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Holidayco.co.uk specialises in Cheap holidays in Malia, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about Malia in our guide below.

Holidays in Malia

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Holidays in Malia

The popular coastal resort of Malia in Crete is well known for its intense nightlife but is a popular location for family holidays. Situated in the bay of Malia with 5 kilometers of white sandy beaches bordering the crystal blue Mediterranean sea, Malia is one of the oldest inhabited places on Crete, if not Greece itself. The beach is a perfect place to relax in the baking sun or take part in some exciting water-sports in the cleanest of cooling seas. The surrounding café-bars, tavernas and restaurants have a great reputation for hospitality towards visitors. Further inland amongst the fertile orange grove plains and hills the pace is a little slower allowing you to take the time to appreciate the great natural beauty of the area.

Things to do in Malia

Sightseeing in Malia

If the views of the fertile green hills dipping into sandy white beaches and the blue Mediterranean sea aren't enough for you, take a walk along the winding mountain roads into the villages to the South of Malia. The charming hamlet of Krasi was once the resting place of the greatest contemporary writers of modern Greece. Its wooded mountainsides, ancient planetrees and rushing spring waters are sure to be a memorable sight of natural beauty. Malias beautiful traditional orthodox Greek church on the main road may also be worth a visit.

Malia Beaches

The variety of the 5 kilometers of beaches offered by Malia makes for an almost infinite number of places to swim and participate in water-sports in the cool Mediterranean sea. Smaller beaches and coves can also be found dotted along to coastline, providing a little more seclusion from the main areas which can get a little crowded. The Dolphin and Agapi beaches can be found on Beach Road and play host to sunloungers and water-sport activities while the larger and quieter Tropicana beach can be found further up the road. The beaches play regular host to various tournaments, including football and volleyball. There are plenty of beach bars along the coast, although many don't open for business until at least midday.

Shopping in Malia

Malia has an impressive variety of goods on offer. With most shops confined to the Beach Road area you wont have to go far to find competitive Greek prices on designer clothing, jewelery, wine and woven goods. Shops are open 9am -10pm seven days a week.

Activities in Malia

Water-skiing, wind-surfing, parasailing, jet-skiing and scuba diving are all available on the beach, with tuition given if needed. You can also go fishing, with all the equipment provided by beach vendors. Malia is well known for its busy nightlife, which is shown by the many bars and nightclubs in the area open until the early hours. The main clubs are found on Beach Road, including the Apollo and Malibu, both open and busy until 5am. The Mean Fiddler on Beach Road is popular, playing Irish music, as is Mid Way Dancing bar with its large building and loud music. Alternatives include The Sportsman, a favourite amongst karaoke enthusiasts with its lively atmosphere, and The Full Monty Bar on Nik Grammatki Street , showing a different movie each night.

Culture in Malia

Malia is one of the oldest inhabited regions of Greece, and was originally home to growing settlements. In around 1900BC a Palace was built. The original Palace was destroyed in 1700BC and rebuilt in 1650BC on the same site, following the same plan. In 1450 BC this Palace was also destroyed, along with many other Minoan palatial centers. The site was briefly reoccupied in the 13-14 th century BC, where remains of a Roman settlement cover an area known as Marmara. In 1915 a trial excavation of the Palace was started on a hill known as Azymo, where the Southern half of the West wing of the Palace and some tombs by the sea were uncovered before the excavations were stopped. The French School of Archaeology at Athens resumed the excavations, which are continued today at intervals, at the palace, the sectors of the town and the cemeteries on the coast. The finds are exhibited in the Museum of Herakleion, and some in the Museum of Agos Nikolaos.

Food in Malia

In the Malia resort area you can find all kinds of fast food outlets selling British and other international dishes, but more traditional Greek dishes can be found in the tavernas of the Old Village, including Taverna Ilotas in Aghios Yiannis Square , where you can dine on a varied menu, from grilled chicken to moussaka in the sun of the roof garden.

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