Skiing / 11.02.2024

Crete, Greece: Malia. Malia (Crete) Greece island of Crete city of Malia

Greece is a country worth visiting. First of all, what makes a country attractive is its history. The birthplace of Olympus, Zeus, and the canons of architecture that are still followed today.

For those in love with the sea, it will be interesting that Greece is washed by 3 seas: the Aegean (Cretan), Libyan (part of the Mediterranean) and Ionian.

About the city

Malia (Greece) is a resort located in the north of the island of Crete, on the coast of the Cretan Sea.

The climate here is moderately warm. In January the temperature here is ~ 11 ºС. The hottest days in August: ~ 27 ºС. “Cold weather” down to 20 ºС continues from November to April. From May to October the weather changes, the temperature stays above 23 ºС.

The name of the village of Malia (Greece) seems to indicate the landscape of the area, because in translation from Greek “omali” means “smoothed”.

Story

Malia is the center of the Minoan state, the birthplace of the main Greek god Zeus. The Palace of Minos (2 kilometers from Malia), reduced to ruins by a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini, is one of the four significant palaces of Crete. Sarpedon, brother of Minos and son of Zeus, reigned in this palace.

Palace of Minos

The palace was built in 1900 BC. e., until 200 years later it was destroyed by an earthquake. After restoration, it stood for another 250 years.

In 1915, excavations in this area were carried out by the Greek archaeologist Joseph Hadzidakis, and later by the French Archaeological School. They discovered the ruins of the palace itself, the settlements of the townspeople, as well as burials in Chryssolakkos (“the pit of gold”) and the “Agora” - a seal workshop.

The city in this area has existed since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by the found vessels.

The Malian palace was not luxurious. But in terms of size and amenities, the Minoan palace in Crete ranks third among the 4 palaces. The area of the complex is 7.5 thousand square meters. m.

The palace consisted of 2 floors. The entrance was located from the west and was equipped with paved slabs. The palace complex includes a central courtyard and loggia, sanctuaries and grain barns, royal chambers and workshops, storerooms and residential buildings. One of the houses has been reconstructed. It presents archaeological finds. An important find is a gold decoration in the form of two bees holding a honeycomb. On the territory of the complex there is also a Hypostyle Hall (a large indoor hall), which was previously decorated with columns.

The palace of Malia (Crete) owes its crowds of tourists. This is the main attraction of the city and is worth a visit.

Malia on the map of Greece

Attractions

Malia and Crete has the following attractions:

Safari Club Crete - safari club. Drive along the plateau in a safari jeep and learn a lot from a local guide, enjoy beautiful views of the island and try authentic cuisine, see a Cretan village, and also visit the cave of Zeus - the trip will leave a lot of impressions.
Malia beach, Bay of Malia, Paralia Mallion, Potamos Beach. There are plenty of beaches for those who like to bask in the sun.
Knossos. Closer to Heraklion is the ancient city of Knossos, the most powerful city of Crete in the time of Minos. The Palace of Knossos is a complex architectural achievement of its time. The following achievements of civilization are presented here: multi-story buildings, natural and artificial lighting, paved paths and water supply, sewerage, ventilation and heating.

Helpful information! According to legend, the labyrinth of Daedalus, in which the Minotaur was imprisoned, is located in the vicinity of this particular city. Or perhaps the city itself was a labyrinth.

Afentis Christos. Not far from the Mali beach there is an island with a 15th century temple. The surviving frescoes, although not numerous, are, however, of great interest.
Agia Varvara is another islet, not far from the island of Afentis Christos. This place will be of interest to connoisseurs of azure beaches and comfortable hotels.
Happy Train. A small train travels for an hour and a half around the outskirts of Malia and stops at Chryssolakkos, which will allow you to get to know the city better. An adult ticket on such a train costs 12 euros, and a child ticket costs 6.*
Lychnostatis Open Air Museum. An open-air museum where you can get acquainted with the traditions of the island, national clothing, and way of life. An adult ticket will cost 9 euros, and a child ticket will cost 4 euros.*
Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre. Another attraction is the aquarium, which displays aquatic inhabitants. Animals are allowed to be contacted and photographed. The aquarium staff often organizes exciting shows.

Excursions

Knossos Palace, Cave of Zeus, Lasithi Plateau, Kera Monastery

The excursion is suitable for those who would like to get to know the Minoan civilization in more detail. The trip will show the main attractions of central Crete: Knossos Palace, the Cave of Zeus, the Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady of the Heart, a pottery workshop with a master class.

Knossos palace

Duration of the trip: from 8.00 to 18.00 hours.

The price includes: a comfortable bus and a Russian-speaking guide.

Entrance fees are paid separately: Knossos - 15 euros, Cave of Zeus - 6 euros, Monastery of the Virgin Mary - 2 euros. Under 18 years of age admission is free.*

Lunch is also paid separately.

Tour cost:

36 euros for adults;
18 euros for children from 5 to 12 years old;
children under 4 years old - free.

Gramvousa Island, Balos Lagoon

The lagoon has a clean beach, soft sand and warm water.

On the island of Gramvousa, where after the lagoon they are also delivered by ship, the group visits an old pirate fortress, where, according to legend, the Barbarossa pirates lived.

The duration of the trip is from 6.00 to 22.00 depending on the place of residence.

The price includes: a comfortable bus to the port and a Russian-speaking escort.

Paid separately:

Ship ticket (19 euros, 50% for children 5-12 years old, free for children under 4 years old inclusive).
Municipal tax (1 euro, children under 18 free).
Lunch (optional) - 7 euros per person.

Tour cost:

adult - 33 euros;
children (5-12 years old) - 17 euros;
children under 4 years old - free.

Laguna Balos

Travel to Athens

This excursion is quite long. Departure from Crete in the evening, overnight on a ship with bars and restaurants, early in the morning arrival in Athens. Next, a trip around Greece by bus.

The excursion includes a visit to the ancient Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, a tour of the main attractions of the city, then free time to see Athens.

In the evening the bus returns to the port, overnight - on the ship to Crete. Arrival at the hotel in the morning.

The price includes:

comfortable bus to Heraklion and back;
ferry tickets;
breakfast on the ship;
Russian-speaking guide in the Acropolis and museum;
Russian escort in Athens.

Paid separately:

ticket to the Acropolis (20 euros, children under 18 years old free);
ticket to the museum (5 euros, children under 18 years old free);
dinner and supper.

Tour cost:

adult - 145 euros;
children (5-12 years old) - 73 euros;
children under 4 years old - free.

Car rental in Malia

When deciding to rent a car, it is important to understand that its cost will depend on factors such as the time of year, the make of the car, the number of rental days (the distance to be driven), automatic or manual, and the presence or absence of insurance.

Important! Renting a car in Malia will cost 40-300 euros per day. At the height of summer, prices will be higher. If you rent a car for several days, the daily rental cost is reduced. It is worth considering: the smaller and simpler the car, the lower the price.

Stores and shopping

There are grocery stores and supermarkets in the city:

Super Market Chalkiadakis - health and organic food store;
Super Market Ria;
Stefi Supermarket;
Spar;
Filipidis.

Souvenir shops:

Olivia Shop;
GreekLand;
Pink Flamingo.

Additional Information! For markets and shopping centers, it is better to go to the capital of Crete, Heraklion.

Kitchen

In Malia, it is worth trying Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as seafood. Traditional food is, of course, Greek olives (each Greek eats approximately 100 g of olives per day), as well as bananas and fresh vegetables.

The most popular dish in Greece is moussaka - a casserole of vegetables, meat and cheese with bechamel sauce.

The Greeks also eat roast rabbit in garlic or wine sauce.

Also popular:

saganaki - cheese fried in olive oil;
squid rings in batter;
souvlaki - a dish similar to kebab, but served with Greek spices;
in addition, snails are a healthy dish rich in vitamin B;
Greek coffee.

Attention! Portions in restaurants are usually large, so one is enough for two.

A hearty meal in a restaurant costs between 15 and 40 euros.

Restaurants and cuisines:

Avli in Malia - Greek and Mediterranean;
The Red Lion Gastropub and Restaurant - European, British, Greek;
Pepper’s Burger & Pizza Bar - American and Greek;
The House - Steak House Restaurant - suitable for vegetarians;
Cretan Family FISH AND GRILL - seafood.

Experienced tourists' descriptions of Malia are positive, praising Malian hotels for their high level of service.

On a note! As for the car, travelers recommend booking in advance on the Internet to reduce the price. In addition, cars are cheaper to rent in Heraklion than in Malia. Buses to Heraklion run almost every hour from the hotels.

The hotels have everything for both adults and children, so you shouldn’t take unnecessary things like children’s toys.

Many people recommend trying olive oil and honey, which you can take with you.

All the things you need for relaxation and the beach are sold in stores near hotels, so it’s not necessary to take them from home either.

As for the language, many people speak Russian here, but not everyone, you need to be prepared for this.

Hersonissos

Travelers who have visited Malia reassure, saying that relaxing with children is not a problem here - the hotels have animators who can be trusted with a child even for the whole day.

Malia (Greece) is a resort city that is perfect for those who love a comfortable stay in hotels, who prefer to bask in the sun, and also have an active nightlife in bars and discos. Malia has all the conditions for such a holiday: beach, sea, shops, restaurants and bars.

*Prices shown are current as of October 2018.

A city for reckless youth holidays, Malia can replace Ibiza itself! Where else, if not here, can you find everything you need for any type of vacation (beach, active, cultural)? If you are full of energy, want to rock all night, relax to the fullest, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches and many nightclubs, Malia is for you!

The city is located just 35 km from Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. The city is divided into two parts: the old city, which is located in the foothills away from the beach and bustle. Here you can find old cozy streets with traditional houses, family taverns, colorful flowers entwined around old buildings.

The new part, closer to the beach, is full of activity. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels for every taste - life is in full swing here. When choosing hotels, it is worth considering the location of the hotel so that you know what to expect from the area: the noise of fun or a calm environment.

How to get there

You can get to Malia from Heraklion by taxi, bus or rented car. The bus service is very developed, so the cheapest and most convenient way to travel is by regular bus. But if you arrive late in the evening or in a large group, you can consider taking a taxi.

Hotels

This resort has a large selection of hotels of any star rating: 3 five-star hotels, 10 four-star hotels, the rest are budget hotels 1-3*. 17 B&B hotels, up to 100 rental housing options.

Beaches

Malia has the best sandy beaches on Crete. The beaches are fully equipped for relaxation, there is a large selection of water attractions and outdoor games. During peak season, Malia beach can get quite crowded. For a more secluded holiday, you can head a little northwest of the city, where there will be another, more spacious and less crowded beach.

Families vacationing with children, before deciding to spend their holidays in Malia, should keep in mind that there is an atmosphere of eternal celebration and permissiveness here.

Young people mainly go to the city for the three Cs (in English: sea, sand, sex), so it is unlikely for children to watch love scenes, which are not a rare occurrence, right on the beach.

Cafes and restaurants

The city of Malia, as mentioned, is famous for its restaurants, bars and clubs. Many restaurants are popular thanks to grateful reviews from tourists on the Internet, but there are many small, unknown cafes and taverns that are also worth exploring. Steakhouses with Mexican and English grilled food, traditional taverns with authentic food, family taverns with Greek cuisine, pizza and pasta, pubs with drinks and snacks, an American restaurant with barbecue and steaks... The choice of establishments is amazing!

Shopping

Shopping is also possible. There are 2 large supermarkets, many small shops and souvenir shops. It is better to buy all the necessary things in a supermarket near the central beach, and souvenirs in a huge store on a parallel street. The prices are not quite ideal, but affordable. Also in the city you can buy gold and silver jewelry in one of the many shops. There is no doubt about their originality and authenticity.

Why is it interesting?

Malia is not only a city of entertainment and vibrant nightlife. For history and architecture lovers, you can visit archaeological centers three kilometers from the city. The ruins of a Minoan-era Mali palace were found here. Fragments of buildings, utensils, and workshops have been preserved in the palace. Fragments of some found vessels confirm that there was a settlement on the site of Malia during the Neolithic era.

The multifaceted city will be of interest to anyone who wants to spend a beach holiday with visits to both entertainment and cultural events, but it is not a very suitable option for a holiday with small children.

Malia (or Malia) is a small resort town on the north-eastern coast of the island of Crete, Greece. The guidebook writes about Malia that it is the brightest and busiest resort in Crete. This is very similar to the truth (although I have not been to all the resort places on the island).

Malia is distinguished by two things:

Nice sandy beaches.
Vibrant nightlife.

And also nearby is one of the palaces of the Minoan era.
The Mali Palace is located about two to three kilometers east of the town on a quiet plain between the sea and Mount Selena. You can walk there quite easily, if you put on light, comfortable shoes and stock up on drinking water, and even better, a snack - then you can walk back to Malia. Go east along Tsagaraki Street (this is the first wide street from the beach, which runs parallel to the shore, also called Grammatikaki in the western part of Malia). Continue straight along this road for quite a long time until you come to a T-shaped intersection: to the right there will be a noisy highway, and you will see the corresponding signs. You will need to turn left and walk a little more.

Not far from the archaeological complex (the remains of a Minoan palace) towards the port of Malia, that is, back, there is a wide, large, relatively wild sandy beach. People come here on purpose.

Now directly about Malia. Regarding the first two things. The sandy beaches of Malia are some of the best in Crete . The advertising brochures contain a phrase about as many as 6 kilometers of “beautiful sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea.” This is approximately the case)) Even in the central part of the beach, there seem to be enough sun loungers for everyone. They are usually paid. It’s more profitable to buy a subscription;) “Densely populated” on the beaches is within reason. It didn’t seem to me that there were too many people, although I am quite sensitive to this issue.

The beach in the central part of Malia is very recognizable: at a distance of about one hundred and fifty meters from the shore there is a small island with a small white chapel. You can swim to the island, which many vacationers do from time to time.

IN vibrant nightlife has both its pros and cons. If you are a fan of nightlife, you will not be disappointed: Malia really has a lot of bars, pubs and nightclubs, they can be found in the center of the resort at literally every step. And there are quite a lot of people in them, it won’t be boring (probably;)).

At the same time, you need to understand that crazy British youth (on average fifteen years old) are purposefully going to Malia to have a blast. This public wakes up by noon and later, until the evening, comes to its senses and lazily hangs out in its company more often near the pool than at the sea. Towards the evening, having put themselves in order, these English-speaking youth move to fast food establishments, where they actively consume French fries and hamburgers, and in the late evening they flow into nightclubs. The fun lasts until 4-6 am, and then the guys return to their hotels and start yelling. Until they communicate with each other and calm down - that is, hours before 7 am :-D

I actually consider myself a fairly tolerant person, and believe me, I describe all this without exaggeration. I had such a group of people (both boys and girls) living in the neighboring rooms, so I learned their life routine very well;) No, I’m not complaining. I just slept with earplugs every night. It's OK. In addition, it is not at all a fact that you will be as “lucky” with your neighbors as I am. British teenagers are only part of the holidaymakers; families and calmer friends go to Malia.

It’s also impossible not to say that British youth in Malia love to rent ATVs and bikes and drive whole groups through the streets of the city. Because it's not interesting to be alone. It seemed like they were just driving around the streets in circles for fun, because Malia is a small town: everything you need is within walking distance. Since the sidewalks in Malia are narrow, and more often than not they are simply absent, many times you have seen pedestrians shy away from the roaring and dusty company of ATVs.

British teenagers, especially girls, often look very specific in the evening. War paint - of course. Black color in clothes is held in special esteem. The outfits are very revealing. Obese girls are not at all ashamed of their size and wear equally short skirts and equally tight tops. In a word,.. uh... very much for an amateur))

There are also hotels whose guests hear noise from nightclubs every night. Read reviews before you book!

However, I don’t want you to conclude that Malia is not a place for families with children. The young people hanging out are not aggressive, there are not so many of them in the city, but at sea these people almost never exist. And the beaches for swimming children in Malia are good - there are many places where there is a gentle entrance, almost everywhere there is pleasant sand (which is not so much in Crete). And they go to Malia with children.

The photo shows the central part of Malia beach - note: there are quite a lot of children.

In Malia too many restaurants, various taverns and cafes. Having somewhere to eat is not a problem. There's even McDonald's.

The city is divided into two parts. The lower town (adjacent to the beach) is tourist: hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops for tourists. And there is also the top one, Old city , where most of the local population lives. Be sure to take a walk there - there are also many restaurants and taverns, there are cozy squares where lights are lit in the evenings and they take on a very nice romantic look, there are several churches.

In Malia, it is easy to rent a car or motorcycle to travel around Crete on your own, and there are also many travel companies with Russian-speaking staff who will be happy to take you on excursions.

From Malia it is easy to get to the capital of the island of Crete - the city of Heraklion, to the cute town of Agios Nikolaos, and to the WaterCity water park on your own by regular bus. Bus schedules are posted at the stops. The intercity bus in Malia runs along the second major street, parallel to the coast, the street that separates the lower and old town, it is called Veniziou.

I enjoyed my holiday in Malia. The hospitality of the Cretans, good sea and beach, delicious food and a large selection of restaurants and taverns; there are places to go for a walk, many tourist shops where you can choose souvenirs and buy essential food products. And the frantic British youth - well, this is a specificity that surprises, but does not necessarily interfere with rest. I personally don’t understand - if you need nightlife and clubs - why go to the sea at all???

At the end of the review - a few more photos of the town of Malia (Crete)

As you can see, the strip of beach is quite narrow, the sunbeds are relatively dense, but there are always free sunbeds. Due to the fact that the width of the beach is small, the sea does not get crowded with people.

There are quite a lot of people, but it’s impossible to say that the apple has nowhere to fall.

The length of the beach is quite long. Photo against the sun(

Cafe by the beach. Assorted cocktails. The staff is genuinely welcoming.

Orthodox churches. The inside looks almost the same as Orthodox churches in Russia. But here I was very amused by the wall painting on hellish themes)) (Sorry for the photo quality) One of the demons even has female breasts!

View of the sea and beach from the cafe.

How to get there

by KTEL bus for 3.80 euros from Heraklion. From the city bus station A, flights to Malia depart every hour starting at 6.30, the last at 21.45. The trip will take 35-40 minutes. A bus runs from the airport terminal to the bus station every 15-20 minutes for 1.10 euros;
a taxi from the airport will cost 40-50 euros;
You can rent a car right at the airport. The cost of a weekly rental of an Opel Corsa car will be approximately 350 euros, a VW Polo will cost 400, and a Toyota Pirus will cost 560 euros.

Car rent

If you have a license and driving experience for more than a year, then it’s worth it for a good rest. A large number of historical and natural attractions, beautiful beaches, picturesque gorges, waterfalls, caves. All this splendor is located in different parts of the island; having a car at your disposal will make visiting them much easier.

It is better to order a car in advance on the Internet, specifying the pick-up location at the airport or hotel where you plan to stay. But it’s easy to do on the spot. There are a large number of rental offices in Malia.

Closer to mid-June, with the start of the high season, the cost of renting a car increases, and the range of cars offered decreases.

So, during the season, the cost of a Skoda Fabia per week will be 410, and at the end of September the rental will cost 257 euros.
In addition, renting for seven days will cost much less than renting for one. The price of the same Skoda Fabia per day will be about 85 euros.
When concluding a contract, pay attention to the insurance, it should be as complete as possible; the roads in Crete, although good, are not very easy to drive due to the mountainous landscape. The price of gasoline in Greece is 1.70 euros per liter, diesel costs 1.37 euros.

The cost of renting a scooter for a week is approximately 300 euros, for a day - 34 euros, a motorcycle 400-500 euros, for a day - 58-64 euros. A bicycle will cost from 5 to 12 euros per day; you must ask for a bike lock.

One of the popular and reliable rental companies in Malia is Cretamotor.

Located at: Grammatikaki street. If you move from the large church in the center of Malia to the embankment, first turn left, then 300 m, the entrance is on the right.
Telephone: +30 28 970 33 039.

Beaches

The season in Malia starts in April and ends towards the end of October. The maximum air temperature reaches +35°C, and the water warms up to +25°C.

Stalida Beach stretches along the entire town. There is everything you need here: umbrellas and sun loungers (5 euros for a set of one umbrella and two sun loungers), changing cabins, showers, volleyball court, rescue service, water sports center. There are numerous cafes and taverns along the beach, almost all of them offer a children's menu.

Sandy beaches of the village of Malia ( Sun Beach, Dolphin) are considered the best on the coast. Clean and well-groomed, with a gentle entrance to the water, they provide all the conditions for a comfortable stay. Umbrellas, sun loungers (5 euros per set), children's and sports grounds, showers. The Dolphin Water Sports Center offers catamaran and banana boat rides for 5 euros, parasailing for 40 euros. Regular customers can get a discount.

There is a Dolphin bar on the beach, which is very popular. You can spend the whole day here by renting an umbrella and sun loungers for 5 euros. The bar is famous for its excellent cocktails, inexpensive quality food and a pleasant atmosphere created by the bar's owners, a Dutch couple.

Potamos Beach (Potamos) is located near the ruins of the Malian palace, two kilometers east of the port of Malia. This is a large sandy beach with coarse white-golden sand and crystal clear water, there are always few people here. There are several bars, changing cabins, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas (6 euros).

Malia Hotels

Malia is a lively resort, aimed primarily at tourists. In the village itself and its surroundings there are about 70 hotels and apartments that can satisfy any request.

Hotel Royal Heights Resort 5*

Situated on a hill near the center of Malia and covers an area of approximately 24 hectares. Nothing disturbs the silence of the night here; the proximity of the city, famous for its bustling life, is practically not felt. The hotel provides a shuttle bus that takes you to the beach and town.
It consists of two-story modern buildings with hotel entrances to each room and villas with their own garden and swimming pool. All rooms offer superb sea views. Royal Heights Resort has several swimming pools, a spa and a fitness club with a sauna and Turkish bath, open all year round.

During the season, a week of accommodation will cost a family of two adults and one child approximately 125,000 rubles;

High Beach Hotel 4* and Miramare Annex High Beach 3*

The small High Beach Hotel is located 200 meters from the center of the village of Malia, on the seashore. Next to it is the Miramare Annex High Beach 3* building.
These hotels have the same infrastructure: a small but well-groomed and green area, a fish pond, 2 swimming pools with bars, a beach bar. The Miramare building has slightly smaller rooms.
The hotel beach is sandy with a gentle entrance. You can rent catamarans and canoes for free at Dolphin Club Water Sport. Sunbeds are free, beach towels for a deposit of 10 euros, change of towels - 2 euros.
The hotel also operates on an all-inclusive basis. The hotel has a mini club for children from 4 to 12 years old.

A week for a family of three will cost 115,000 rubles in a 4* building and about 92,000 rubles in a 3* building;

Cretan Malia Park 4*

Located 1 kilometer from the village of Malia, on the seashore. Consists of a main building and a complex of two-story bungalows, in a park area.
The hotel has its own sandy beach and is recommended for family holidays. There is an opportunity for tennis and table tennis, aerobics, and there is a volleyball court on the beach.
Meals can be ordered on an all-inclusive basis, or just breakfast.

The cost of a week's accommodation for a family of three will be about 95,000 rubles;

Family Hotel Philoxenia 3*

The Philoxenia Hotel buildings are separated 150 meters from its own sandy beach.

Consists of several three-story buildings.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV, and have a balcony or terrace.

On site there is a swimming pool, children's playground, table tennis and billiards tables.

The cost of a week's accommodation for a family of three will be about 40,000 rubles;

Malia Beach 3*

The hotel is built in traditional Cretan style. Offers 35 small rooms equipped with air conditioning, a mini refrigerator and a balcony.
On site there is a small swimming pool with a bar and a jacuzzi, sunbeds are free. Located in the city center, 800 meters to the beach. Umbrellas and sunbeds are paid, 5 euros per set. BBQ nights are held every week.

For a week, the cost of living for a family of three will be about 29,000 rubles;

Apartment Pyrgos 2*

Located 100 meters from the sandy beach and a short walk from the center of Malia.

The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony and a kitchenette with a stovetop and refrigerator.

The swimming pool is located close to the beach and sun loungers are provided free of charge. The pool bar offers drinks and snacks.

A week's accommodation will cost a family of three people 28,000 rubles.

Where can you eat delicious food?

Tavern Milos

Located in the old town at the address: st. G.Lapidis 9. According to numerous reviews, it is considered one of the best not only in Malia, but throughout Crete.
A cozy veranda surrounded by greenery, a friendly host and, of course, excellent Cretan cuisine.

Simmered lamb, eggplants stuffed with meat and cheese, freshly caught sardines. Fruits and rakia as a compliment.

The approximate cost of dinner for two, including salad, main course, beer or local, will cost 45-50 euros. Phone: +3028970 33150

Cretan Family

The tavern is located next to the Malia Park Hotel. Cozy, with excellent cuisine. Huge portions.

The menu includes traditional Greek dishes: grilled meat and fish, stewed rabbit, shrimp, mussels, octopus. Excellent steaks, the owner’s favorite dish, which he prepares himself.

Half a liter of house wine costs 4 euros. The main meat course costs 8 euros, seafood about 20 euros, 6 euros.
The dinner takes place in a great atmosphere, all family members play musical instruments and remember the guests by name. For dessert, lemon liqueur or rakia, fruit and homemade cream are offered as a compliment. Phone: +302897031527.

Tavern Kalesma

Located in the old town at Omirou 8. Large selection of traditional Cretan dishes. Here they prepare perhaps the most delicious moussaka in the region.

On the menu: lamb kleftiko, stiffado (8 euros), baked feta in tomato sauce, onion soup. For dessert, homemade chocolate mousse, Greek yogurt with honey, fruit.

The average price for lunch for two with drinks is 35 euros. Phone: +30 2897 033125.

Fish tavern Malia Port

Malia Port is located next to the port. From the veranda you can admire the seascape.

Only fresh fish and seafood: anchovy, sea bass, shrimp, mussels, octopus, cuttlefish. Large portions.
Freshly squeezed juices are prepared.

Lunch for two will cost 40-45 euros. Phone: +302897032463

What and where can you buy?

At the entrance to Malia from Heraklion there is a small shop

Soap based on olive oil will cost 3.5 euros, creams cost from 7 euros, masks from 10. Magnets cost 1 euro, the cost of fragrant Cretan honey starts from 5.5 euros. Everything is carefully packed in paper and then in a branded bag.

There are two supermarkets in Malia: SPAR on the embankment and another Chalkiadakis SPAR on Mattheou Zachariadi street, behind the Church of St. Nektarios. Here you can buy olive oil and oil much cheaper.

The price of olive oil starts from 5 euros per liter. Experts advise buying here a yellow wrinkled melon that has a honey taste.

On Dimokratias Street there is a large souvenir shop with three floors selling paintings, figurines, porcelain and leather goods.

On the main street of the city, pay attention to the sellers of small Cretan bananas, sometimes they are greenish. Not very cheap, 2 euros per kilo, they taste excellent.

Sights of Malia

Temples

On the central street of Malia is the largest church of the city - St. Nektarios, its interior is decorated with frescoes by the Greek artist M. Vasilakis.

It is behind this church that the alleys of the old city begin. If you turn left at the first intersection, you can walk to the Venetian Church of St. John.

The surroundings of Malia are of interest to travelers who prefer active holidays.

Ruins of the Malian Palace

In the east of Malia, about three kilometers from the center is the famous archaeological excavation site of the Malian Palace. Its ruins, unlike, have not been reconstructed and are in their original form. Visitors have the chance to mentally recreate their original appearance themselves. Entrance to the territory costs 4 euros, you must enter before 15.00.

Mojos

5-6 kilometers from Malia in a picturesque mountain valley is the cozy town of Mohos. For those who want to see the traditional way of life of the Cretans, it is worth taking a walking tour along the paved hiking trail.

You can relax and have lunch at the Lithos tavern with the hospitable owner Nikos: homemade olive oil, slow-cooked lamb, steamed fish, Greek yogurt with honey, all traditional Greek cuisine on your table. The approximate cost of lunch for two with house wine is 20 euros.

Monastery of St. George

Five kilometers from the city is the monastery of St. George. It can be seen on the mountainside immediately at the entrance to the Selinari gorge. The modern monastery complex, impressive with its architectural decoration, was built on the site of the old one, which was founded during the period of Byzantine rule and destroyed by the Turks in the 16th century.
According to legend, three brothers lived in these places, originally from the island of Rhodes, and one of them, Nikolaos, had an epiphany: he found an icon of St. George in the mountains. The old monastery church was built on this site. After this event, Nikolaos became a hermit and settled in a cave not far from the place where he found the icon. When the saint died, his relics were transported by sailors to Rhodes, and the very place of his death, the rock opposite the monastery, is marked with a large cross.

Currently, the miraculous icon can only be seen on the feast of St. George in May. A copy of it is on display in the monastery church. From the platform in front of the monastery there is an excellent view of the surrounding area, right down to the coast.

You can get here by rented car along the road leading to Agios Nikolaos or by taxi for about 15 euros, admission is free.
Before visiting the monastery, you should take care of appropriate clothing.

Some excursions

From Malia it is convenient to travel to Agios Nikolaos, a charming town hidden inside the large freshwater lake Voulismeni. There are numerous cafes around the lake.

It's nice to sit here and drink a cup or glass of cold juice. You can have lunch at one of the many taverns on the embankment or deep in the narrow streets of the old town.

You can get here for 3.30 euros by bus from Malia, departure every hour. The last bus from Agios Nikolaos leaves at 22.15.

Already from Agios Nikolaos you can take a bus for 1.70 euros or a taxi for 10 euros to Elounda, admire Mirabello Bay and swim on the excellent municipal beach of this popular resort village.

An excursion boat departs from the port of Elounda every 30 minutes from 9.00 to 16.30 to the legendary. The ticket costs 10 euros, entrance to the territory of the abandoned city is 2 euros.

Night life

From 10 p.m. in Malia, a vibrant nightlife begins, which continues until 5 a.m. Hundreds of young people, mainly from England and Germany, come here to spend a fun holiday.

Most popular clubs: Malibu Club, Camelot Castle And Banana Club. In general, there are a lot of clubs, entry to them is free, only drinks are paid for. Therefore, you can go from one to another all night, looking for the one you like the most. Dance clubs include Candy club And Appolo club.

Most taverns and cafes, as well as souvenir shops in the city center are open until late in the evening.

At the same time, Malia has some of the best beaches, a gentle entrance to the crystal clear sea, and developed infrastructure.

Families with children and those who do not want to take part in the seething fun until 5 am should choose hotels on the outskirts of the city, where there is no noise from numerous discos. In this case, your holiday will not be overshadowed, and you will be able to fully enjoy the magnificent nature and hospitality of this region.

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Crete, Greece: Malia. Malia (Crete) Greece island of Crete city of Malia