Malia Crete

The picturesque Malia Town can be found on the north-east coast about thirty-five kilometers from the capital Heraklion, in the northern part between the Dikti and Selena mountains on whose slopes there are thermal springs and expanses of olive trees that reach the sea.

Kilometers of sandy beaches and nightclubs where you can spend crazy nights waiting for the sunrise this is the resort of Malia. Divided by the main road at the foot of Mount Selena we find the old part of the city with zigzagging alleys from traditional music venues, souvenir shops and small cafes for a stop perhaps with a good Greek coffee.

The northern part instead presents the new buildings up to the coast with large hotels and resorts. The long avenue is lined with clubs of all kinds from discos, clubs, disco bars, beach bars that offer any type of entertainment 24 hours a day where especially fleets of very young people love to gather in theme parties or foam parties.

Let's say that Malia is a very suitable destination for children for its great leisure opportunities, but families can still find the atmosphere for a more peaceful holiday.

Inhabited since the Neolithic period with evidence of monuments dating back to 2200 BC. , Malia reaches its maximum splendor and power in the palatial period between 1900 and 1675 BC. Its original name is unfortunately still unknown but according to ancient writings it seems it was called Milatos or Tarmara. According to Greek mythology, its first king was Sarpedon, son of Zeus and Europa and the younger brother of Minos. Along with Knossos, Festus and Zakros, Malia was part of the most important Minoan settlements in Crete as evidenced by the large palace that we can admire today in the archaeological site. Malia then remained abandoned until the Roman era, which restored splendor to the area.

First of all the Minoan Palace. Dated from the Bronze Age, a tremendous earthquake razed it to the ground together with the Palace of Knossos (it is attributed to the cataclysm of Santorini) but, at the end of the Late Bronze Age it was rebuilt. A majestic site with a rectangular shaped courtyard in the center that covered about 1000 meters. The floors were equipped with a complex drainage system very advanced compared to the period.

The first excavations began in 1915 right on the hill of Azymo da Chatzidakis a Greek archaeologist who brought to light the west part of the palace and the tombs whose finds are now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and a part at the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. Later the French Archaeological School of Athens undertook the research of the palace and in the necropolis on the coast.

To access the archaeological site, cross a paved road with many paths called processional streets. On each side of the Palace there was an entrance and in the courtyard in the center an altar with arcades on the sides. The west side was dedicated to worship and were the apartments of the authorities and warehouses. In the cloister dominated a loggia and right next to the Kernos a circular stone table with 34 cavities, a flight of steps which is assumed to be the theater. In the eastern part, on the other hand, the warehouses with huge two-meter high terracotta pots used mainly to store wheat and olive oil. On the north side there are laboratories, warehouses and a room with two rows of three columns with another identical room above it used for banquets. A corridor connected the central courtyard with the northern part. The necropolis is instead located in some caves on the north-east coast, the most famous one where the jewel depicting bees on the drop of honey was found, which can be admired at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Opening hours from 8:30 to 15:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.

The church of Agios Nektarios in the old part on the main road is considered the largest in all of Malia and inside there are large murals by Michael Vassilakis. On the left we arrive at the church of Agios Ioannis from the Venetian era where an immense bougainvillea creates a spectacular flowery arch on the alley.

Continuing for a few meters you arrive at the square that houses the church of Agios Dimitros. Dating from the end of the 19th century, it was built over the ruins of an older place of worship. In the north aisle dedicated to San Demetrius the iconostasis of 1868 is preserved, representing icons such as that of Galaktotrofoussa the Nursing Madonna, San Demetrius and Pantocrator (God), the one to the south dedicated to the Annunciation contains more recent iconostases such as that of John Baptist and in the upper part images relating to the creation of the world, of Adam and the delivery of the ten commandments. Twice a year the church of Agios Dimitrios is celebrated, on October 26 and March 25. Around the church some taverns and an old kiosk which in the past offered only a few things like cigarettes but which nowadays sells everything.

We arrive at the oldest church in Malia, Panagia Galatiani translated as the Virgin of Milk (in Greek Panagia Vergine, gala milk).Erected in different historical periods, its construction began in 1400 during the Venetian domination with the first nave and some parts coming from an ancient church of Potamos a village about three kilometers from Malia. At the beginning of the 19th century a second aisle was inserted in the north side and at the end of the century the bell tower and the third nave which completes the temple were built. Next to it, the only water well left in the town that had no running water until the 1960s. Curious the name of the church, the story tells that to build it the shepherds donated their milk to mix with the mud and hence 'Panagia Galatiani.

In the evening, however, we advise you to head to the church of Agios Georgios where there is a picturesque tavern and you can enjoy delicious mezedes (appetizers) accompanied by a good glass of ouzo and live music.

For a day of fun instead go to Aqua Word about twenty minutes outside Malia towards Hersonissos where you can observe a wonderful selection of reptiles and sea creatures. It should be noted that most of the animals were pets or rescued, thus putting them in safety and in a comfortable environment. It is open every day from April to October cost € 8 for adults and € 4 for children aged 3 to 12.

https://www.aquaworld-crete.com/ +30 28970 29125

It is located in the new part of the city and has a three kilometer long coastline of fine gold sand and clean, calm blue waters with a gently sloping seabed. The east part is usually the quieter one with little equipment where some stretches of rock will be fun for snorkelers. The west area, on the other hand, is the most crowded as it is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, diving centers, water sports centers and where evenings with theme parties and DJ sets are organized.

If you want something more peaceful, about three kilometers from Malia is Potamos beach in a delightful bay with a golden sand beach with some rocks on the sides for snorkeking enthusiasts, washed by a clear and transparent sea. The seabed slopes down so it is excellent for families with children. The only drawback that at times it can be disturbed by the wind. It is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas at a cost of about € 8 and two kiosks, one where you can only find fruit, the other with drinks and quick food. One stretch is completely free and nearby a supermarket and a typical tavern.

The one and a half kilometer long pedestrian street called “The Strip” that reaches the beach, is the nightlife area, where most of Malia's nightclubs are located. During the day almost always half empty and sleepy, at sunset it comes alive with colorful neon lights and fun until the sun comes up. In many clubs, admission is free, you only pay for the drink so 'ideal to pass even more' than one. Among the best known are the Candy Club, Corkers Nighclub, Apollo Club and Bar 1 just to name a few (see this article completely dedicated to nightlife in Malia).

It depends on where you will be staying, head north east and as a reference keep the city of Heraklion the capital which is about thirty kilometers from the fun Malia.

Just for a night in some famous club it is worth putting it on the list of things to do in Crete!