Malia

A small coastal town famous for its intense nightlife, primarily for young visitors. Aside from bar crawling, a stroll in the old city is a must.

How to go Where to stay
A photo of a traditionally built building at the old town of Malia.
photo: The Shaun Woods / CC BY 2.0

Malia Attractions

An picture of the island of Spinalonga where the Venetian fortifications stand.
photo: Marek Bakajsa / CC BY-SA 2.0
distant ≈ 35.1km
#1

Spinalonga Fortress (Island)

The Venetians fortified this small island and later became an isolation colony for lepers until 1957. An excellent day trip.

A photo showing the Windmills of Selí Ambélou with the surrounding mountains in the background.
photo: photosiotas / CC BY-SA 4.0
#2

Windmills of Selí Ambélou

With an amazing view and 24 windmills around, you can take lots of pictures here. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop.

An old stone-built windmill at the area Poros close to Elounta.
photo: James Preston / CC BY 2.0
distant ≈ 35.2km
#3

Poros Elounda Windmills

The three old but well-preserved windmills are distinctive trademarks of this windy area. The sea nearby has crystal clear waters.

A light-brown church with a sharp-cornered façade, a dome, and a small belfry - the Panagia Kera Church, Kritsa.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 32.1km
#4

Panagia Kera Church

Kritsa

Panagia Kera's distinct exterior look will surprise you, and once inside, the ancient biblical hagiography will fascinate you.

Remains of the Archaeological Site Pyrgos Myrtos with the blue sea in the background.
photo: Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 46.9km
#5

Pyrgos (Myrtos) Archaeological Site

Minoan town founded approximately 5000 years ago on a high hill with amazing views. It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the intersection.

A part of the remains that depict to the structure and architecture of the Minoan Palace in Knossos.
photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0
Book tickets »
distant ≈ 38.2km
#6

Minoan Palace of Knossos

The very center of the Minoan civilization that thrived on Crete during the Stone Age and was brought to light by John Evans' excavations.

The remains of the Archaeological Site of Malia under a protective overhanging ceiling.
photo: Shadowgate / CC BY 2.0
#7

«Malia Minoan Palace» Archaeological Site

These are the remnants of the third-largest Minoan Palace which was destroyed in 1450 BC together with the rest of Minoan civilization.

Buildings of traditional architecture and narrow streets in the old city of Malia.
photo: Myhersonissos / CC BY-SA 4.0
#8

Malia Old Town

Narrow streets with beautiful houses, tavernas in picturesque squares, island atmosphere - this is the old town of Malia.

Malia Day Trips

One of the central pedestrian streets of Heraklion leading to the sea.
photo: Tim Schofield / CC BY 2.0
Book stays »

Heraklion

Heraklion is home to Knossos, the capital of the Minoans, built 4000 years ago. Visit the remarkable archeological museum and the Venetian fortress.

A picture of small fishing boats at the lake of Agios Nikolaos on Crete.
photo: Brian Snelson / CC BY 2.0
Book stays »

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a charming little town blessed with historical sites, gorgeous gorges, boat trip options, and beautiful beaches in its vicinity.

A picture of the port of Hersonissos.
photo: Stegop / CC BY-SA 3.0
Book stays »

Hersonissos

This place is known for its lively nightlife. Want to take a break from the beach? Pay a visit to the aquarium and the open-air folklore museum.

Malia Why visit?

  • A late Bronze Age town.
  • in particular British tourists choose it for its sand, sea, and sun.
  • Perfect climate for banana trees.

Malia Museums

An old house wall with selves full of utensils, bottles, an cups in the Rodanthi Museum, Kritsa.
photo: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
distant ≈ 30.9km
#1

Rodanthi Museum

Kritsa

Crete's herbs are used for traditional medicines, infusions, and cuisine. Museum Rodanthi gives an engaging tour into the island's botanical wealth.

The exterior of the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum in Myrtia square.
photo: Andy Montgomery / CC BY-SA 2.0
distant ≈ 33.1km
#2

Nikos Kazantzakis Museum

Myrtia

This two-story building at the central square of the village, where the great author was born, hosts exhibits that celebrate his work.

One of the buildings where the Lychnostatis - Cretan Open Air Museum is housed.
photo: Myhersonissos / CC BY-SA 4.0
Book tickets »
#3

Lychnostatis - Cretan Open Air Museum

The Lychnostatis Open Air Museum offers a journey in Cretan life of the past few centuries. It is a remarkable exhibition of everyday objects.

Malia Things to Do

A human hand offers food to a monkey with Crete's mountains in the background.
photo: FB: Amazonas Park Crete
distant ≈ 21.6km
temp. closed
#1

Amazonas Park Crete

Neapoli

A menagerie with a few animals from the tropics. You can feed playful and friendly lemurs. Ideal for families. Note: animals in artificial habitat.

An overview of the whole building and the main entrance of CRETAquarium Thalassókosmos.
photo: Lourakis / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 23.7km
#2

CRETAquarium Thalassókosmos

Visiting the biggest Greek aquarium and one of the largest in Europe is an ideal opportunity to gain knowledge about the marine environment.

Consecutive neon signs of bars and clubs on Malia Strip during the night.
photo: Paul Padshewscky / CC BY-ND 2.0
#3

Beach Road - The Malia Strip (Nightlife)

The Malia Strip is a street with bars and nightclubs. Parties start around 11pm and finish around sunrise or later. Drink and act responsibly.

Malia Beaches

A color pallet sea with all shades between turquoise and blue at Voulisma Beach, Istro Lasithi.
photo: ArtemiyPavlov / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 44.1km
#1

Voulisma Beach

Istro Lasithi

A gorgeous beach with sand and rocks below short cliffs. Turquoise waters. Excellent vibes. You could also go up the hill, if you feel adventurous.

A photo of Malia Beach taken from a beach bar terrace. Straw umbrellas, and the sea in the background.
photo: The Shaun Woods / CC BY 2.0
#2

Malia Beach

A wide beach with fine sand and shallow waters. It is busy with people enjoying the sun in beach bars. Water sports rentals available.

×