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Situated 18km west of Chania, Maleme forms part of the expansive beach that stretches from Kolimbari to the vicinity of Chania. This lengthy bay is adorned with stunning sandy and pebbly beaches, although they are exposed to frequent northerly winds. The beach at Maleme is sandy and the surrounding area is well developed, with all necessary amenities conveniently located near the beach. For those seeking a more secluded spot for a swim, the west end of the beach, adjacent to the old military airport, offers a quieter location.
The name Maleme is believed to derive from the word “Malama”, translating to gold, hinting at the possibility of a gold mine existing in ancient times, although this hasn’t been confirmed. In addition, a domed tomb from the late Minoan period has been discovered near Maleme. Despite having been looted, two cylindrical seals depicting running wild animals were found by archaeologists.
During World War II, Maleme held significant historical importance. It was home to the Allies’ military airport until it was seized by German forces. The Battle of Crete in 1941 saw German paratroopers descend upon Maleme to gain control of the airport. They were met with fierce resistance from local Cretans and Allied forces, leading to substantial casualties on the German side. With only rudimentary weapons at their disposal, the local Cretans dealt a significant blow to the German paratroopers, which drew praise for Cretan patriotism from Hitler himself. This marked the first time in the Second World War where German forces faced strong resistance from a local population. It was also the first large-scale airborne invasion in history, and the last of its kind. The German Cemetery, located on a hill near Maleme, is the final resting place for the 4500 German paratroopers who lost their lives. A monument dedicated to fallen RAF airmen can also be found near Maleme, close to the River Tavronitis bridge.
There are various activities you can do at Maleme beach such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding.
Yes, Maleme beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Maleme beach where you can enjoy local cuisine and drinks while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels at Maleme beach.
Yes, there is a parking area near Maleme beach where you can park your car for free.
The best time to visit Maleme beach is during the summer season, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear.
The water colour of the Maleme beach is blue.
The Maleme beach has sand and fine pebbles.
The water depth of the Maleme beach is normal.
The surface of the sea at the Maleme beach is usually wavy.
The Maleme beach is usually quiet.
The Maleme beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, and showers.
The Maleme beach can be accessed through bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Maleme beach.
Yes, there is a seaturtle nesting point at the Maleme beach.
Find below list of things to do near Maleme beach:
Explore the World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler’s Operation Mercury.
Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops.
Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.
Exploring the Olive Treasures: Begin your day with a visit to an olive mill in Kolymbary, where you’ll witness the olive oil-making process and engage in a flavorful olive oil tasting. Journey to Ano Vouves to encounter a 3000-year-old ancient olive tree, delving into the rich history and significance of olives in Cretan culture.
Wine Tasting and Longevity Secrets: At Karavitakis winery, savor the finest wines while uncovering the secrets of longevity associated with Cretan living. Enjoy an informative wine tasting session amidst stunning vineyard landscapes, immersing yourself in the cultural significance of winemaking in Crete.
Off-Road Adventure and Scenic Beauty: Embark on an exhilarating off-road adventure towards Sebronas village, navigating through picturesque gorges, lush vegetation, and panoramic vistas. Capture the essence of Cretan countryside life with photo opportunities of chapels, livestock, vineyards, and olive groves.
Cretan Gastronomy and Hospitality: Satisfy your appetite at a quaint tavern in Nea Roumata, experiencing the true essence of Cretan hospitality through local platters and authentic cuisine. Immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of Cretan culture while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
Embark on a unique wine and olive escape, immersing yourself in the famed Greek hospitality and embracing the sights, flavors, and warmth of Cretan culture. Enjoy a professionally guided journey through ancient landscapes and indulge in authentic culinary delights, making this safari tour an unforgettable experience.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Crete! Set in the charming village of Kefalas in Apokoronas, our Authentic Cretan Night offers a unique experience filled with delicious food, live music, and traditional dance.
Pick-up Service:
Begin your evening with the convenience of a pick-up service . Relax as you are transported to Taverna Ortaki , nestled in the heart of Kefalas .
Arrival and Welcome:
Upon arrival, step into the warm embrace of Cretan hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for an unforgettable night filled with cultural delights.
Dinner with Cretan Flavors:
Indulge in a sumptuous Cretan dinner crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases the diverse and mouthwatering flavors of Cretan cuisine, offering a culinary exploration of the region.
Live Music Performance:
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of live traditional Cretan music. Local musicians, often featuring instruments like the lyre and laouto, create an authentic ambiance that transports you to the heart of Crete.
Traditional Dance Show:
Be mesmerized by a spirited traditional dance performance, where skilled dancers adorned in vibrant costumes showcase the unique dances of Crete. The rhythmic beats and lively movements tell stories of the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Audience Engagement:
Feel the energy of the performance and join in the fun! The friendly atmosphere encourages audience participation, allowing you to experience the joy of traditional Cretan dances firsthand.
Dessert Delights:
Conclude your gastronomic journey with delectable Cretan desserts, adding a sweet note to your evening. Indulge in treats like baklava or loukoumades, savoring the perfect end to your culinary experience.
Closing and Departure:
Bid farewell to the gracious hosts and fellow guests, leaving with cherished memories of an authentic Cretan night. If you arranged for transportation, enjoy a comfortable drop-off back to your accommodation.
Embark on a cultural odyssey at Taverna ORTAKI , where every element of this Cretan night has been thoughtfully curated to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience. A perfect blend of music, dance, gastronomy, and warm hospitality awaits you.
Head to Kolymvari port, Chania and be greeted by a crew member who will escort you to the vessel. Hop aboard and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with some light snacks. Then, after a short safety briefing, set sail towards the Agioi Theodoroi islands.
Sit back and relax as you make your way to the islands, where you can take advantage of a selection of fun activities. Go for a swim, try your hand at snorkeling, or use the SUP boards to go paddling.
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, this cruise also offers the ideal opportunity for some relaxed sunbathing.
A special entertainment area with board games provides some extra fun for those traveling with kids and if your little one needs a nap, the boat has some comfortable cabins at the ready.
Take a break to refuel with lunch aboard the catamaran. The menu is prepared using local, organic products and includes salad, pasta, seafood, and chicken.
Enjoy local white wine, beer, and soft drinks with your food, and savor a selection of homemade sweets and fresh fruit to round out the meal. A kid’s menu of chicken nuggets or pasta ensures that your little ones will be satisfied too.
Finally, benefit from some more free time before making your way back to the marina in Kolymvari where your cruise comes to an end.
Set sail from Kolymvari and start your trip with a welcome on board. Get to know the team and get briefed by your captain about the safety rules.
Navigate toward one of the most picturesque bays in the area, among the Agioi Theodoroi islands. Stop to swim, snorkel, play with inflatables, or try stand-up paddleboarding.
Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner onboard with vegetarian options available. Savor delicious seafood, and local and imported drinks. Cruise back to Kolymvari while surrounded by sweeping scenery.
Explore the island of Kri-Kri (Thodorou island) onboard a cruise around Crete. Sail around stunning gulfs, secluded small islands, and enjoy the turquoise blue waters.
Begin your cruise in the morning. Sail around Thodorou Island, located near Chania, opposite Agia Marina beach, and see the surrounding secluded islands in the area.
Discover Cretan wild goats (kri-kri). Enjoy the calm and tranquil sea. The coastline of the island and the wreck of a German aircraft from WW2 are perfect places for snorkeling.
Find below the list of hotels near Maleme beach:
This seaside hotel is located in Maleme, only 50 metres from the sandy beach. It has a large swimming pool and a children’s pool, and also features a lounge bar.
The air-conditioned studios and apartments at the Oliva Beach feature balconies with pool views. They come equipped with a kitchenette with a small refrigerator.
Oliva Beach is situated 4.5 km from lively Platanias, and 17 km from Chania. It is just 50 metres from restaurants and shops, and a hiking trail starts right outside the hotel.
from
€62
/night
Located in Maleme seaside village, ERIA RESORT for people with special abilities is exclusively designed for guests with accessibility needs. It features a wellness centre, a heated pool and a poolside bar-restaurant with Cretan cuisine. Sports facilities include boccia, volleyball and basketball court.
Spacious and easily accessible, the air-conditioned units feature free Wi-Fi and a balcony overlooking the sea and the olive groves. They are equipped with electrically adjusted beds, trapeze bars and intercom systems. The specially adapted bathrooms include bathrobes and cosmetics.
The poolside bar of the Eria Resort serves refreshing cocktails and fresh juices. The 2 on-site restaurants prepare home-cooked meals made with local products and olive oil. Special diet menus are also available.
Therapeutic massages, as well as physiotherapy sessions, can be arranged at the wellness centre. A hot tub and fitness room are also available, while aerobic and yoga sessions are organized weekly.
The beach of Maleme is 700 metres away, while Souda Port is at 25 km. Excursions and 2-way transfer from Chania Airport can be provided by a special bus, while hotel can arrange rental of mobility equipment for disabled. Free private parking is available on site.
from
€172
/night
This friendly, family-run hotel is situated in Maleme, just 200 metres from the long beach and close to the local amenities, providing an ideal holiday solution for couples and families.
Sunny Suites is renowned amongst its repeat customers for its helpful and friendly owners. Enjoying a convenient location in Maleme, this relaxed hotel offers spacious apartments appointed with a well-equipped kitchenette and balcony or terrace.
During your stay at Sunny Suites, benefit from free wireless internet access in the public areas of the hotel and free private parking facilities.
The hotel’s spacious swimming pool is a fun place to spend the afternoon, whilst the shingle beach is just a short walk away. Enjoy a variety of activities, including horse riding and scuba diving.
Situated on the main road of Maleme, Sunny Suites is just a short walk from the bus stop, shops and local restaurants. Platanias is just 4km away and Chania is 16 km away, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing holiday close to the historic attractions of Crete.
from
€52
/night
Located in Maleme, 600 metres from Maleme Beach, Belle Verte Villa Maleme offers accommodation with free WiFi, a terrace or a balcony and access to a garden and a year-round outdoor pool.
Some of the units include a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and bathrobes.
The villa offers a picnic area.
A car rental service is available at Belle Verte Villa Maleme, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Platanias Square is 6.4 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 7 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 30 km from Belle Verte Villa Maleme.
from
€238
/night
Featuring an outdoor pool, Aegean Breeze Luxury Apartments in Maleme offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
Featuring a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, each unit also comes with a safety deposit box, a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, desk and a seating area with a sofa. There is a private bathroom with walk-in shower in all units, along with a hair dryer and free toiletries.
The aparthotel provides a housekeeping service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying.
Aegean Breeze Luxury Apartments features a garden and sun terrace, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Maleme Beach is 100 metres from the accommodation, while Platanias Square is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 30 km from Aegean Breeze Luxury Apartments, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€155
/night
Located in a 9000-m² plot in Maleme, Villa Iason offers 3 spacious villas each with a private pool and furnished terraces. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Villas at Iason consist of separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with dining area and spacious living rooms. Facilities include a flat-screen TV, washing machine, cleaning products, air conditioning and hairdryer. Some of the villas also have a fireplace and a DVD player.
Souda Airport is located 27 km away. The property’s staff can arrange for airport transfer or car rentals. Free private on-site parking is also available.
Find below list of beaches near Maleme beach:
Tavronitis beach, found 20km west of Chania, is situated on the western side of the historic Maleme airport, one kilometer north of the village of Tavronitis and is named after the Tavronitis river that flows nearby. This long, pebbly beach is just a segment of the expansive coastline that stretches from Kolimbari to Stalos, making it an ideal swimming spot, especially during calm weather as the northern coast of Crete often experiences waves. There are ample amenities nearby, including hotels, tavernas, restaurants, and a variety of tourist facilities.
The beach holds historical significance as it is near Maleme airport, the site of a significant resistance against the German forces in 1941, known as the Battle of Crete. This marked the first time in World War II where the local population fiercely resisted the German army, causing them heavy losses. Despite this, the Germans managed to gain control of a small area east of the Tavronitis river and the airport. Today, visitors can pay their respects at the German cemetery and other monuments dedicated to this historic event.
Situated 13 km west of Chania city, nestled between Maleme and Platanias, lies the quaint coastal village of Gerani. The village is nestled in a lush valley filled with olive and citrus groves, which were once the primary source of income for the villagers. Today, tourism drives the economy of Gerani.
Stretching across 2.5 km, Gerani’s beach is known for its beautiful sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is equipped with numerous amenities such as umbrellas, showers, beach bars, water sports facilities, and lifeguards, making it an ideal destination for family vacations. Several tamarisk trees provide shade, and for those preferring less crowded spots, there are unorganized parts of the coast. However, visitors must tread carefully, as the sandy beach serves as a nesting ground for the Caretta caretta turtles from May to September.
The village of Gerani got its name from a simple water-pumping method used in the village. The method involved the use of a wooden fork and a horizontal piece of wood, with a rope tied at one end to a bucket and a counterweight at the other end.
Historically, Gerani is thought to be the site of ancient Kydonia, according to some scientists. It is also believed that the village once housed a temple dedicated to Goddess Vritomartis, the Cretan counterpart of Goddess Artemis.
The village witnessed a battle against the Turks in 1867, where the Cretan rebels emerged victorious. However, fearing retaliation, the locals asked the rebels to leave, leading to the Turks returning and causing havoc. Gerani also holds significance as the place where famed Cretan novelist John Kondilakis started his teaching career in 1885-1886. The school where he taught, located in Pano Gerani, still stands today.
The expansive beach in Rapaniana, situated 20km west of Chania and 4km east of Kolimbari, is a part of the larger stretch of beach that extends from Peninsula Rodopos to Chania, incorporating the beaches near the villages of Skoutelonas, Minothiana, and Rapaniana. The beach, featuring a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, is a perfect choice for visitors, especially during calm weather, as the northern coastline frequently experiences waves. It is impeccably clean and equipped with essential tourist amenities like umbrellas, showers, and a lifeguard tower.
Rapaniana and its neighboring beaches serve as nesting grounds for the protected loggerhead sea turtle. The village of Rapaniana offers a variety of services including mini markets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, a health centre, pharmacy, dentist, post office, bank, telephone, and car rental services.
Platanias, a coastal hamlet situated 11km west of the city of Chania, has seen a significant surge in tourism in recent years, transforming it from a quaint village into a bustling suburb of Chania. Its close proximity to the city, coupled with its stunning beach and frequent bus services from Chania, have made it the most favoured beach near the city. The original village, nestled on a hillside, offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the islet of Thodorou.
The beach in Platanias is an attractive stretch of sandy shore dotted with hotels of varying class and standard tourist facilities. Beachgoers can avail of all the amenities typical of well-organized beaches, including beach bars, umbrellas, showers, snack bars, lifeguards, and water sports. On the eastern side of the local harbour, near Agia Marina, swimmers can enjoy several small, man-made coves. In the summer, the area’s nightclubs come alive, hosting thousands of both Greek and foreign party-goers who dance until daybreak.
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