Stalis, also spelled Stalida, is a coastal resort on the north coast of Crete, 30 kilometres east of Heraklion and about 3 kilometres from both Hersonissos and Malia. Stalis takes its name from the Greek verb stalizo, meaning a place of rest, because the site once served as a resting point for shepherds and their flocks.
Stalis became a popular holiday destination in the 1980s, during a wider rise in Cretan tourism. Before that decade it was mainly a beach used by locals from the nearby village of Mohos.
Stalis is a newer development, so it has no typical village structure and no central square. The resort is built along a single coastal road, with shops, tavernas, and hotels lining both sides. Heavy tourism has merged Hersonissos, Stalis, and Malia into one continuous 10-kilometre resort, most noticeable when you travel the coastal route from Stalis to Malia.
Traffic on the main road is heavy, so pedestrians should cross with care. Several underpasses provide safe crossings. Check the clearance yourself before driving through, because some posted underpass heights are inaccurate.
Stalis has restaurants, tourist shops, travel agencies, minimarkets, and car and motorbike rental services. Full banking is handled in Hersonissos and Malia, though Stalis has several cash points of its own. A hire car opens up the beaches and villages beyond the resort strip, which you can arrange through car rental in Crete.
Regular buses connect Stalis with the rest of the north coast, which makes car-free day trips straightforward. Services run to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Gouves, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos.
Stalis takes its name from the Greek verb stalizo, which means a place of rest. The site was historically a resting point for shepherds and their flocks.
Stalis, also spelled Stalida, sits on the north coast of Crete, 30 kilometres east of Heraklion. It lies between Hersonissos and Malia, about 3 kilometres from each.
Stalis is flanked by Hersonissos to the west and Malia to the east. Heavy tourism has joined all three towns into one continuous coastal resort.
Stalis grew into a popular holiday destination in the 1980s. Before then it was mainly a beach used by locals from the village of Mohos.
Stalis is built along a single coastal road rather than around a central square. Shops, tavernas, and hotels line both sides of that road.
Stalis has a quiet nightlife that suits family holidays. Its main beach has smooth sands and a family-friendly setting.
Cross the busy main road through one of the several underpasses, which are the safe crossing points. Check the posted underpass height before driving through, because some signs are inaccurate.
Stalis has restaurants, tourist shops, travel agencies, car and motorbike rental services, minimarkets, and several cash points. Full banking services are found in nearby Hersonissos and Malia.
Take one of the regular buses that run from Stalis to Heraklion, Hersonissos, Gouves, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos. These services make it easy to explore the north coast of Crete without a car.
Stalis beach has smooth sands and a family-friendly feel. Hersonissos beach, west of Cape Sarandaris, is usually sheltered and calm, while Malia draws younger crowds with its nightlife. Further out, Matala is known for its hippie history and Agia Galini is a pebbled beach with cool water from the nearby Platys River.
Stalis Town in Crete welcomes travellers with a variety of accommodations, catering to diverse preferences. Known for its family-friendly stays, the town offers a range of options from cosy guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a solo adventure, Stalis has the perfect spot for you. Explore our curated list of hotels in Stalis to find your ideal home away from home in the heart of Crete.
Mythical Escapes! is set on the seafront in Stalida, a few steps from Stalida Beach and 1.6 km from Alexander Beach. The property is located 1.7 km from Drapano Beach, 18 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 32 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The guest house features family rooms.
At the guest house, each room comes with a balcony. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at Mythical Escapes! also provide guests with free WiFi. At the accommodation every room has bed linen and towels.
Lake Voulismeni is 33 km from Mythical Escapes!, while Venetian Walls is 33 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 26 km from the guest house.
from
€125
/night
Situated a few steps from Stalida Beach, Mary Apartments offers accommodation with a patio, as well as a garden. Complimentary WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with sea or mountain views.
If you would like to discover the area, skiing, cycling and hiking are possible in the surroundings.
Alexander Beach is 1.5 km from the apartment, while Drapano Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 26 km from Mary Apartments.
from
€81
/night
Situated a few steps from Stalida Beach, Niro Beachfront apartments offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Each unit features a terrace offering sea views, a cable flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Alexander Beach is 1.4 km from Niro Beachfront apartments, while Drapano Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 26 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Situated in Stalida, 70 metres from Stalida Beach and 1.4 km from Alexander Beach, Nostos luxury beach home features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Guests staying at this apartment have access to a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and garden views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Drapano Beach is 1.9 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 26 km from Nostos luxury beach home.
from
€144
/night
Located right on the beach of Stalida, Talgo Suites features air-conditioned accommodation with a microwave. It has a seaside restaurant and a sun terrace, and offers free Wi-Fi access in its public areas.
Talgo units are decorated in soft tones and offer sea or garden views from their balcony. They are fitted with a satellite TV and a safe. Bathrobes and slippers are also available.
Buffet breakfast can be enjoyed daily at the dining area. The restaurant of the hotel prepares Mediterranean dishes made with fresh local products. Talgo also has a snack bar serving drinks and cocktails.
The hotel is 30 km away from the airport and the city of Heraklion. The centre of Stalida village is just 50 metres away.
from
€95
/night
Featuring sea views, Dedalos n3 Sea View apartment-30 metres from the beach offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Stalida Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a patio.
With free WiFi, this apartment provides a TV, a washing machine and a kitchenette with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment offers a sun terrace.
Alexander Beach is 1.3 km from Dedalos n3 Sea View apartment-30 metres from the beach, while Drapano Beach is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 26 km from the accommodation.
Numerous activities await tourists in Stalis. From beach walks and historical church visits to exploring neighbouring towns like Malia and Hersonissos, or partaking in traditional village festivities. You can also embark on a journey to explore the Minoan Palace or take day trips to archaeological sites or nearby islands. Other attractions include the Lassithi Plateau, the birthplace of Zeus according to legend, or taking the scenic “Bulgarian Path” to the village of Mohos. Below is a list other attractions in and around Stalis Town.
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.
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.
The museum sits on the coast just east of Hersonissos.
The €15 covers the event and the museum; anything you buy afterwards is separate.
Included:
Not included:
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.
Come early, come with bare feet in mind, and stay on for the beach.
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.
The feast runs every Wednesday from July to October, starting at 11:00 with a latest arrival time of 11:10.
Yes, you tread grapes barefoot in the museum’s traditional stone wine vat, which is the centrepiece of the event.
The tasting covers cheese pies, oven-baked potatoes, grapes, figs and watermelon from the museum garden, plus Cretan wine, tsikoudia and moustalevria.
A guided tour in English or German plus a short film are included, and one reviewer reported the German tour running around an hour.
Transport is not included. The museum sits on the coast near Hersonissos and you make your own way there.
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.
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.
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.
Alar Dinner Show runs a purpose-built theatre on the north-coast road near Hersonissos, staging two productions with a four-course meal served through the performance. The venue was created by Virginia Carbone and built specifically for the format, with a 24-square-metre LED screen and laser lighting integrated into the room rather than added to it. Two shows run: ALAR Spectacular, aimed at ages 12 and up, and TROY, a family production built around Greek mythology.
The evening runs to a fixed programme from doors to exit. Five stages fill it.
First, doors open at 19:00 and the performances start as soon as you walk in, around the room rather than only on the stage. Second, dinner is served at 19:30 alongside a pre-show, for TROY this is “Meet the Gods and Heroes”. Third, guests on the Drinks & Show ticket arrive at 20:00. Fourth, the main show starts at 20:30: dancing, acrobatics, comedy, a quick-change act, aerialists and live singers, carried by the laser and LED staging. Fifth, the night ends at 22:30, with an after-show party on the dance floor.
TROY adds an interactive layer. A QR code puts the show on your own phone, and the audience votes during the performance, Greeks or Trojans, Achilles or Hector, with the choice changing how the story runs.
The theatre sits on the main north-coast road in the Heraklion regional unit.
Two ticket types cover the same performance.
The dinner ticket includes:
The Drinks & Show ticket includes:
Tickets start from €40. Tables can be chosen at booking, or left to the venue, which assigns the best available in your category.
We recommend Alar because it is not competing with anything else on this coast. Crete’s evening options are overwhelmingly folklore nights, a village, a lyra, a buffet, a dance troupe, and they are good at what they do. Alar is a staged production with acrobats, aerialists and a quick-change act in a room built for it, which is a different night out entirely. If you have already done a Cretan night, this is the one that does not repeat it.
Having two productions is the practical strength. ALAR Spectacular is suggested from age 12 up, while TROY is written for mixed ages with a menu to match, so a family with younger children has a real option rather than a compromise.
The venue itself is worth noting. A 24-square-metre LED screen, laser performances and pre-show acts working the room are production values you would expect in a city, not on a resort road.
Two practical points rather than criticisms.
Book on the venue’s own site. Alar states a lowest-price guarantee there, and booking directly lets you pick your table and flag a special occasion.
The rating we hold is based on a small sample. Our listing records 4.7 out of 5 across 20 ratings, which is positive but not a large base, check recent reviews yourself before committing a whole evening.
Book direct, pick your show by who is coming, and arrange the taxi both ways.
The programme runs 19:00 doors, 19:30 dinner and pre-show, 20:00 arrival for Drinks & Show, 20:30 showtime and 22:30 exit, followed by the after-show party.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, state it in the booking form and do not choose a table, and an accessible table with the best available view is assigned. Booking ahead on the venue website is recommended.
Contact Alar directly: alardinnershow.com, info@alardinnershow.com, +30 694 712 4299.
Doors open at 19:00, dinner and the pre-show begin at 19:30, and the main show starts at 20:30, finishing at 22:30.
TROY suits families, with a menu for all ages and an interactive vote during the performance, while ALAR Spectacular is suggested from age 12 up.
Yes, a Drinks & Show ticket covers the performance and the after-show party, with arrival at 20:00.
Yes. State it in the booking form and leave the table unselected, and an accessible table with the best available view is assigned.
Tickets start from €40, with the venue’s own website carrying a lowest-price guarantee.
Alar is on the main north-coast road near Hersonissos, a short drive from the resort strip.
Explore Crete by Land Rover on a full-day adventure along the Minoan Path, and experience a blend of ancient myths, spectacular landscapes, and a barbecue lunch on the Lassithi Plateau.
Following a pick-up from your hotel, drive through spectacular mountains en route to the Aposelemis Basin Reservoir, and see an ancient aqueduct of the Roman Empire. Continue to the village of Kastamonitsa in the foothills of the Afendi Mountains. Stop for a Cretan-style breakfast and raki tasting.
Next, brace yourself for the dirt tracks of the Minoan Path. Drive through a stunning mountain landscape to see wildlife and the unbelievable scenery. Learn the myths and legends of Crete on the way to a shepherd’s mitato (mountain shelter).
Feed the animals as you watch the shepherds produce cheese according to traditional methods. Taste some of the fresh, rich cheese.
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Lassithi Plateau and north coast. Continue to Dikteon Cave to marvel at the birthplace of Zeus. Work up an appetite before your lunch at a local taverna. Try a selection of traditional dishes (vegetarian option available) and a glass or two of wine.
Then, go to Lassinthos Eco Park to admire traditional handicrafts. Back on the Lassithi Plateau, experience a wilderness and farming land where time has stood still. See donkeys put to work to help farm the land. Then, go to Seli to take photos of the unique scenery.
Drive to the village of Krassi, famous for its 2,000-year-old tree and natural spring water source. Continue down the mountain roads, passing ancient olive groves before you reach the spectacular coastline and deep blue sea.
Explore Chersonissos while riding a mini tourist train. Roll past the picturesque old town, two beaches, and the boats in the port. See more of Crete with the half-day option to the country villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies.
Hop on the train and listen to Greek music and your audio commentary as you see the lively old town in Chersonissos. Admire the narrow streets and churches. Snap pictures of the boats at the port. View the sandy beaches at Analipsi and Anisaras.
On the half-day trip head to the villages of Avdou, Gonies, and Potamies. Enjoy views of the countryside and water as you ride along. Dink Raki (a traditional liquor) and snack on some local sweets.
Stalida beach is a long, sandy beach on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion between the resorts of Hersonissos and Malia. Stalida beach has shallow, gently sloping water and a full set of sunbeds, tavernas, and water sports, which makes it one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Heraklion area. The sand sits right in front of the Stalida resort, so food, drink, and services stay a few steps away.
Stalida beach lies on Crete’s north coast, roughly 30 km east of Heraklion and its airport and about 3 km east of Hersonissos. Stalida, also written Stalis, has grown until it merges with Malia into one continuous stretch of coast, yet it keeps a calmer, family feel while Malia draws the louder party crowd. The name comes from the Greek verb “stalizo”, meaning to rest in the shade, because local shepherds once rested their flocks on this spot.
The sand at Stalida beach is a long run of soft golden sand backed by a seafront promenade of tavernas and shops. The sea is shallow and deepens gently over a soft, sandy seabed, so young children can paddle safely a good way from the shore. A short rocky cape splits the beach into 2 sandy stretches, and the rocky sections are good places to snorkel. Afternoon winds can raise short waves because the shore faces north, so mornings are usually the calmest time to swim.
Stalida beach is well organised for most of its length. Stalida beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas in packages, along with showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards on duty in season. Each section is run by a beach bar or taverna, and cafes and restaurants line the beachfront road. Water sports are available, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and there is room for beach volleyball. A small colony of Cretan date palms grows along part of the shore, a tree that is uncommon on the northern Heraklion coast.
Stalida beach makes a handy base for the eastern Heraklion coast. A short 6 km trip reaches the Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, and the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum nearby explores Crete’s folk culture and natural history. Acqua Plus, one of the largest water parks on the island, sits a short drive inland. To the west, beyond Malia, the Malia Palace archaeological site preserves the third-largest Minoan palace complex on Crete. Walkers can follow the 5 km Bulgarian trail from Stalis up to the village of Mohos, named after the Bulgarian prisoners of war who built it during the Second World War.
The coast on either side of Stalida beach is lined with beaches, listed below by distance.
Stalida beach sits on the old national road, and the KTEL buses between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop about 500 m from the sand, a 5-minute walk from most hotels. A paved road runs down to the beach, with parking nearby. A beach day here pairs easily with the Minoan palace at Malia and the quieter sands further east, and the easiest way to reach them on your own schedule is with a rental car, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Stalida beach is on the north coast of Crete, about 30 km east of Heraklion and around 3 km east of Hersonissos, on the stretch of coast that runs into Malia.
Yes. The water is shallow and gently sloping over a sandy seabed, so children can paddle safely close to shore, and the beach is fully organised with facilities within easy reach.
Stalida beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards in season, plus beach bars, tavernas, and water sports along the shore.
Yes. Stalida beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand, split into 2 parts by a short rocky cape.
Stalida beach is popular and busiest in July and August, yet it stays calmer and more family-oriented than the main beach at nearby Malia.
Yes. Water sports are available along the shore, including jet skis toward the Malia end, and the rocky sections are good for snorkelling.
Take the KTEL bus between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, which stops about 500 m from the beach, or drive down the paved road and park nearby; a rental car also makes the quieter beaches along the coast easier to reach.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The coast on either side of Malia beach is lined with more beaches, listed below by distance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Malia beach offers jet skis, banana boat rides, and parasailing, along with swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
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.
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.
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.
Hersonissos, a bustling tourist hotspot in Crete situated just 28km to the east of Heraklion, is renowned for its tranquil beaches and calm seas – a rarity along the northern coast of Crete due to the prevailing northern winds. The most serene beaches can be found to the west of the port, shielded by the Cape Sarandaris. Towards the east of the port, however, lie the resort’s most frequented beaches.
As you venture east from the port of Hersonissos, the first sight to greet you is a sprawling, narrow, sandy beach, buzzing with throngs of beachgoers. It’s impeccably organized and conveniently close to the city’s amenities, though it may not be the best choice for those seeking a more serene environment.
Journeying further east, a series of small, sandy coves become apparent, primarily situated in front of hotels. Of these, Silva Maris Beach stands out with its high level of organization, a lifeguard, and numerous facilities. Continuing eastwards, you’ll encounter Star Beach, one of Crete’s most populous beaches, largely patronized by British and Dutch tourists. Lastly, near Cape Drapanos lie the peaceful beaches of Eastern Hersonissos, offering a quieter seaside experience.
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.
The Aposelemis Canyon, also known as the longest and most significant geological canyon in the northern part of the Heraklion prefecture, terminates at the settlement of Agrianá (locally known as Adrianna), near Hersonissos. The Aposelemis River traverses this canyon, though water is only present in parts of the canyon following heavy rainfall. However, the river at higher altitudes retains water throughout the wet months, thanks to the phyllite rocks. Despite its length, accessibility, and proximity to Heraklion, the canyon remains relatively undiscovered by the local population. The Aposelemis Canyon is characterized by strikingly beautiful and imposing vertical walls that reach up to 200 meters in height, along with several rock shelters. The canyon floor is smooth throughout, posing no technical challenges. In recent times, the Hersonissos Municipality has constructed a lovely trail along the canyon floor, making the walk both enjoyable and easy. The trail also features recreational areas with wooden benches at the start and end points.
This crucial ecosystem is home to waterfowl and birds of prey. A hidden riparian forest, particularly in the upper region of the canyon, is the real gem. The mixed forest is made up of ancient trees with massive trunks, truly natural marvels. Trees such as the plane, holm oak, oak, holly, carob, osier, among others, can be found here. The dense forest often obscures the trail. An old stone bridge, Xerokamares, is located just before the southern entrance, within the river. The most convenient way to access the canyon is via its northern exit. A dirt road from the bridge of the old national road leads to the Aposelemis gorge. Following this dirt road, you’ll pass the picturesque yet ruined settlement of Plevris, and eventually reach the bridge of the new highway, where the trail begins. It takes at least two hours to traverse the gorge.
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.
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.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
