Malia, Chersonissos

Malia is a coastal town in the Municipality of Chersonisos, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 20 meters, approximately 35 kilometers east of Heraklion city, on the old national road between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. Malia was the former seat of the Malia municipality.

Today, Malia is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It is often referred to as part of the “Cretan Riviera,” along with Stalis and Hersonissos. The town combines modern tourist infrastructure with a traditional village center.

Economy

Tourism is a major contributor to Malia’s economy, with numerous hotels, resorts, shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs catering to visitors. Agriculture also plays a role, with the cultivation of vegetables, bananas, and other produce.

History

• Minoan Palace: East of Malia lies the Minoan Palace of Malia, the third largest Minoan palace in Crete after Knossos and Phaistos. The area around the palace is believed to have been an ancient city, possibly called “Tarmaros.” Legend has it that the mythical King Sarpedon, son of Zeus and Europa, ruled from Malia. The palace was destroyed around 1700 BC, rebuilt, and then destroyed again in 1450 BC. The area continued to be inhabited, but the palace was not rebuilt. To the west of the palace, in the area called “Marmara,” a paleo-Christian basilica and a marble sarcophagus were discovered.

• Name: The name “Malia” is derived from the toponym “omalia,” meaning “flat area.” This reflects the town’s location on a fertile plain. In the 1583 census, it is mentioned as “villa di Maglia” with 620 inhabitants. In 1881, it had 800 Christian inhabitants.

Landmarks

• Archaeological Site of Malia Palace: The Minoan palace is a major archaeological attraction, offering insights into Minoan civilization.
• Beaches: Malia boasts a 6-kilometer coastline with several beautiful beaches, including Potamos beach (known for its calm waters), Stalis beach, and others.
• Churches: The town has several churches, some dating back to the Venetian period, including the Church of the Entry of the Theotokos (known as Panagia Galatiani), Agios Ioannis o Baptistis, Taxiarches, Agios Dimitrios, Evangelimos, Agios Georgios, Agia Pelagia, and Agios Savvas.
• Traditional Village Center: South of the main road lies the old village of Malia, with narrow streets, traditional houses (some recently restored), and tavernas.

Amenities and Infrastructure

Malia has a range of amenities and facilities, including:

• Daycare center
• Kindergartens
• Primary schools
• Gymnasium
• Lyceum
• Health center
• Music school
• Cultural associations
• Sports club
• Citizen service center (KEP)
• Municipal services

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1583 census as “villa di Maglia” with 620 inhabitants.
• Location: Municipality of Chersonisos, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. 35 km east of Heraklion city.
• Altitude: 20 meters
• Historical Significance: Minoan Palace of Malia, traditional architecture.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active town, popular tourist destination, combination of modern and traditional elements.