Malia, Crete’s most popular youth resort, is located 35 km north of Heraklion. Here, on the territory of a small village of the same name, many nightclubs, discos, hotels and amusement parks have been built. This is a convenient place for outdoor activities, but besides it, you can sunbathe on the beach, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, visit local historical and natural attractions.
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Description of infrastructure
This is a relatively small resort village, located on the Mediterranean coast, and protected from strong winds by a mountain range. The climate is mild, which allows the tourist season to open in May and end in October. A feature of Malia in Crete is a lot of nightlife for young people. But for lovers of a relaxing holiday, there are options. On the first line there are several hotels offering relatively affordable rooms.
Resort features:
- Small territory. You can walk from the center of the village to the sea in 10-15 minutes.
- Many young tourists, most of them came from Europe. Important: they create a lot of noise, especially on weekends and holidays.
- There are historical sites. you can drive to them on your own in a rented car, taxi.
- The public transport system is not developed. Bus routes pass through the resort of Greece, but there are no buses plying through the village.
- Beaches. Clean, but due to the seasonal influx of tourists, finding a free place, and even more so sunbeds and umbrellas, is problematic.
The resort has several shops and supermarkets. In restaurants and bars you can try dishes of national Greek cuisine. Prices in institutions located near the beach are higher than in the center by 3-5%. Therefore, before going to the beach, it is recommended to buy water and light snacks in the nearest supermarket.
How to get there
You can get to the Greek resort of Malia in Crete by bus, taxi or rented car. Several routes pass through the village, which makes it possible to plan an independent trip or order a transfer. The resort is 40 km from Heraklion International Airport. The average travel time is 40-50 minutes. To travel by bus, you need to get to the bus station of the capital. The frequency of the bus routes is 15-20 minutes.
How to get to Malia:
- By bus. The route number is KTEL, it follows from the bus station, the fare is 3.8 Euro. You can get from the airport by bus for 1.3 Euro. It departs from the terminal every 10-15 minutes.
- By taxi. This is the most costly way. The cost of the trip is 40-50 Euro. Depends on the number of passengers, the amount of luggage. For large groups of tourists, it is recommended to book a minibus.
- Transfer. It is ordered at the time of purchase of the tour, usually it is included in the price of the tour. An alternative is a private transfer to Malia.
Renting a car is a convenient option for independent travel around Crete. The rental price of a standard sedan is from 25 Euro per day. For registration you need a passport, a driver’s license. Additionally, you need to leave a deposit.
Resort beaches
Weather conditions in Malia in Crete are standard Mediterranean. Comfortable air temperature begins at the end of April. But the Mediterranean Sea warms up to 20-22°C only by the end of May. According to the reviews of tourists and photos, it can be seen that the first visitors to the beaches of Malia appear en masse by mid-May. The peak season is July-August.
The coverage of the beaches in the resort is sandy, but there are several pebble and mixed coastal areas. Most of the coastal area is prepared for a comfortable stay. There are changing cabins, cleanliness is maintained, sun loungers, sun loungers and umbrellas are offered for rent. The cost of the latter is from 10 Euros. For those staying in hotels on the first line, they are provided free of charge.
About the beaches of Malia:
- Stalida. This is the central beach area that runs along the entire coast of the resort. It has a good infrastructure, cafes, restaurants, small shops are located here. Width – up to 100 meters, which allows you to accommodate all vacationers.
- Sun Beach and Dolphin. These are the sandy beaches of the resort, located in the southern part. In addition to standard services, water sports and active entertainment are curled here – diving, you can rent a jet ski, parasailing, fishing.
- Potamos. Located next to the remains of the Maltese Palace. This is a large sandy beach of Malia, covered with golden white sand. The advantage is the remoteness from the main tourist areas, there are always few vacationers here.
Before going to Malia beach in Crete, it is recommended to prepare. In summer, due to the high temperature, the sand is very hot, which makes the rest uncomfortable. Be sure to buy special beach shoes, rent umbrellas, sun loungers. The entry into the sea is relatively gentle, which is convenient for families with children.
Entertainment
According to tourists and photos, the resort of Malia in Crete is a center of active recreation and entertainment. There are many nightclubs and discos here. Several sports grounds have been built, including for football, volleyball, skateboarding and rollerblading. Most of the entertainment complexes and clubs are located in the center of the resort village. They are located at a distance from the hotels, so that the noise does not interfere with the guests to rest peacefully.
What to visit in Malia:
- Night club Zig-Zag. There is a good dance floor, the bar will offer local and imported controversial drinks. The disadvantage is the relatively small area. On weekends there is a large flow of tourists, you need to stand in line at the entrance.
- Camelot Castle. The establishment is decorated in a medieval style, comfortable tables and tables. Concerts of local and visiting musical groups are periodically held here. A large area of the premises allows you to accommodate all vacationers.
- Malibu Club. A popular night club, open from 21:00 to morning. There is a large dance floor, well-known DJs work. Good place for active recreation.
In addition to visiting nightclubs and discos, you can engage in outdoor activities. There is a large equestrian club in Malia Crete. It offers horseback riding lessons, you can order a horse ride in nature. This service is offered by the Amarillis Stable, the cost of the tour is 35 Euro. Water sports are popular.
Malia Hotels
The advantage of a holiday in Malia is the choice of hotels and hotel complexes. Most are located on the first beach line. They have a large territory with swimming pools, playgrounds and playgrounds, cafes and restaurants. Here you can book a room with breakfast or the All Inclusive program. Some hotels are adapted for families with children. An extra bed for a child can be provided upon request. Pets must be requested in advance.
TOP hotels in Malia:
- Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites. The hotel is located in the center of the resort, next to a large olive grove. It consists of several buildings, between which there are a bucket and playgrounds. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, you can leave your car in the car park.
- Alexander Beach Hotel & Village 5*. The main building of the complex is located on the first beach line. Standard rooms and deluxe apartments are available to guests. There are 2 restaurants and several bars. Convenient place for family vacation.
- Notos Heights Hotel & Suites 3*. Convenient option for a budget holiday. The main building is located on a hill, next to the beach. Rooms – 44 rooms. Important: the terrain is uneven, there are many steps.
In addition to hotel rooms, tourists can rent a villa or apartment. They are located in the center of Malia, Crete, which is convenient for planning entertainment, trips to local attractions. The latter needs more details.
Attractions Malia
Most of the historical sites are located in the center of the resort. First, you can visit the old town, which has preserved old buildings, many souvenir shops, small cafes and restaurants. This is a good place for evening walks. After that, you can go to the embankment. Here tourists take beautiful photos of the sea, the beaches of Malia in Crete.
Resort attractions:
- Ruins of the Mali Palace. They are located three kilometers from the center of the resort. There is a bus route to them. Entrance fee, 6 Euro. These are excavations of an ancient palace complex, which were relatively recently opened to tourists.
- Museum “Lichnostatis”. This is a local analogue of the ethnographic museum, the expositions of which include household items of the local population, paintings, statues. Here are examples of weaving and pottery production. Ticket price – 5 Euro.
- Embankment. A small area created for walking. Nearby there are many restaurants, cafes, bars. Convenient place for a relaxing holiday.
The advantage of Malia on the island of Crete is the opportunity to alternate swimming in the sea with active activities. But before the trip it is recommended to check the weather forecast. It often rains here at the beginning of summer.