Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View

    • 9.7

    Set in Sissi and only 26 km from Lake Voulismeni, Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

    The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

    At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View, while hiking and walking tours can be enjoyed nearby.

    Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 27 km from the accommodation, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 35 km from Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

    Property Details

    • 1 room

    Place Amenities

    • Air conditioning
    • Airport shuttle
    • Bicycle rental
    • Car hire
    • Family rooms
    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Parking
    • Pets allowed
    • Pool bar
    • Shuttle service
    • Sun loungers or beach chairs
    • Sun umbrellas
    • Swimming pool
    • WiFi

    Property Type

    • Villas

    Location

    Sisi, Lasithi

    User reviews

    Other stays near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View

    • 590 m
      • Τάρμαρος Βραχασίου
      • 9.5
      • From
      • €94
      • per night
      • 690 m

        Things to do near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View

        Find below list of things to do near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View:

        • Malia

        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.

        • Vassilakis Estate

        This tour includes our olive mill tour and an olive oil tasting session with an expert. You will taste 4 different olive oils and learn what qualities olive oil connoisseurs look for in an award-winning oil.

        • Vassilakis Estate

        This buggy safari covers about 70 kilometres of countryside inland from the Hersonissos and Malia coast, in a two-seater buggy you drive yourself behind a guide. The route takes in Milatos cave, an olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, lunch in the fishing village of Sissi and a swim stop at a sandy beach. Maliatravel runs it over 5 hours from €83.70 with hotel pick-up, and it holds a 4.69 rating across 28 reviews.

        What this buggy safari actually does

        The route loops inland through villages and gorges before returning to the coast. Six stops fill the 5 hours.

        First comes the safety briefing and driving instructions, no previous buggy experience is needed. Second, the convoy heads off-road through country roads, mountain trails and hidden gorges, passing an archaeological site connected to the Minoan civilisation and the villages of Sissi, Epano Sissi and Milatos. Third is Milatos cave, a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a place in Cretan history, visited with a guided explanation. Fourth is the Vasilakis olive oil factory and museum at Kourounes, with a guided tour and a tasting. Fifth is lunch at a family-run taverna in Sissi. Sixth is a swim at an organised sandy beach before the drive back.

        Professional photographs of your day are included.

        Places this tour visits

        The route runs inland from the resort coast into the Lasithi hills.

        • Milatos Cave, the main historical stop is Milatos cave, which has several entrances and a small chapel inside.
        • Milatos, the route passes through Milatos village on the way to the cave.
        • Sissi, lunch is at a family taverna in Sissi, the fishing village on the coast east of Malia.
        • Hersonissos, pick-up covers Hersonissos and the resorts around it.
        • Malia, the same route serves Malia, where the safari base sits.

        What’s included and what isn’t

        The €83.70 covers the vehicle, the guiding, lunch and the photographs.

        Included:

        • Two-seater buggy
        • Professional guide, with a full safety briefing and driving instructions
        • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby areas
        • Fuel and vehicle insurance
        • Milatos cave visit with guided explanation
        • Olive oil factory tour and tasting at Vasilakis
        • Folklore museum visit, optional
        • Swim or snorkel stop at a beach near Malia
        • Professional photographs of your day
        • Traditional Cretan lunch

        Not included:

        • Towels and swimwear
        • Personal expenses and gratuities

        A driving licence is required.

        Why we recommend this experience

        We recommend this one for the balance. Plenty of buggy tours in Crete are just a dusty loop and a photograph; this puts a genuine cave, a working olive factory, a village lunch and a swim inside the same five hours, which makes it a day rather than an activity. Milatos cave in particular is worth the stop on its own, it is a real chamber system with a chapel inside and a place in the island’s history, not a photo opportunity.

        Guiding is the strongest dimension at 4.9 out of 5, and reviewers name their guide, Jesse appears twice, once specifically for speaking French. A German reviewer described seeing a lot of the hinterland on unpaved routes with a friendly guide; a Swiss guest called the route nice and the organisation good.

        The buggy itself is a two-seater, which one Slovenian reviewer liked precisely because they did not have to drive.

        Three things to weigh, because 28 reviews is a modest base and the criticisms are specific.

        Reviewers want more off-road time. A British family said they really liked the buggies but would have appreciated more time actually driving off-road, with six stops in five hours, the driving is punctuated rather than continuous.

        The olive factory does not suit young children. The same reviewer noted it was not very exciting for them, which is fair for a factory tour in the middle of an adventure day.

        Transport scores 4.4 out of 5, the weakest dimension, which on a tour where the vehicle is the point is worth noting.

        If you want more driving and fewer stops, the Hersonissos buggy adventure runs 50 kilometres in 3 hours with no lunch stop.

        CreteLocals insider tips

        Bring your licence, wear closed shoes, and expect to get dusty.

        1. Bring your driving licence, without which you cannot take the wheel.
        2. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind dusting, since 70 kilometres of dirt track leaves a mark.
        3. Pack a towel and swimwear, which are not included despite the beach stop.
        4. Bring a face covering for dust, which the operator lists among what to bring.
        5. Take the passenger seat if you would rather look than drive, as the buggies are two-seaters and only one of you needs the licence.
        6. Book ahead in summer, since the tour is flagged as likely to sell out.

        What to know before you go

        Departures run daily in the morning, with hotel pick-up from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby resorts. The route covers about 70 kilometres over 5 hours.

        Bring your driving licence, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes and a face covering. High heels, alcohol and glass objects are not permitted.

        Frequently asked questions

        How long is the buggy safari?

        The safari runs 5 hours, covering about 70 kilometres with six stops along the way.

        Do you need buggy experience?

        No previous experience is required. A full safety briefing and driving instructions come before the route starts.

        Is lunch included?

        A traditional Cretan lunch is included, at a family-run taverna in the fishing village of Sissi.

        What is Milatos cave?

        Milatos cave is a natural cavern with multiple entrances and a small chapel inside, visited with a guided explanation of its history.

        Is hotel pickup included?

        Pick-up and drop-off are included from Hersonissos, Gouves, Analipsi, Malia, Stalis and nearby areas.

        Can two people share a buggy?

        The buggies are two-seaters, so only the driver needs a licence and the passenger can simply enjoy the ride.

        Check dates and prices for the Hersonissos buggy safari with cave and lunch.

        • Lychnostatis Open Air Museum

        Every Wednesday from July to October, the Lychnostatis open-air museum near Hersonissos runs a grape feast at 11:00. You tread grapes barefoot in the museum’s stone vat, taste what the garden produced, watch and join Cretan dancers, then take a guided tour of the museum itself. The event runs 2 hours from €15 and holds a 4.91 rating across 47 reviews.

        What this grape feast actually does

        The morning follows the sequence of an actual harvest day, compressed into two hours. Four parts make it up.

        First is the grape treading, done barefoot in the museum’s traditional wine vat, the reason most people book. Second is the tasting, laid out while the treading is still going: cheese pies, oven-baked potatoes, grapes, figs and watermelon from the museum’s own garden, plus Cretan wine, tsikoudia and moustalevria, the grape-must dessert made without added sugar or preservatives. Third is the music, with local dancers performing and visitors welcome to join. Fourth is a guided tour of the museum with a short film, available in several languages.

        Afterwards you can stay on, walk the museum grounds on your own, and use its beach and beach bar.

        Places this tour visits

        The museum sits on the coast just east of Hersonissos.

        What’s included and what isn’t

        The €15 covers the event and the museum; anything you buy afterwards is separate.

        Included:

        • Grape treading in the museum’s wine vat
        • Cretan traditional music with local dancers
        • Tasting of traditional products from the museum garden
        • Guided tour in English and German
        • Short film

        Not included:

        • Food and drinks from the museum cafe
        • Museum beach services
        • Transport to the museum

        Why we recommend this experience

        We recommend this as the best-value cultural morning on the Heraklion coast, and the arithmetic makes the case on its own: €15 for two hours, a full tasting, live music and a museum entry. A 4.91 rating across 47 reviews puts it among the highest-scoring things we list, and one British reviewer called it fantastic value for money without prompting.

        What comes through the reviews is that this is run by a family rather than staged by a company. A Belgian visitor described the friendly family who run the open-air museum; a German guest wrote about being welcomed like family. The guides are singled out for enjoying their own work, and the English and German are described as excellent. An Estonian reviewer came away with a genuine understanding of wine-making and Cretan dance rather than a photo opportunity.

        The grape treading is the part everyone remembers, and the dancers get consistent praise for being talented and visibly motivated rather than going through the motions. The museum tour afterwards runs around an hour in German, according to one reviewer, so the €15 stretches further than the two-hour billing suggests.

        Two practical warnings rather than criticisms, because there is nothing negative in this review record.

        It runs one morning a week, seasonally. Wednesdays only, July to October, starting at 11:00. Miss the Wednesday and you miss it entirely.

        The arrival cut-off is strict. The latest possible arrival is 11:10, ten minutes after the start. Turn up at 11:15 and the treading has begun without you.

        CreteLocals insider tips

        Come early, come with bare feet in mind, and stay on for the beach.

        1. Arrive by 10:45, since the latest admitted arrival is 11:10 and the treading opens the event.
        2. Wear sandals you can slip off easily, because the grape treading is done barefoot in the vat.
        3. Bring a towel, which the museum lists among what to bring and which the beach afterwards justifies.
        4. Stay after the guided tour, as the museum grounds, beach and beach bar remain open to you.
        5. Join the dancing rather than filming it, given participation is voluntary and reviewers who joined rate the morning highest.
        6. Plan your own transport, since transfers are not included and the museum sits outside the resort centre.

        What to know before you go

        The event runs every Wednesday from July to October, starting at 11:00 with a latest arrival of 11:10. Show your voucher at the ticket counter at the museum entrance before it begins.

        Bring comfortable shoes and a towel. Pets are not permitted apart from assistance dogs, and transport to the museum is your own arrangement.

        Frequently asked questions

        When does the Lychnostatis grape feast take place?

        The feast runs every Wednesday from July to October, starting at 11:00 with a latest arrival time of 11:10.

        Do you actually tread the grapes?

        Yes, you tread grapes barefoot in the museum’s traditional stone wine vat, which is the centrepiece of the event.

        What is included in the tasting?

        The tasting covers cheese pies, oven-baked potatoes, grapes, figs and watermelon from the museum garden, plus Cretan wine, tsikoudia and moustalevria.

        Is the guided tour included?

        A guided tour in English or German plus a short film are included, and one reviewer reported the German tour running around an hour.

        Is transport included?

        Transport is not included. The museum sits on the coast near Hersonissos and you make your own way there.

        Can you use the museum beach afterwards?

        The beach and grounds stay open to you after the event, though beach services and the cafe are charged separately.

        Check dates and prices for the Lychnostatis grape feast.

        • Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

        The first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes, and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.

        Then, you head to Lasithi Plateau, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude of over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.

        The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.

        The last stop, Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture, and its breathtaking views. Here you can take pictures of the wonderful landscape, rest for a while, and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.

        When seeking out unique and delicious local food on Crete Island, consider visiting a family-owned restaurant. These charming establishments offer authentic Cretan dishes made with love and tradition. The Lassithi Plateau is very famous for its local vegetable products and the taste of their fresh daily picked products will last forever in your mind.

        • Limenas Chersonisou

        Take in the beauty of the Cretan Sea on a scenic boat tour with iconic snorkeling opportunities. Depart from Malia on a 3 hours Motor Yacht and discover Stalis, Hersonissos, and Saint George Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, gaze at vibrant marine life, and enjoy tasty snacks.

        Start your adventure with a hotel pickup before heading to Malia. Set sail and admire stunning views of the coastline of the Aegean Sea. Stop at various beaches and coves along the way for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Enjoy a sandwich, dessert, and fruit salad if you’re feeling hungry.

        Explore the villages by boat of Stalis and Hersonissos, both known for their lively atmosphere and nightlife, and soak up the sun at Saint George Bay, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. Finally, make your way back to Malia to be transferred to your accommodation.

        Beaches near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View

        Find below list of beaches near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View:

        • 1,000 m
        Agia Varvara beach is located 1.0 km away.

        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.

        • Agia Varvara beach
        • Sand
        • Shallow
        • Blue
        • 2.5 km
        Potamos Beach, Malia (Heraklion), Crete is located 2.5 km away.

        Potamos Beach is a quiet, sandy beach about 3 km east of Malia on the north coast of the Heraklion region of Crete, named after the small river that runs beside it. It sits just east of Malia’s port, next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan Palace of Malia, and stays calmer than Malia’s busy main beach. From Heraklion it is roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east.

        A quieter beach beside a river and a wetland

        Potamos is a long, well kept stretch of sand that draws far fewer people than the main beach in the middle of Malia. The eastern end stays largely undeveloped because of the archaeological site and the protected wetland behind it, while a few hotels sit to the west, each with its own patch of sand.

        The Malia wetland is an ecologically important reed bed that shelters many bird species and preserves coastal plants that have disappeared from much of Crete. Water flowing down from Mount Selena keeps a stream running here, turning into a small river close to the shore in winter and feeding clear water into the sea. The water is fresh enough that goats often come down from the hills to swim and drink at the edge of the beach. In autumn, white sand lilies bloom across the low dunes that back the shore.

        Sand, sea and swimming

        The beach is fine golden sand, and the sea is clear and shallow, deepening gently over a soft, sandy seabed. That makes it a good choice for families with young children, who can paddle safely close to shore.

        Potamos is really more than one beach: a couple of sandy stretches with small rocky coves in between. The eastern bay is more sheltered and calmer, while the longer western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and turns wavier, so pick your spot to match the day. The rocky coves between the sandy sections are good for snorkeling.

        Facilities and shade

        Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are showers and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees along the back of the beach give natural shade, which helps when the midday sun is strong, so bring sun protection as well. For food and drink there is a snack bar on the sand, plus tavernas and a few hotels on the western side. Potamos flies a Blue Flag for its water quality and organisation.

        Getting to Potamos Beach

        By car it is a short drive from Malia, with parking beside both main sections of the beach. By bus, the Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos service stops close by, near the Malia Palace, from where it is a short walk down to the shore. You can also walk from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki. If you would rather have a car for the day and reach the quieter coves and nearby villages easily, you can rent a car in Crete.

        What is nearby

        Potamos Beach sits within easy reach of several sights. It is a short walk from the Minoan Palace of Malia, one of the largest Minoan palace complexes on the island, so a beach day pairs easily with some history. The wetland right behind the sand is a good spot for a short nature walk and birdwatching.

        A coastal path runs east over the headland to the next cove. That walk ends at the small, church-side Agia Varvara beach.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Where is Potamos Beach?

        Potamos Beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 3 km east of Malia and roughly a 30 to 35 minute drive east of Heraklion. It takes its name from the small river that runs beside it, next to the Malia wetland.

        How do you get to Potamos Beach?

        You can drive from Malia in a few minutes and park beside the beach. The Heraklion to Malia and Agios Nikolaos bus stops nearby, close to the Malia Palace, and it is also walkable from Malia in about 30 to 45 minutes along Machis Kritis or Grammatiki.

        Is Potamos Beach good for swimming and families?

        Yes. The water is clear and shallow and deepens gently over a soft sandy seabed, which suits children. The eastern bay is the most sheltered, so it is the calmest part for young swimmers.

        What facilities does Potamos Beach have?

        There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty in season. Tamarisk trees give natural shade, and there is a snack bar on the beach with tavernas nearby on the western side.

        Is Potamos Beach crowded?

        Potamos is quieter than Malia’s main beach and keeps a relaxed feel. It is busiest in July and August, while June and September are calmer.

        Is Potamos Beach windy?

        The long western stretch catches the north and northwest winds and can get wavy. The eastern bay is more sheltered, so head there on windier days.

        Does Potamos Beach have a Blue Flag?

        Yes, Potamos Beach holds a Blue Flag, awarded for water quality and beach organisation.

        What is there to see near Potamos Beach?

        The Minoan Palace of Malia is within walking distance, and the Malia wetland behind the beach is good for a nature walk and birdwatching. A short coastal walk east over the headland reaches Agia Varvara beach.

        • Potamos beach - Heraklion
        • Sand
        • Shallow
        • Blue
        • 2.7 km
        Sissi beaches is located 2.7 km away.

        Sissi, also known as Sisi, is a tranquil traditional seaside village nestled 26km west of Agios Nikolaos and 41km east of Heraklion, not far from Malia. The village is renowned for its natural harbour, characterized by tranquil deep green waters, and its charming taverns nestled within narrow streets. The Sissi coastline is predominantly rocky, with only a few sandy stretches. The sea around here is typically choppy, making the only calm swimming spot the small beach within the harbor (Limani). This petite beach offers a few umbrellas and showers for visitors.

        If you desire to explore other beaches, you can travel east to Harkoma bay, home to the well-kept Boufos beach. This sandy beach is exposed to the wind. Adjacent to it, you’ll find the smaller Avlaki beach, situated at the exit of a narrow bay.

        Moving further east, you’ll find the sandy Kalimera beach, located in front of the Kalimera Kriti hotel. Managed by the hotel, the beach is well-organized and boasts of shallow waters, making it perfect for children. On the opposite side of the hotel is Spiliada, the last beach within the Sissi territory. Spiliada is a sandy beach shaded by numerous tamarisk trees, offering a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the other beaches.

        • Sissi beaches
        • Rocks in places, Sand
        • Normal
        • Blue
        • 4.3 km
        Malia Beach Crete: Visitor Guide, Location, Photos & Amenities is located 4.3 km away.

        Malia beach is a long, lively sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion and just east of Stalida. Malia beach forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalis, and its fine sand, shallow clear water, and full set of sunbeds, water sports, and beach bars make it one of the busiest, most developed resort beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand runs right in front of Malia town, so bars, tavernas, and services stay a few steps from the shore.

        Where is Malia beach?

        Malia beach lies on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia in the Heraklion region. Malia beach is the eastern part of a single 6 km bay that starts at Stalida to the west, so the coast runs almost without a break from Stalida through to Malia. Hersonissos sits further west along the same shore, which places Malia at the eastern end of Crete’s busiest resort strip.

        Sand, sea and swimming

        Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that fills with sunbeds through the summer. The water is shallow and clear, and it deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to the shore. The central and most organised part in front of the town is known as Klotzani, and the sand then continues east through quieter stretches toward Potamos beyond the port. Malia beach faces north, so afternoon winds can raise short waves, and mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.

        Facilities and organisation

        Malia beach is organised along its length, with sunbeds and parasols to rent, showers, and a lifeguard on duty during the day. Malia beach also offers a wide range of water sports, including jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, alongside extra services such as beachfront massage, a beach gym, and pool bars at the seafront hotels. Cafes, tavernas, and beach bars line the sand, and the beach holds a Blue Flag for its water quality and facilities.

        Nightlife and quieter beaches

        Malia beach sits beside the liveliest resort strip in the Heraklion area, and the main street of bars, pubs, and clubs runs a short walk back from the sand and stays open into the early hours. The main beach turns busy and loud in high summer, so visitors who want calm often head east, beyond the local port, to the quieter beaches of Pirgos and Potamos. These eastern beaches keep a relaxed feel next to the Malia wetland and the Minoan palace, away from the crowds on the main strip.

        The islet of Afendi Christos

        Opposite Malia’s main beach lies the small islet of Afendi Christos, home to the chapel of the Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, the Transfiguration of the Saviour. The islet draws a crowd every year on 6 August, when people cross for the church service and its festival. Near the islet, a spring on the shore is said by locals to hold holy water that once helped childless women conceive, and you can reach the spot with a short swim from the beach.

        Beaches near Malia beach

        The coast on either side of Malia beach is lined with more beaches, listed below by distance.

        • Potamos beach (1.9 km east): a quiet, river-fed stretch of sand beside the Malia wetland and the Minoan palace.
        • Stalida beach (2.4 km west): a long, family-friendly resort beach with shallow water and a promenade of tavernas, covered in our guide to Stalida beach.
        • Agia Varvara beach (3.5 km east): a small sandy bay by a church, with sunbeds and tamarisk shade, though the currents here can be strong.
        • Drapanos beaches (4.7 km west): sheltered coves near Hersonissos that stay calm behind their piers, mapped in our guide to Drapanos beaches.

        Frequently asked questions

        Where is Malia beach?

        Malia beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 35 km east of Heraklion, in front of the town of Malia. It forms the eastern end of a 6 km bay that begins at Stalida.

        Is Malia beach sandy?

        Yes. Malia beach is a wide stretch of fine sand that runs in front of the town, and it fills with sunbeds and parasols through the summer.

        Is the water at Malia beach good for swimming and children?

        Yes. The water is shallow and clear and deepens gently over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore. The eastern end, away from the main strip, tends to be the calmest.

        What facilities does Malia beach have?

        Malia beach has sunbeds and parasols, showers, and a lifeguard during the day, plus water sports, beach bars, and tavernas along the sand. The beach also holds a Blue Flag.

        Is Malia beach crowded?

        Malia beach is one of the busiest beaches in the area and is packed in July and August. The quieter eastern stretches toward Potamos stay calmer if you want more space.

        What water sports can you do at Malia beach?

        Malia beach offers jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, along with swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

        Is Malia beach accessible for people with reduced mobility?

        Malia beach is partly accessible, with ramps and special chairs to help people reach the water. Access is by a paved road, and buses stop nearby.

        When is the best time to visit Malia beach?

        The best time to visit Malia beach is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. July and August are the busiest and liveliest months, while June and September stay calmer.

        Getting to Malia beach

        Malia beach sits a short way down from the town centre, and a paved road runs to the sand with parking beside it. Buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop close to Malia, from where it is a short walk to the beach. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands east toward Potamos, and the simplest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a car rental in Crete.

        • Malia beach
        • Sand
        • Shallow
        • Blue

        Gorges to hike near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View

        Find below list of gorges near Villa Aktis with Freshwater Pool and Sea View:

        • 3.2 km

        Located approximately 45km east of Heraklion and 21km west of Agios Nikolaos, the Gorge Sellinari is nestled on the eastern slopes of Selena Mount, draining the valley west of Vrachassi. This gorge is a well-known location for all Cretans as the National Road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos runs along it. Historically, it served as the natural passage from the region of Lassithi to the fertile north coasts of Heraklion.

        The dense vegetation of Selinari can be enjoyed either by car or by taking a leisurely walk until its exit near Milatos. A route worth exploring is the old National Road, which runs parallel to the New Road and winds through the gorge. The gorge walls and surrounding mountains provide a haven for many birds of prey. Selinari was once a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat, but sadly, it is now extinct. Several springs are scattered around the area, but the most renowned attraction is the historic Saint George Monastery. For the Cretans, it is considered a bad omen to pass a gorge without stopping at the monastery. This belief stems from the past when the Selinari Monastery served as a rest stop for travelers and their animals.

        • Selinaris Gorge
        • 9.0 km

        The Embasa Gorge, also known as Apotyposi, begins its journey from the village of Kato Kera in the Pediada province and concludes near the village of Gonies, spanning a length of approximately 2km. The upper section of the gorge is notably steep, giving rise to several waterfalls during the winter season, with the tallest one measuring around 20m in height. The largest waterfall is particularly intriguing due to its division into several smaller cascades. It is possible to reach all the waterfalls without any special equipment as they can be circumvented from the sides.

        Ascending the canyon from Gonies provides easier access to the waterfalls. However, the dense vegetation and steep inclines may pose a challenge for beginners. The gorge is predominantly populated by oak trees, planes, and brambles. The Life-Giving Spring church (Zoodohos Pigi) is located on the edges of the gorge, above the largest waterfall. According to local lore, a natural rock formation resembling the Virgin Mary can be found above this church. Hence, the gorge is also referred to as Apotiposi (Depiction). The church serves as the nearest parking spot to the large waterfall and can be conveniently reached from here, provided one can first overcome the initial hurdle of the fence erected by local shepherds.

        • Embasa Gorge
        • 10.0 km

        Roza Gorge, a branch of the larger Ambelos Gorge, originates near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in the Ano Kera region. It connects with the rural road that traverses the Ambelos Gorge close to the village of Gonies. Walking along the riverbed is not feasible due to the precipitous drops, but a well-marked hiking trail is available on the gorge’s sides. The gorge’s sides are visually striking, showcasing unique geological formations that captivate visitors. After heavy rainfall, surface water is visible in the gorge, evidenced by the growth of oleander plants in the riverbed.

        The name ‘Roza’ is derived from the pinkish hue (‘roz’ translates to pink) of the gorge’s walls. Another theory suggests that the gorge was used as a disposal site for sterile animals like donkeys in the past. As a result, locals named it ‘Stira Za’ (meaning sterile animals), which eventually evolved into ‘Sti Roza’ (or in Roza).

        Canyoning in the Roza Gorge
        Roza Gorge is technical in nature, implying that hiking in its bed is not an option due to the numerous steep descents (rappels) that necessitate specific technical gear and training. For canyoning enthusiasts, it’s important to note that the largest rappel is approximately 18m high. The points are secured with relays from the speleological clubs of Crete, and the descent for a small group typically takes around 3 hours. The gorge’s proximity to Heraklion and easy accessibility make it a popular choice for canyoning schools.

        • Roza Gorge
        • 11.0 km

        The Maliaris Gorge, which originates near the Peronides village, travels west of the Souvlos village where a trail commences, and combines with the Anemaliaris gorge before concluding at the Tzavlidon Vlyhada beach. This gorge, characterized by scrublands, expansive areas, and cave-filled walls, is a classic representation of the Mirabello region. Notably, the gorge is home to a massive cave known as Volakospilios, situated in its center.

        • Maliaris Gorge

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