Situated 35km to the east of Heraklion, Malia is a vibrant hub known for its dynamic nightlife and historic appeal with the third largest Minoan palace in Crete, the Malia Palace. Malia’s appeal is augmented by its sandy beaches, a key catalyst for its tourism development.
The main beach in Malia forms the eastern stretch of a 6km long bay commencing from Stalis. This vast beach boasts fine sand and shallow water, often thrumming with life, so much so that there’s barely a gap between sunbeds! Catering to all your comfort needs, the beach offers not only standard amenities such as umbrellas and water sports but also exclusive services like beachfront massage, a beach gym, pool bars at the hotels, and more.
However, if tranquillity is what you’re after, Malia might not be the best fit. You could consider venturing east, beyond the local port, towards the serene beaches of Pirgos and Potamos.
There are various activities you can do at Malia beach such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Yes, Malia beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm. There are also lifeguards on duty during the day.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Malia beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the view of the sea.
Yes, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at Malia beach for a fee.
Malia beach is partially accessible for people with disabilities. There are ramps and special chairs available for those who need assistance to access the water.
The best time to visit Malia beach is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it can get crowded during peak season.
The water colour of the Malia beach is blue.
The Malia beach has sand as its sand type.
The water at the Malia beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Malia beach is usually wavy.
Yes, the Malia beach is a crowded place.
The Malia beach offers accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Malia beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Find below list of things to do near Malia beach:
The company operates a 19 meter/62 feet (total capacity of 100 people) new built traditional wooden boat, cozy enough to provide high quality services.
From the moment you step onto the vessel you will experience Greek hospitality at its best from Cpt.Panos, George and Leftheris. Our mission is to offer our guests a relaxing experience where they live, feel and taste the best Crete has to offer through a unique journey of authentic moments. The standard trip includes two stops for swimming and snorkelling at St.George bay and Stalis area. On the first stop, one hour after sailing, the crew will prepare a grilled meal (lunch) and on the second stop (at Stalis area) a fruit platter will follow.
Kindly note that there is always the option of booking the vessel for a private trip and personalize the experience according to your group’s needs.
Come aboard, experience Greece with all your senses and make memories that will last for a lifetime.
Try diving for the first time with a beginner program. Learn the basics of diving with a theory session, a pool practice, and a shore dive to discover the underwater world.
Start with a theory session with the help of a 20-minute video and an oral presentation. Then, go to the equipment room to get your diving gear. Proceed to the pool to practice some basic diving skills, like clearing your mask underwater in case water runs in and give yourself time to get comfortable in the scuba equipment in a safe water space.
Finally, go for a shore dive to discover the underwater world. The shore dive is your first real dive in the sea! Enjoy the feeling of weightlessness and explore the Cretan underwater wildlife under the direct supervision of your instructors.
The program takes place everyday except Sundays at our Diving Center which is located inside Nana Golden Beach Hotel.
The program starts at 9:30 in the morning and ends around 12:00-13:00 in the afternoon.
Starting off we climb on an off-road terrain between olive groves through this green place full of colors, we will go quad safari on an impressive off-road route between the vineyards and to explore the unknown Paths ofe Crete .After we will arrive to PACHALIGO forest where we will a litle relax ! We continue through dirt roads with impressive mountains and wild nature with rich flora and fauna and unique views. A chance to pick some local herbs and become one with nature! In NEAPOLIS we ill have free time and free coffee !!
We have the opportunity to take amazing photos and then continue to explore beautiful parts of the offroad route, ending up for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Boufos beach in Sisi!
After our bath we will have lunch in a traditional tavern relaxing!!!
We continue this adventure having fun on an amazing dynamic dusty-sandy off-road coastal route and through the narrow streets of the traditional village of Sisi.
Having experienced an incredible Gocretesafari Quad Trip in Crete and having the opportunity to learn about the authentic Cretan life, we are sure that you will come back full of amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
Pedal with us on our Party bike in Malia. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in this fun adventure during your holiday. Book your tour now and get ready to create unforgettable memories.
Pedal, drink, and laugh with friends on the stunning coastal roads.
OUR PARTY BIKE:
The power to operate our environmentally-friendly Party bikes comes solely from pedalling, so be sure to keep pedalling! Our bikes come equipped with 15 comfortable seats, 10 for pedalling and the others for resting. A sound system is also included to add some liveliness and provide the perfect vibes for raising a glass.
TOUR EXPERIENCE:
Have a one-hour fun and fitness adventure in the most festive locations in Crete. Our responsible driver will guarantee your safety, and our friendly bartender will make sure you have the biggest grin on your face and glasses never empty.
BOOKINGS :
You can make a booking for yourself or team up with your friends to form the best tour group in town.
If your team is over 8 people, you can hire the entire bike and celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones.
Drinks available (excluded from the ticket price, to be paid extra)
€2,50 / Soft drinks
€3,50 / Beer (500ml)
€6 / Prosecco (glass)
€6 / Vodka + Soft drink
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard an innovative jet boat combining boat and plane technology. Glide across the water at top speeds and gaze at Crete’s vibrant shore from the water. Take a break from your adventure to go swimming and snorkeling.
Climb aboard the jet boat at Hersonissos Port to begin your exhilarating journey. Feel the thrill of making fantastic 360° maneuvers at high speeds, and experience how the boat dashes across the ocean and stops quickly. Stay safe at all times as you ride a stable vessel steered by a professional.
During your fun ride we explore places like Malia,Stalis and Analsipsi and after we enjoy a stop at Saint George’s Bay, a paradisiac location, to unwind from the speed. Seize the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters before making your way back to the port.
Explore the historic sites and local culture of Crete on a drive to sights such as the dam of Aposelemis, the village of Avdou, and more. See a stunning sunset from the Minoan settlement, Karfi, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Your first stop is the village Potamies – a guided tour of a traditional animal ranch where you’ll experience the culture as the locals go about their daily tasks.
Enjoy the aroma of fresh fruits and vegetables as you wander through the gardens of the village to the dam of Aposelemis, the largest water supply project in Crete. Here you’ll see the curious village of Sfendili, whose old houses are slowly fading into the water of the dam.
Then it’s on to the village that perhaps most embodies Crete: Avdou. Characteristic of the settlement, all the buildings are well-preserved and have descriptions of the area’s history.
We continue the drive uphill on dirt roads to the gorge of Embassa, where you’ll see the impressive mountains and wildlife of Crete. You’ll even have the opportunity to collect some of the fresh local herbs.
It’s then time for the dazzling sunset at the historical Minoan settlement, Karfi, accompanied by cool Prosecco and fresh seasonal fruits. Finally, you’ll finish your day with a dinner of local delicacies.
Find below the list of hotels near Malia beach:
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Dolphin Studios is situated in Malia. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Breakfast is available each morning, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the apartment.
Central Malia Beach is a few steps from Dolphin Studios, while Ikaros and Kernos Beach is 2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from the accommodation.
from
€72
/night
Located in Malia, a few steps from Central Malia Beach, Enorme Ammos Beach Resort provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. This 5-star hotel offers a tour desk and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Every room has a kettle, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer sea views. At Enorme Ammos Beach Resort each room includes bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an American breakfast.
Ikaros and Kernos Beach is 1.9 km from Enorme Ammos Beach Resort, while Alexander Beach is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from the hotel.
The warm and friendly Sunvillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites are located just 2 minutes’ walk from the golden sandy Malia beach. Set amidst gardens, it provides a pool with sun-lounger terrace and a pool snack bar.
Accommodation at the fully renovated Sunvillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites consists of elegantly furnished and individually decorated studios and apartments. Featuring Cocomat mattresses and pillows, each unit includes a balcony with sea, pool or mountain view. Air conditioning and safe are also available.
Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast available daily at the neighbouring property. Restaurants and supermarkets are just 100 metres away. Malia also offers a wide variety of activities such as go carts, tennis courts, mini-golf and water sports, and all within walking distance from the Sunvillage.
Sunvillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites are situated approximately 5 km from Hersonissos and 28 km east of the Heraklion International Airport. The hotel can arrange for taxi service or airport transfer at an extra charge, while excursions can be organized upon request.
from
€65
/night
CLEO ROOM WITH YARD IN MALIA 250m FROM THE BEACH has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Malia, 600 metres from Central Malia Beach.
There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer.
The aparthotel offers a terrace.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Ikaros and Kernos Beach is 1.3 km from CLEO ROOM WITH YARD IN MALIA 250m FROM THE BEACH, while Alexander Beach is 1.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from the accommodation.
from
€45
/night
The seafront Pyrgos features spacious and well-equipped apartments, 100 metres from a sandy beach, and within walking distance from the centre of Malia. It features a pool and a pool bar that serves drinks and snacks.
The air-conditioned Pyrgos Apartments have balconies with sea or garden views, kitchenette with cooking rings and fridge.
The hotel’s swimming pool, located right next to the beach, also enjoys beautiful views of the sandy Malia Beach. Guests can relax in the free sun loungers.
Malia lies about 30 km Heraklion International Airport. The 3 mile-long, sandy beach plays host to a variety of water sports. At night, an endless supply of taverns, discos and pubs leads to the seafront within a 10-minute walk from the property.
from
€59
/night
Offering a bar and city view, Nuovo Luxury Suite is situated in Malia, 1.6 km from Ikaros and Kernos Beach and 1.8 km from Alexander Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 500 metres from Central Malia Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a balcony and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
A car rental service is available at the holiday home.
Tropical Beach is 2 km from Nuovo Luxury Suite, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 29 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€86
/night
Find below list of beaches near Malia beach:
The primary beach of Malia, situated in the heart of the town, is often teeming with visitors. As a result, those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle tend to head towards the sandy stretches to the east of Malia’s port, conveniently located near the Palace of Malia. The most easterly of these beaches is named Potamos (meaning River), due to a small stream that flows along its eastern edge, adjacent to Malia’s wetlands.
Potamos is a lengthy, sandy expanse that is well maintained, yet typically less populated than Malia’s main beach. The eastern portion of the region remains relatively untouched due to its archaeological significance. However, to the west of the beach, a number of hotels can be found, each boasting its own sandy cove.
The Malia Swamp is a wetland of unparalleled ecological importance, home to an expansive reed bed that provides habitat for numerous bird species. This area also preserves several types of coastal vegetation that have been lost elsewhere on Crete. The entire area is irrigated by water that flows from Mount Selena, forming a stunning river in the winter months, mere meters from the shore, resulting in crystal clear waters that feed into Potamos beach. The sea here is so fresh, locals can even drink from it! It’s not an uncommon sight to see goats descending from the mountain, swimming in the sea and drinking the water due to its fresh scent. Surrounding Potamos are smaller sand dunes, which come autumn, are adorned with stunning white sand lilies.
Stalida Beach (or Stalis) is located 30km east of Heraklion, between Malia and Hersonissos. Originally a small seaside village formed by the inhabitants of Mochos, it has now evolved into a bustling tourist destination, harmoniously blending into the neighbouring town of Malia. Stalis caters primarily to families seeking a tranquil retreat, and is beautifully equipped with a range of accommodations, eateries, bars, and taverns, not to mention an ATM and a pharmacy for convenience.
Stalida makes for a perfect base to explore the nearby attractions and engage in an array of activities. The locality is teeming with stunning beaches, enriching archaeological sites, and captivating cultural spots. A short 6km trip from the beach takes you to the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre – a place where you can acquaint yourself with a variety of marine creatures and reptiles. Nearby, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum offers a deep dive into Crete’s natural history and culture.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, the Acqua Plus waterpark, the island’s largest, is not far from the coastline. To the west, beyond Malia and Potamos Beach, lies the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, home to the third largest Minoan palace complex and steeped in millennia-old history. A further 20km south, the ancient Minoan settlement of Karfi offers another slice of history, believed to have been home to around 3,500 inhabitants.
For those with a passion for hiking, the Bulgarian trail, starting from Stalis and leading up to Mohos, is a must. Named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who constructed it during WWII, this 5km trail, though lengthy and ascending, is an experience in itself. Along the way, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge spanning the highway and encounter the contemporary Panagia Theogenitor Monastery. Once in Mohos, enjoy a leisurely stroll along narrow lanes, relax with a coffee in the spacious square, and enjoy the warm company of the locals. You can choose to return via the same trail or follow a different one leading from Mohos to Malia.
The Agia Varvara beach, positioned 41km to the east of Heraklion and nestled between Malia and Sissi, earns its name from a church in the east dedicated to Santa Barbara. This sandy haven forms a petite bay in front of a hotel, with the islet of Agia Varvara just across the bay, an ideal spot for swimming, although one should be careful of the strong currents. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and tamarisk trees are scattered around for added shade. However, be aware that this beach, like many others in northern Crete, is often subject to the frequent northwest winds.
Living on the island of Crete, about 28km east of Heraklion, you’ll find the popular tourist town of Hersonissos. It’s known for its array of beaches, particularly on the eastern side. Located a short 2km distance from the Hersonissos port, these delightful coves extend up to the Drapanos Cape. The most vibrant among them is Star Beach, known for being one of the island’s busiest spots.
As you travel further east, there are several small, scenic sandy and pebbly coves that offer a feeling of tranquillity. Some of these secluded spots enjoy cool water due to the presence of freshwater springs in the sea. Next to these coves, you’ll find the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum, a place where visitors can delve into the historical Cretan way of life.
The final beach in the Hersonissos vicinity is located in front of the Nana Beach Hotel, at the edge of Drapano Cape, and is accessible by heading east. This well-maintained beach has sunbeds and a lifeguard on duty, with a variety of water sports and beach bars available. Thanks to the protection offered by two long piers, this beach enjoys calm waters all year round, as it’s shielded from the north winds.
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