Malia Holidays

The party capital of Crete, Malia has everything you need for the best holiday. Tons of sun, lively beaches, banging clubs and pocket-friendly prices.

Destination highlights

Party paradise
6km stretch of coastline
Popular summer destination
Entertainment for everyone

What are the best beaches in Malia?

Beach holidays in Malia mean days soaking in the sunshine, hitting up the beach bars, and appreciating its peaceful side, too. These are the top beaches to visit:

Potamos Beach – a great sand spot for experiencing the quieter side of Malia, soaking up the rays and enjoying everything island life is all about.
Malia Beach – this main stretch of sand is popular with every type of visitor, thanks to its clear, shallow waters and fun-filled activities.
Tropical Beach – a quieter cove with soft, golden sands and clear waters - a relaxing spot for those all-important beach days.
Sun Beach – just east of Malia, this beach is an entertainment hub with trampolines, pools, and plenty of other activities for everyone.
Elounda – located further afield from Malia, this is a top swimming destination and perfect for a short road trip.

What are the top hotels in Malia?

Malia holidays are all about sunshine, good food, and wild parties. Finding the perfect place to relax is key, and that’s why you need to check out these top hotels:

Sirens Beach - a five-star hotel offering a taste of the luxury lifestyle, with a beachfront location and top-class facilities.
Manolis Apartments - a dreamy apartment complex in a serene atmosphere, just steps from the sand with every amenity you need.
Hotel Matheo Villas and Suites -find peace after a day of fun-filled activities and a night out on the town in this gorgeous hotel.
Casa Malena - beautiful beach views, a tranquil ambience and complete holiday vibes - all in one place.
Kyknos Beach Hotel and Bungalows - a hotel with the best of both worlds, offering a beachfront location and top-class entertainment facilities.
Danelis Apartments - a charming, family-run hotel with exciting facilities and a natural landscape.

Popular Malia hotels

Weather in Malia

JAN

12^°C

FEB

12^°C

MAR

14^°C

APR

19^°C

MAY

23^°C

JUN

26^°C

JUL

30^°C

AUG

30^°C

SEP

24^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

15^°C

DEC

13^°C

With a warm, Mediterranean climate, beach holidays to Malia are always on the cards. This coastal town is warmest in summer, but if you fancy an autumn escape or a winter getaway, then the temperature is still much warmer than back home.

FAQs

Flights from the UK to Malia take around four hours.

The local time in Malia is two hours ahead of the UK.

The official language of Malia is Greek.

The official currency used in Malia is the Euro.

Find out more about:

Agios Nikolaos holidays

Heraklion holidays

Feel like royalty at the Minoan Palace of Malia

As the third-largest Minoan palace on the island, this is an archaeological site not to be missed. During your time here, you can delve into history and learn more about the Minoan civilisation, the buildings, and drop by the museum too.

Oh Dia

Hire a private yacht or join a tour and head on over to the small island of Dia, located a few miles off the coast of Heraklion. The boat trip will offer the opportunity for snorkelling, fishing, and experiencing something new.

Get galloping

Take a trip to Amarillis Stable, only a 10-minute drive from the main hub and from here, ride off into the mountains, or along the nearby beach.

Try canyoning at Roza Gorge

Roza Gorge can’t be hiked due to its steep descents, however, there is the option to experience it another way: canyoning. There are canyoning schools on the island that book group tours to take you on an adventure you won’t forget!

Hit the sands

Island life means soaking up the sunshine and being by the sea. Experience Malia’s main sands and the quieter coves for a relaxing beach day.

What events can I go to in Malia?
The gorgeous coastal town of Malia is renowned for its lively events, from live music and beach parties to traditional festivals. Here are the hottest ones to check out:
- Easter (April) - a huge celebration in Greece (even more so than Christmas!), with religious processions on the way to mass the night before Easter, and lots of food on Easter Sunday.
- Summer Love Festival (June) - experience buzzing nights with big-name line-ups throughout the month of June.
- Take Off Festival (June) - the hottest six-day festival for you and your best pals, with the best DJs and artists, pool parties, paint parties and so much more.
- Malia Live Beach Festival (June) - a festival taking place every week in June at the Crystal Beach Club, where you can enjoy some of the best artists from the UK.
- Kornaria Festival (July–August) - set in the Cretan town of Sitia, less than two hours from Malia, this festival runs for two months and includes concerts, theatre shows, and art exhibitions.
- Dormition of the Virgin Mary Festival (15th August) - the largest religious celebration across the island of Crete, with a fair for all the villages, celebrations and feasting.
- Houdetsi Festival (August) - a four-day cultural event in Houdetsi, less than an hour’s drive from Malia, in a celebration of music, food, and art.
Where's the best nightlife in Malia?
Malia is the number one party hotspot in Crete. You’re sure to have a holiday to remember. Check out these nightlife venues for a wild time:
- Candy Club - one of the most popular clubs in town, known for playing chart-toppers that will keep you dancing all night long.
- Apollo Club Malia - The R&B, Grime, and Urban number one spot for the best night out.
- Oasis Pool Bar - home to the hottest pool party in town and the best cocktails you’ll ever drink.
- Babylon - cocktails in style, served in two different bar areas, with the top DJs in Malia and a proper party vibe.
- The Loft - brilliant food paired with hip-hop, R&B and drum & bass vibes.
What's the food like in Malia?
Greek food is a treat for your tastebuds with its fresh ingredients and unique flavours. These are some dishes you definitely need to try on your trip:
- Dakos - traditional Cretan salad, made with goat’s cheese, Cretan rusks, tomatoes, and olive oil
- Cretan cheeses - found everywhere across Crete, especially Anthotiros, Kefalotiri, and Mizithra
- Kalitsounia - a traditional pie made with a variety of local cheeses
- Gamopilafo - also known as ‘wedding rice’ - made with meat and poultry which is boiled for hours, then served with rice cooked in butter and lemon
- Raki - a classic alcoholic beverage served after every meal across Crete
Looking for somewhere to eat in Malia? Check out these top restaurants:
- The Brassiere - a popular taverna with something for everyone, including pasta, pizza, and all the classic Greek dishes.
- San Giorgio Restaurant - a traditional Greek taverna in the heart of the old town, serving up classic dishes, live music, and Greek dancing.
- Red Lion Gastropub and Restaurant - the number one restaurant for variety, serving up all kinds of cuisine from all over the world.
- Elia Restaurant - an iconic beachfront Greek restaurant with modern appeal, heaps of ambience and top-class food.

We’d advise you to speak to a healthcare provider about the up-to-date vaccinations needed before you book your trip.

From 1st of January 2018, the Greek Government are charging a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which will be payable on arrival in the hotel:

5-star hotels: €4 per room, per night
4-star hotels: €3 per room, per night
3-star hotels: €1.50 per room, per night
1-star & 2-star hotels: €0.50 per room, per night
1-4 key apartments: €0.50 per room, per night

We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Greece on the FCDO website.

Malia Holidays

Destination highlights

What are the best beaches in Malia?

What are the top hotels in Malia?

Popular Malia hotels

Weather in Malia

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Malia?

What's the time difference between the UK and Malia?

What language do they speak in Malia?

What currency do they use in Malia?

Find out more about:

Feel like royalty at the Minoan Palace of Malia

Oh Dia

Get galloping

Try canyoning at Roza Gorge

Hit the sands

What events can I go to in Malia?

Where's the best nightlife in Malia?

What's the food like in Malia?

Key facts about Malia

Flight time

Around 4 hours

Time Difference

+2 hrs

Currency

Euro

Language

Greek

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Malia?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Malia?

Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Malia?