Stalida, Chersonissos

Stalida is a seaside village located 30 km east of Heraklion, nestled between Malia and Hersonissos on the northern coast of Crete. Once a small settlement serving the inhabitants of Mochos, a nearby mountain village, Stalida has blossomed into a popular tourist resort, particularly since the 1980s.

Development and Tourism

The rapid tourist development of the area has resulted in the three towns of Hersonissos, Stalida, and Malia merging into a nearly continuous coastal zone of about 10 kilometers, filled with hotels and apartments. Especially if you follow the coastal road from Stalida to Malia, it’s impossible to distinguish where one settlement ends and the other begins.

Stalida stands out from its neighbors, Hersonissos and Malia, due to its lack of intense nightlife. It is more suitable for family vacations, but if someone wants to party until the morning, Hersonissos and Malia are within easy reach.

The Beach

The heart of Stalida beats on its 5 km long coastal road, where most of the shops in the area are concentrated. An evening stroll along the coastal road is a must. Next to the coastal road stretches the long coastline of Stalida, which extends to the east and gives way to the beach of Malia. The beaches of Stalida are very well organized, with a fair amount of crowding, but due to their northern orientation, they usually have waves. In the western part, there is also one of the few native colonies of the Cretan Date Palm in northern Heraklion.

The beach in Stalida is a beautiful sandy beach, essentially consisting of two parts: the first starts from the west and reaches the Anthousa hotel, while the second starts east of Anthousa towards Malia. The beach is open to the weather, so on days when the wind blows strongly, you should be careful and follow the instructions of the lifeguards. The seabed deepens gradually, making it easy for young children to enjoy the sea. The beach in Stalida is organized with lifeguards, umbrellas, and chairs. Some restaurants on the beach have special offers that combine umbrellas and chairs with lunch or drinks. Those who enjoy water sports will not have trouble finding what they like.

Practical Information

There are many taverns and restaurants in Stalida, as well as shops with tourist items, travel agencies for your day trips, car and motorbike rental offices, and of course, mini-markets.

Banks are available in Hersonissos and Malia, while in Stalida, you will find an ATM.

There is regular transportation from Stalida to Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Gouves (west), or to Malia and Agios Nikolaos (east), making it easy to visit many towns along the northern coast of Crete.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Stalida was first mentioned in the 1940 census with 23 inhabitants.
• Location: Stalida is located on the northern coast of Crete, between Malia and Hersonissos.
• Historical Significance: The Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis (St. John) dates back to 1600. The Bulgarian trail, built by Bulgarian prisoners during WWII, leads from Stalida to the mountain village of Mochos.
• Population data over the years:

• Current Status: Stalida is a popular tourist resort known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches.