Blessed with a sandy beach and just an hour or so from Heraklion airport, Malia is one of Crete's liveliest package holiday resorts. A magnet for rowdy teens and 20-somethings in high season, it has practically merged along the coast with the holiday hotels of Hersonissos.Crete traditional dress | from Greek Tourism Office
Thumping bars and clubs offer some of the busiest, buzzing nightlife on the island, and its wide beach, lined with pubs, hotels and restaurants, is packed with sun worshippers all summer. If you want to explore, you'll find some of the most important archaeological sites in the Med.
Getting there/around Malia
Malia is east of Heraklion airport, on the north coast of Crete. Transfer time is about an hour to 90 minutes. You could arrive at Heraklion by ferry from Athens, or several other destinations, on an island-hopping holiday.
Car hire is best booked in advance but beware of other drivers and dodgy roads – quad bikes are a menace. Buses run between main towns and taxis are cheap and cheerful.
Beaches in Malia
Malia's sandy shores are packed with partying Brits all summer. You won't have far to drag your body from the sunloungers to the beach parties or seemingly endless strip of restaurants, pubs and clubs. When you've exhausted those options, similar outlets can be found at nearby Hersonissos.
Windsurfing, banana rides and jet skis entertain those wanting action above the waves while colourful fish make it fun to snorkel. Just watch out for the flag warnings about undercurrents. If you travel further afield, Bali and Siteia are other popular beaches on the north coast.
Sightseeing in Malia
Crete was home to mythical monster the Minotaur, and there is a wealth of ancient ruins such as the famous Palace of Knossos, and the Palace of Malia, a couple of miles east of the town. The list could go on but to soak up 4,000 years of history in a day, check out one of the island's many fine museums such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Family attractions in Malia
Malia is a clubbers' heaven, so families with young kids may be better off in quieter resorts. It has Malia mini-golf on the beach road and Juniorland fun park in Old Malia. Nearby Hersonissos has the Aqua Splash Water Park, and - an hour or so to the east - Aghios Nikolaos has an aquarium, water park, fun park and beach playground.
Day trips around Malia
Boat trips are a relaxing way of exploring this thin island – you can see the Venetian battlements at Spinalonga (a former leper colony) or palm trees at Vai. Nature lovers can try to spot wild birds, rare goats and even wild cats.
On a trip to the island of Dia, you can see a sunken Minoan harbour. A full day trip takes you to the picturesque volcanic island of Santorini. Back on dry land, the truly energetic could attempt the 11-mile Samaria Gorge trek, over on the other side of Crete.
Eating out in Malia
Malia offers everything young Brits crave, from Sunday roasts and curry to McDonalds. If you fancy local flavours, try a taverna and wash down your meze (Greek snacks) with raki or ouzo, and sample the super-sweet baklava in pastry shops.
As with many Greek islands, fish dishes are delicious – try bass, shrimp, squid and even sea urchins. Kebab stands will remind you of home. Many bars have half-price happy hours but beware of powerful cocktails. You'll also see familiar brands such as Newcastle Brown Ale and Guinness.
Malia nightlife
Party animals will be spoilt for choice along Malia's wall-to-wall strip of bars and eateries that leads down to the seafront, and the nightclubs blast out R&B, garage and other sounds until dawn. Bar crawls along the Malia Mile, foam parties and karaoke keep the young crowd happy. Many venues offer Sky TV on big screens so you won't miss the sport back home.
Malia shopping
Malia has plenty of shops – leather goods and jewellery are your best buys to take home. If you go exploring, you'll see Crete is famous for its herbs – buy sage, oregano, thyme or basil. Honey and olives are other local specialities.
Pottery, textiles and carved wooden decorations are made by local craftsmen, and souvenir shops will sell classic religious icons. If hangovers allow, try the Saturday market in Heraklion or Wednesday market in Aghios Nikolaos.
If you like Malia, take a look at the following travel guides:
