Malia holidays

How to reach Malia

Flight time: Flights to Crete typically take around 4 hours from London and other major UK airports.

Transfer time: A taxi from Heraklion International Airport to Malia takes 30 to 40 minutes. Travelling by bus can take upwards of 1 hour.

Price: A taxi from the airport to Malia costs about €40–€50. The public bus fare is around €5, offering a budget-friendly alternative.

Weather and best time to visit Malia

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Malia depends on your weather preferences and whether you want to experience the town’s party scene.

April to June brings warm weather and clear skies. Average temperatures range from 18 to 25°C and around 8 to 12 hours of sunshine daily – comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. May is likely the earliest you’ll want to swim (sea temperatures average 20°C), and the bar-club scene doesn’t kick off before June.

July to August is peak season with boatloads of tourists arriving to party. These are the hottest, driest months, with temperatures around 25 to 27°C. You can spend hours in the water with the sea at a balmy 24°C.

September to October sees cooler temperatures and fewer crowds (the party scene dies down around the first week of September). Expect increased cloud cover, some showers and temperatures between 26 and 22°C. These are good months for swimming and snorkelling.

November to March is off-season, with November ushering in a mix of wet and sunny days. Average temperatures range from 19°C in November to 14°C in January and 16°C by March. With few tourists to cater to, many hotels, restaurants and bars shutter for the season, so expect it to be very quiet.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: KTEL operates bus services in Crete. Buses link the major towns, but you may want to consider renting a car for more flexibility (and shorter journey times). Malia is also well-served by taxis. The town is easy to explore on foot, and the main beaches are all within walking distance.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Malia

Malia is a lively resort town on the north coast of Crete, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and Minoan palace. Malia holidays offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or culture.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mary’s Cave: Famous for its unusual stalagmites (and being bizarrely warm), this extraordinary cave offers a different kind of view. Accessible via the Malia to Mohos trail.

The best districts

• Malia Old Town: With its bougainvillaea-clad houses and traditional tavernas, Malia’s Old Town feels a world apart from the hubbub of the Malia Strip.

• Malia Strip: Jekyll to the Old Town’s Hyde, this area is party central. Running from the Old Town to the beach, it’s flanked by restaurants, bars and clubs.

Parks and gardens

• Malia Marsh Wetland: Neighbouring Potamos Beach, this 59-hectare natural coastal wetland is home to several species of birds and animals.

Museums

• Lychnostatis Open Air Museum: Roughly 6km from Malia, nudging into Hersonissos, this folklore museum recreates a traditional village. A fascinating insight into the island’s folk culture.

Historical monuments

• Palace of Malia: Located just 3km east of the town, this sprawling Minoan complex is Malia’s must-see site. It takes a little imagination to visualise how it must have once looked (models in the exhibition hall help).

• Church of Agios Nektarios: Worth a look for its beautiful frescoes.

Day trips in the area

• Heraklion: Home to the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos. Check out our deals on holidays to Heraklion.

• Lasithi Plateau: A scenic drive will take you to this fertile plateau surrounded by mountains. It’s known for its windmills and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Cretan life.

• Agios Nikolaos: This picturesque town, with its beautiful lake and bustling harbour, makes a lovely day trip. Discover more holidays to Agios Nikolaos.

Activities for families in Malia

Malia holidays are more geared toward young adults, but that’s not to say the town has nothing to offer family holidayers.

• Water parks: Splish, splash and slide at Acqua Plus or Water City. Both are within a 20–25-minute drive and feature a variety of slides, pools and attractions for kids of all ages (including big kids).

• Aquariums and zoos: Get hands-on at aquarium-cum-reptile rescue centre Aquaworld Aquarium, from fish feeding to snuggling with snakes – 10km from Malia.

• Family-friendly beaches: Organised Malia Beach ticks all the boxes: sandy with shallow water and kid-friendly rides like banana boats.

• Go-karting: Kartland Malia is a surefire hit for competitive family fun. Whizz past the kids to the finish line.

• Miniature golf: Swing by Crazy Mini Golf and challenge the fam to an 18-hole game.

Free things to do in Malia

Whether it’s lazy beach days or free festivals, there are a few ways to stretch your holiday budget.

• Beaches: Ditch the sunloungers and hit the sand at Malia, Tropical or Potamus beaches. By law, 50 percent of Greek beaches must be free for public use.

• Annual festivals: Celebrate the Apokries (a last hurrah before Lenten abstinence) in spring. The most famous Carnival is held in Rethymnon, but Malia also gets in on the action, staging a lively parade on the weekend before Clean Monday (the first day of Greek Orthodox Lent). To mark Clean Monday, local municipalities organise traditional music and dance events. Plus, there’s kite flying.

• Archeological sites: Get cultured on free admission days. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports waives admission charges on 6th March, 18th April, 18th May, the last weekend of September and 28th October.

Wellness in Malia

• Spas and thermal baths: Treat yourself to an indulgent spa experience. Many hotels and resorts in Malia, such as the Alexander Beach Hotel & Village, feature lux spas offering a variety of treatments, including massages, facials and body wraps.

• Traditional body care: Feel muscle tension melt away with thalassotherapy treatments at Philoxenia Hotel.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Align mind and body at the Yoga Pavilion at Cretan Malia Park with a yoga or meditation class.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Follow the Azilakodasos Trail and thread through a holm oak forest to Agios Georgios Selinaris Monastery. The trail starts in Chamoprina Woods, 4km outside Malia.

• Quad biking: Get off the beaten track. Join a quad safari tour with outfits such as Asterion Safari.

• Stand-up paddle boarding: Paddle the calm waters off Malia Beach. Dolphin WaterSports offer lessons and board rentals.

• Parasailing: Float through the air while a speed boat does the hard work. Fly solo or with an instructor with Aeolos Beach Water Sports.

• Snorkelling: Peek under the sea at Potamos Beach, particularly around the rocks.

Best beaches in Malia

Malia is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering a mix of lively spots and tranquil escapes. Whether you’re looking to relax on golden sands, take a dip in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy water sports, Malia’s beaches cater to all preferences. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holiday in Malia.

Malia Beach

Perfect for: Families, water sports, lively atmosphere

• Malia Beach: Also known as Central Beach, Malia Beach is the main beach in town and a favourite among both locals and tourists. With its golden sands and clear, shallow waters, it’s ideal for families with children. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and various water sports facilities, including jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing. Numerous beach bars and restaurants line the shore, providing a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of dining options.

Potamos Beach

Perfect for: Tranquillity, nature lovers, swimming

• Potamos Beach: Located just east of Malia, Potamos Beach offers a more peaceful alternative to the bustling Malia Beach. This serene beach is known for its soft sands and clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach is backed by a protected wetland area, providing a unique natural setting and opportunities for bird watching. While there are fewer facilities here, a small beach bar offers refreshments and light snacks.

Tropical Beach

Perfect for: Partygoers, young travellers, beach parties

• Tropical Beach: Famous for its lively beach parties and vibrant atmosphere, Tropical Beach is a hotspot for young travellers and partygoers. The beach features a mix of sandy and pebbly areas and is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Several beach bars play music throughout the day and night, creating a festive ambiance. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink, meet new people, and dance on the sand.

Sun Beach

Perfect for: Relaxation, families, convenience

• Sun Beach: Adjacent to Malia Beach, Sun Beach offers a slightly quieter environment while still being close to the town’s amenities. This family-friendly beach has soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for children. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports are available. The beach is also within walking distance to numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing convenience for visitors.

Stalis Beach

Perfect for: Families, couples, dining options

• Stalis Beach: Located a short distance west of Malia, Stalis Beach is a long sandy beach that stretches along the neighbouring town of Stalis. This beach is popular with families and couples due to its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. The beachfront is lined with tavernas, cafes, and shops, offering plenty of dining and shopping options. Stalis Beach is well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, and various water sports facilities.

Malia’s beaches offer something for every type of traveller, from the lively and energetic Malia Beach and Tropical Beach to the tranquil and scenic Potamos Beach. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, the beaches of Malia provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. Make the most of your time in this beautiful Cretan destination by exploring its diverse and stunning coastal spots.

Local dishes in Malia

One of the great delights of holidays to Malia is sampling the traditional cuisine that makes Crete one of Greece’s best foodie destinations.

Some typical dishes

• Boureki: A hearty baked pie made with layers of courgettes, potatoes and myzithra cheese flavoured with a touch of mint.

• Staka Me Ayga: A traditional Cretan breakfast dish, poached or fried eggs served on top of Staka (a buttery cream mixed with flour).

Meze dishes

• Dakos: Similar to Italian bruschetta, the Cretan take features soaked dried bread or barley rusk (Paximadi), topped with chopped tomatoes, feta or myzithra cheese, and seasoned with oregano and a dash of olive oil.

• Kohli Bourbouristi: A Cretan speciality, pan-fried snails seasoned with salt, vinegar and rosemary.

Meat dishes

• Lamb with Stamnagathi: Tender lamb cooked with wild chicory (Stamnagathi), flavoured with lemon and olive oil.

• Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb marinated in garlic and lemon, traditionally cooked in a sealed clay pot to seal the flavours.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Psarosoupa: A filling fish soup made with the freshest catch of the day and a medley of vegetables.

• Kalamari: Fried or grilled squid served with a wedge of lemon, often accompanied by a fresh salad.

Street food

• Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled pork or chicken served with pitta bread, tomatoes, onions and a tzatziki sauce.

• Gyros: Pittas stuffed with thinly sliced rotisserie meat, tomatoes, onions and sometimes chips with a generous dollop of tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Kalitsounia: Sweet cheese pastries typically flavoured with cinnamon and honey.

• Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts.

Local drinks

• Cretan wine: Crete is known for its excellent wines, with varieties such as Vidiano and Liatiko offering a taste of the island’s unique terroir.

• Tsikoudia: Or Raki by another name, this potent Cretan spirit is traditionally distilled from grape pomace in October and November and usually served neat as either an aperitif or a digestif.