store on a parallel street. The prices are not quite 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.

Why is it interesting?

Malia is not only a city of entertainment and vibrant nightlife. For history and architecture lovers, you can visit archaeological centers three kilometers from the city. The ruins of a Minoan-era Mali palace were found here. Fragments of buildings, utensils, and workshops have been preserved in the palace. Fragments of some found vessels confirm that there was a settlement on the site of Malia during the Neolithic era.

The multifaceted city will be of interest to everyone who wants to spend beach holiday with visiting both entertainment and cultural events, but not a very suitable option for a holiday with small children.

34 kilometers east of Heraklion, in the direction of the city of Agios Nikolaos, is the popular tourist resort of Malia.

About 4,000 thousand years ago, in its place there was an ancient Minoan city, which, due to its advantageous position on the shores of a natural sea bay, was an important political and commercial center.

Two kilometers from Malia, the ruins of a palace were preserved, built at the same time as the famous Knossos Palace and belonging to Sarpedon, the brother of King Minos. Archaeological excavations began here in 1915 and are still ongoing. The most famous find is a gold pendant in the form of two bees with a drop of honey clutched 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, and discos. There is 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 at 21.45. The trip will take 35-40 minutes. A bus runs from the airport terminal to the bus station 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 of an Opel Corsa car will be approximately 350 euros, a VW Polo will cost 400, and a Toyota Pirus will cost 560 euros.

Car rent

If you have a license and driving experience for more than a year, then it’s worth it for a good rest. 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 will make visiting them much easier.

It is better to order a car in advance on the Internet, specifying the pick-up location at the airport or hotel where you plan to stay. But it’s easy to do on the spot. There are a large number of rental offices in Malia.

Closer to mid-June, with the start of the high season, the cost of renting a car increases, and the range of cars offered decreases.

So, during the season, the cost of a Skoda Fabia per week will be 410, and at the end of September the rental will cost 257 euros.
In addition, renting for seven days will cost much less than renting for one. The price of the same Skoda Fabia per day will be about 85 euros.
When concluding a contract, pay attention to the insurance, it should be as complete as possible; the roads in Crete, although good, are not very easy to drive due to the mountainous landscape. 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 approximately 300 euros, for a day - 34 euros, a motorcycle 400-500 euros, for a day - 58-64 euros. A bicycle will cost from 5 to 12 euros per day; you must ask for a bike lock.

One of the popular and reliable rental companies in Malia is Cretamotor.

Located at: Grammatikaki street. If you move from the large church in the center of Malia to the embankment, first turn 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.

Stalida Beach stretches along the entire town. There is everything you need here: umbrellas and sun loungers (5 euros for a set of one umbrella and two sun loungers), changing cabins, showers, volleyball court, rescue service, water sports center. There are numerous cafes and taverns 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-groomed, with a gentle entrance to the water, they provide all the conditions for a comfortable stay. 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.

There is a Dolphin bar on the beach, which is very popular. You can spend the whole day here by renting an umbrella and sun loungers for 5 euros. The bar is famous for its excellent cocktails, inexpensive quality food and a pleasant atmosphere created by the bar's owners, 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 clean water, there are always few people here. There are several bars, changing cabins, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas (6 euros).

Malia Hotels

Malia is a lively resort, aimed primarily at tourists. In the village itself and its surroundings there are about 70 hotels and apartments that can satisfy any request.

Hotel Royal Heights Resort 5*

Situated on a hill near the center of Malia and covers an area of ​​approximately 24 hectares. Nothing disturbs the silence of the night here; the proximity of the city, famous for its bustling 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. Royal Heights Resort has several swimming pools, a spa center and a fitness club with a sauna and Turkish bath. all year round.

During the season, a week of accommodation will cost a family of two adults and one child approximately 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 the village of Malia, on the seashore. Next to it is the Miramare Annex High Beach 3* building.
These hotels have the same infrastructure: a small but well-groomed and green area, a fish pond, 2 swimming pools with bars, a beach bar. The Miramare building has slightly smaller rooms.
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, 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 the family three people will cost 115,000 rubles in a 4* building and about 92,000 rubles in a 3* building;

Cretan Malia Park 4*

Located 1 kilometer from the village of Malia, on the seashore. Consists of a 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 tennis and table tennis, aerobics, and there is a volleyball court on the beach.
Meals can be ordered on an all-inclusive basis, or just breakfast.

The cost of a week's accommodation for a family of three will be about 95,000 rubles;

Family Hotel Philoxenia 3*

The Philoxenia Hotel buildings are separated 150 meters from their own sandy beach.

Consists of several three-story buildings.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV, and have a balcony or terrace.

On site there is a swimming pool, children's playground, table tennis and billiards tables.

The cost of a week's accommodation for a family of three will be about 40,000 rubles;

Malia Beach 3*

The hotel is built in traditional Cretan style. Offers 35 small rooms equipped with air conditioning, a mini refrigerator and a balcony.
On site there is a small swimming pool with a bar and a jacuzzi, sunbeds are free. Located in the city center, 800 meters to the beach. Umbrellas and sunbeds 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 have a balcony and a kitchenette with a stovetop and refrigerator.

The swimming pool is located close to the beach and sun loungers are provided free of charge. The pool bar offers drinks and snacks.

A week's accommodation will cost a family of three people 28,000 rubles.

Where can you eat delicious food?

Tavern Milos

Located in the old town 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 host and, of course, excellent Cretan cuisine.

Simmered lamb, eggplants stuffed with meat and cheese, freshly caught sardines. Fruits and rakia as a compliment.

The approximate cost of 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 cuisine. Huge portions.

The menu includes traditional Greek dishes: grilled meat and fish, stewed rabbit, shrimp, mussels, octopus. Excellent steaks, the owner’s favorite dish, which he prepares himself.

Half a liter of house wine costs 4 euros. Basics 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 rakia, fruit and homemade cream are offered as a compliment. Phone: +302897031527.

Tavern Kalesma

Located in the old town at Omirou 8. Large selection of traditional Cretan dishes. Here they prepare perhaps the most delicious moussaka in the region.

On the menu: lamb kleftiko, stiffado (8 euros), baked feta tomato sauce, onion soup. For dessert, homemade chocolate mousse, Greek yogurt with honey, fruit.

average price for lunch for two with drinks – 35 euros. Phone: +30 2897 033125.

Fish tavern Malia Port

Malia Port is located next to the port. From the veranda you can admire the seascape.

Only fresh fish and seafood: anchovy, sea bass, shrimp, mussels, octopus, cuttlefish. Large portions.
Freshly squeezed juices are prepared.

Lunch for two will cost 40-45 euros. Phone: +302897032463

What and where can you buy?

At the entrance to Malia from Heraklion there is a small shop

Soap based on olive oil will cost 3.5 euros, creams cost from 7 euros, masks from 10. Magnets cost 1 euro, the cost of fragrant Cretan honey starts from 5.5 euros. Everything is carefully packed in paper and then in a branded bag.

There are two supermarkets in Malia: SPAR on the embankment and another Chalkiadakis SPAR on Mattheou Zachariadi street, behind the Church of St. Nektarios. You can buy it here much cheaper olive oil And .

The price of olive oil starts from 5 euros per liter. Experts advise buying here a yellow wrinkled melon that has a honey taste.

On Dimokratias Street there is a large souvenir shop with three floors selling paintings, figurines, porcelain and leather goods.

On the main street of the city, 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 central street of Malia is the largest 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 alleys of the old city begin. If you turn left at the first intersection, you can walk to the Venetian Church of St. John.

The surroundings of Malia are of interest to travelers who prefer active holidays.

Ruins of the Malian Palace

In the east of Malia, about three kilometers from the center is the famous archaeological excavation site of the Malian Palace. Its ruins, unlike, have not been reconstructed and are in their original form. Visitors have the chance to mentally recreate their original appearance themselves. Entrance to the territory costs 4 euros, you must enter before 15.00.

Mojos

5-6 kilometers from Malia in a picturesque mountain valley is the cozy town of Mohos. For those who want to see the traditional way of life of the Cretans, it is worth taking a walking tour along the paved hiking trail.

You can relax and have lunch at the Lithos tavern with the hospitable owner Nikos: olive oil homemade, slow-cooked lamb, steamed fish, Greek yogurt with honey, all traditional Greek cuisine on your table. The approximate cost of lunch for two with house wine is 20 euros.

Monastery of St. George

Five kilometers from the city is monastery St. George. It can be seen on the mountainside immediately 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, had an epiphany: he found an icon of St. George in the mountains. The old monastery church was built on this site. After this event, Nikolaos became a hermit and settled in a cave not far from 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, is marked with a large cross.

Currently miraculous icon can only be seen on the feast of St. George in May. A copy of it is on display in the monastery church. From the platform in front of the monastery there is an excellent view of the surrounding area, right down to the coast.

You can get here by rented car along 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 appropriate clothing.

Some excursions

From Malia it is convenient to travel to Agios Nikolaos, a charming town hidden inside the large freshwater lake Voulismeni. There are numerous cafes around the lake.

It's nice to sit here and drink a cup or glass of cold juice. You can have lunch at one of the many taverns on the embankment or deep in the narrow streets of the old town.

You can get here for 3.30 euros by bus from Malia, departure 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 Elounda, admire Mirabello Bay and swim on the excellent municipal beach of this popular resort village.

An excursion boat departs from the port of Elounda every 30 minutes from 9.00 to 16.30 to the legendary. The ticket costs 10 euros, entrance to the territory of the abandoned city is 2 euros.

Night life

From 10 p.m. in Malia, a vibrant nightlife begins, which continues until 5 a.m. Hundreds of young people, mainly from England and Germany, come here to spend a fun holiday.

Most popular clubs: Malibu Club, Camelot Castle And Banana Club. In general, there are a lot of clubs, entry to them is free, only drinks are paid for. Therefore, you can go from one to another all night, looking for the one you like the most. Dance clubs include 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, Malia has some of the best beaches, a gentle entrance to the crystal clear sea, and developed infrastructure.

Families with children and those who do not want to take part in the seething fun until 5 am should choose hotels on the outskirts of the city, where there is no noise from numerous discos. In this case, your holiday will not be overshadowed, and you will be able to fully enjoy the magnificent nature and hospitality of this region.

Crete is quite attractive and interesting island, so tourists from all over the world happily visit it at any time of the year, and if you consider that even in winter average temperature If the air temperature is at plus fifteen degrees, then practically even in winter, in the full sense of the word, it cannot be called winter. Therefore, many hotels are equipped with heating, indoor pools with heated water and operate here all year round. But, of course, this cannot be called a year-round season, since swimming in sea ​​water with a temperature of seventeen to eighteen degrees Celsius, not everyone will dare, and therefore beach season, which we will talk about, such a time cannot be called.

Some say that they had a good holiday in Malia or in Crete in general at the end of April. I agree that in April you can have a good rest and sunbathe, but this is only if you are so hardened that you can afford to swim in eighteen-degree water. Or you can give up the sea and compensate for this shortcoming by swimming in the hotel pool, especially since many hotels, as I already said, have not only outdoor swimming pools. As for my personal opinion, I think the most early To come on holiday to Malia, you can call mid-May, when the sea will be at least twenty degrees. However, many of our compatriots prefer to come during the long May holidays, and this makes some sense, since prices in this month, more precisely... read more

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Weather in Malia by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
	During the day	At night
January	14.1°C	10.5°C	35.7%	6 days (79.8 mm.)	16.6°C	10 o'clock 5m.
February	15.2°C	10.8°C	33.9%	4 days (54.8 mm.)	15.9°C	10 o'clock 55m.
March	16.6°C	11.4°C	27.6%	4 days (44.5 mm.)	15.9°C	11 o'clock 59m.
April	19.4°C	13.1°C	22.7%	2 days (25.3 mm.)	17.2°C	13:00 6m.
May	23.0°C	16.6°C	14.7%	3 days (34.3 mm.)	19.8°C	14h. 2m.
June	26.8°C	20.0°C	8.6%	2 days (37.9 mm.)	23.2°C	14h. 30m.
July	29.2°C	21.8°C	2.8%	-	25.5°C	14h. 16m.
August	29.4°C	23.0°C	4.5%	1 day (25.6 mm.)	26.2°C	13:00 27m.
September	27.6°C	22.2°C	11.4%	2 days (33.1 mm.)	25.4°C	12h. 23m.
October	23.3°C	18.8°C	20.7%	3 days (36.4 mm.)	23.2°C	11 o'clock 17m.
November	19.6°C	15.8°C	27.3%	2 days (44.3 mm.)	20.7°C	10 o'clock 19m.
December	15.6°C	12.1°C	37.4%	5 days (63.1 mm.)	18.2°C	9 o'clock 50m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

HOLIDAY PRICES:

How much does a holiday in Malia cost? June 2013.

tour cost

My husband and I had a honeymoon from June 2 to June 9 in Crete, Malia. Hotel 4* Creatan Malia Beach, all-inclusive. The room was rented in a bungalow, 1st floor, with access to the pool. The cost of the flight Kyiv (Borispol) - Heraklion + accommodation was 2000 euros, taking into account early booking (April). A bonus of our trip was the provision of a room of a higher class (with access to the sea) for 3 days and 3 nights due to the fact that we were newlyweds. You must notify the hotel about this in advance if you want to receive a bonus. You must have a marriage certificate with you, although they never asked us for it.

Excursion to the Cave of Zeus - 40 euros per person, if taken at the hotel. On the street you could find 35-37 euros.

The island of Santorini - 150 euros per person, again, if you pay at the hotel.

Food and products

In Malia we went to a fish restaurant. We took octopus, swordfish, Greek salad, 2 beers of 0.5 l each. It cost us 25 euros. Bread and fruit were brought for free after the meal. In another restaurant the amount was similar (they took meat, French fries, salad and 2 forfeits of 0.5 l each).

Souvenirs and other goods

We bought my husband a traditional long-sleeved shirt for 20 euros, a cap cost 8 euros, and a women’s hat cost 10 euros. Magnets from 1 to 5 euros. A set of spices cost 10 euros. We bought pomegranate tincture in a monastery near Malia for 8 euros, it’s a pity we didn’t take more.

Cost of services and entertainment

We rented an ATV. A day is 40 euros, we took the 3rd for 100 euros. Be careful when renting, we were deceived with the engine size (the first gas station is right at the rental center).

Total money spent on vacation

Helpful information?

HOLIDAY REPORTS:

Irina

Impressions from a holiday in May

It was a wonderful vacation. The weather in Crete by the end of May is already fully consistent with summer, so you can make full use of the beach. At the same time, it’s not yet as hellishly hot as August, so it’s quite comfortable to spend free time off the beach. Good timing for sightseeing. In addition, at this time there are still relatively few tourists and you will be given discounts on purchases everywhere, and it is also more convenient to take photographs without a crowd.

Family holiday

Malia has recreational opportunities for people of all ages. Children, elderly people and young people will feel comfortable here. The main thing is that there is entertainment for everyone. But we can say that this resort is ideal for an active family who does not want to sit still.

What to take with you on vacation?

You should take with you only what you personally need from things and clothes. Don't forget sunscreen and any medications you may need. Along with summer clothes, take warm clothes as well, as it may get a little colder. Don't forget about sneakers or comfortable shoes, which will be very useful during excursions. On the same excursions, a roomy backpack will not hurt to put water and purchased souvenirs there. If you are vacationing with small children, then take a swimming ring. In general, try not to pack too much so as not to overload your suitcase. You will be bringing a lot of souvenirs back, so you need to leave room for them too. If you forget something, don't worry. There are many shops in Malia where you can buy everything. The prices are quite affordable.

Where is the best place to stay?

There are plenty of different hotels and apartments in Malia. It is best to choose something away from the noisy center. Then you will definitely be guaranteed a relaxing night's rest. Remote hotels can be so comfortable that you may not want to leave the area very often. But even if you want to go to the beach, find out in advance whether the hotel has a bus that regularly takes vacationers to the coast. Most often such a service exists.

What to do at the resort?

What tourists go to a seaside resort for is the beach, sea and sun. This is the main pastime. If you are not a fan of a monotonous holiday, then you should at least take a walk around the city. During the day you can go shopping or walk the streets. Malia is conventionally divided into old and new parts. Just in the old part it will be relatively calm and interesting. You can walk along the narrow streets, see houses and small flowered courtyards, and also visit Byzantine churches. Among them are the Church of St. Nektarios with frescoes by a Greek artist, the Venetian Church of St. John, and the Temple of St. Dimitrios. It will also be interesting to explore the surroundings of Malia on your own. 3 km from the city there are the ruins of the Malian palace, which are in no way inferior to the Knossos Palace and have been preserved in their original form. It is also worth a trip to the small town of Mojos to see the traditional way of life of the locals. For those who adhere to the faith, a trip to the monastery of St. George in the mountains will be interesting.

And of course, we cannot forget about the bustling nightlife in Malia. There are a lot of clubs and night discos here, for which crowds of young people come here. These establishments are open until 5 am, so the music doesn’t stop and it’s always fun here. Entry to all clubs is free. Only drinks are paid for.

It’s now easier to choose excursions via the Internet, so it’s worth taking care of this in advance, especially since the choice is very large. If this is your first time in Greece, then it is worth visiting the island of Santorini and it is better to take a 2-day excursion with an overnight stay. You will then be able to see the main attractions and watch the famous sunset. Among other excursions, the Palace of Knossos and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur, the Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus deserve attention. These attractions are located not far from Malia, so excursions here are carried out either for the whole day or as a shortened half-day program. If you wish, you can take beach trips either to Balos Bay or to the pink sands of Elafonisi. There is still the opportunity to visit the deserted beaches on the Libyan coast. These are the golden beaches of Chrissi and the wild beaches of Koufonisi. But these trips are long and last all day with early departure and late return. Inexpensive and interesting excursions around Western Crete. It is worth visiting the cities of Rethymno and Chania with a stop at the freshwater turtle lake in Kournas, and for those who are not afraid of long walks, it will be interesting to visit the Samaria Gorge. It is also worth paying attention to an excursion to the island of Spinalonga and the city of Agios Nikolaos. You can also travel from Malia to Athens or Heraklion. For those who want more relaxation and entertainment, you can choose boat trip on a fishing boat. If you are vacationing with children, you can go to one of the island’s water parks, especially since the transfer is already included in the price. An evening excursion is also provided, which includes a visit to an olive factory followed by entertainment program, where you can enjoy music, dancing and traditional cuisine.

The beaches of Malia are sandy with a gentle slope into the sea. All beaches have appropriate infrastructure, which includes sun loungers and umbrellas (for an additional fee), toilets and showers, sports and children's playgrounds. On the beaches you can use the services of a bar or cafe. Also not far from Malia you can visit the beaches of the village of Stalida. You can get there by regular bus, which runs every 15 minutes. Stalida has the same equipped beaches as Malia. It is also worth visiting the beach near the ruins of the Malian palace. This beach is called Potamos. It also has everything you need for relaxation, and there are much fewer people.

It is also worth adding that all the beaches of Malia have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and environmental safety.

Souvenirs can be purchased on Dimokratias street in a large 3-story store. There is a very large selection of similar products here. Also, for souvenirs at a lower price, you should stop by a small shop at the entrance to Malia from Heraklion. You can go to two SPAR supermarkets for groceries. The same feta cheese and olive oil can be purchased here at a lower price. Be sure to buy a bunch of small bananas from street vendors. It's inexpensive, but delicious.

As for more serious purchases such as, for example, fur coats, clothes, jewelry, then for this it is worth going to Heraklion or other large cities.

Where can I eat?

Malia has many food establishments, including cafes, restaurants, chain cafes and street fast foods. First of all, you should pay attention to small establishments with traditional Greek cuisine. Here, all dishes are prepared with high quality and at home, since such cafes are usually owned by the same family, which cares about the reputation of the establishment. You can also have a very tasty dinner in fish restaurants or taverns. Seafood and fish here are always fresh from the morning catch.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

The approximate cost of one dinner for two, consisting of a main course, salad and beer or local wine, will cost 45-50 Euros.

Entertainment

Malia is primarily a resort with an active nightlife, so many young people come here for parties and parties. For most vacationers, there are beaches and swimming pools at hotels. It is worth noting that there are recreation and sports centers on the beaches of Malia, where you can rent a catamaran or ride a banana boat. You can also go parasailing. For walks, you can choose the narrow streets of the old city, where it will always be interesting. There is also something to see in the vicinity of Malia. Each travel agency will be happy to offer you an excursion to any point in Crete. But you can go to some places near the resort yourself. For example, you can take a bus to Agios Nikolaos and explore the wonderful freshwater lake Voulizmeni. From the same city you can also take a bus to Elounda, admire Mirabello Bay and swim at the local beach. From Elounda you can take a boat to the island of Spinalonga. The main thing is to time all your movements in order to return to Malia by evening. It makes sense to go to Heraklion yourself, especially if you want to buy something serious and expensive. But this city also has interesting sights, including the archaeological museum. You can also go to the Palace of Knossos yourself, and if you wish, you can also go to Santorini without a tour group.

Pros of holidays in Malia

I liked the sandy beaches, where there is enough space for everyone and everything you need to spend the whole day there. Also, the atmosphere of the resort itself is conducive not only to active recreation, but also complete relaxation. It’s also interesting that here you can touch the antiquity on the streets of the old city, and it’s quite possible to get to some of the surrounding attractions yourself, without resorting to the help of travel agencies.

Disadvantages of holidays in Malia

One could call the too noisy nightlife a disadvantage, but you should take this into account right away and look for a hotel further from the center. If the hotel is selected for you by a travel agency, then you should draw their attention to this point. It is also worth considering that this is a small resort, where there is not much space for walking. If it weren't for the old city, it wouldn't be so interesting. Another disadvantage is the insufficient number of stores for clothing shopping. I don’t really want to spend a whole day for these purposes and go to a larger city.

Is it worth a holiday in Malia?

It's definitely worth going here. Still, summer at this resort lasts a long time, the beaches here are sandy and equipped with everything necessary. The hotels are quite decent for staying. From Malia it is possible to visit many cities of Crete and not only Crete.

Helpful information?

This is one of the most party places in Crete, so it attracts young people and lovers of nightlife. Let us immediately note 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 given over to clubs and bars. The most popular of them: Zig Zag, Appolo, Warehouse, Candy. They open after 10 pm and are open almost until the morning. Admission is free, except for special events, drinks only.

If you want to visit Malia, but don’t like parties, then we recommend staying in the vicinity of the town, where it is calm and picturesque. The neighboring resorts of Stalida and Hersonissos look much more calm and respectable.

Sightseeing lovers will also not be disappointed in Malia. The resort is located 3 km away and is closest to the Cave of Zeus and the Lassithi plateau. If it’s not enough, 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 whole. In fact, this is a combination of suitable sandy and unsuitable rocky areas of the coast.

Suitable areas - have a gentle entrance into the water. Water activities, children's and sports grounds, showers, paid sun loungers and umbrellas are available on the coast. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and infrastructure.

It is worth keeping in mind that the beach in Malia is crowded, and Greeks also come here on weekends.

If you want some privacy, head to the sandy Potamos Beach, 2 km away, near the ruins of a Malian palace. It is also equipped with everything you need: there are several bars, sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins.

The best closest beach is considered to be located 4 km from the center of Malia.

Attractions

Malia is divided into two parts - old and modern. The Old Town, with its narrow streets, houses with climbing flowers and taverns with live Greek music, contains the main attractions of Malia:

• Church of St. Nektarios,
• Venetian Church of St. John,
• Church of Saint Dimitrios.

But still, the most significant attractions 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. This is the third largest Minoan palace on Crete. Unique jewelry made by Cretan craftsmen dating back 3,000 years was found here.

You can also visit the monastery of St. George, 5 km from the city. 6 kilometers from Malia is the cozy town of 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 to Malia on your own by bus, taxi or rented car.

Bus.

During the season, buses run to Malia from Heraklion bus station A every 15-30 minutes, making a stop at the airport. Opening hours are from approximately 6 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, a bus passes along El Street. Venizelou, next to the Old Town. 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, plan your strength when you think about using the bus.

Taxi.

The most convenient way to get directly to the hotel is by taxi. The option is more expensive, but if there are several of you, then it is worth considering. You can also . Then they will meet you at the airport, help you with your luggage and know exactly your destination. In addition, you can ask for child seats to be installed.

Car rental.

If you plan to travel a lot around Crete, then the airport is the best place For . There is the largest selection of companies and cars, including automatic transmissions. If you do this in advance, you can save a lot. Also save on taxi costs.

2. Port of Heraklion.

Located near the Heraklion intercity bus station (Bus Station A). From there, during the season, there are regular buses to Malia, which also pass through the airport.

Hotels

The resort has a large selection of accommodation. Hotels in Malia have different star ratings and total approaching a hundred. You will also find many