Holidays to Malia
Pocket-friendly Malia holidays deliver bright white sandy beaches, bouncing bars and clubs, rolling Cretan countryside, and fascinating ancient attractions. The good times start now!
The beaches are hard to Crete
Malia is built around the beach – quite literally. Resorts, from the cheap and cheerful to the pricey and plushy, surround its main strip of sand. Head here to fly in, flop out, sizzle in the sun and sink a few drinks!
If you want your knuckles to be your only white bits, hit Paralia Stalidas, also known as Stalis Beach. We’re talking jet-skis, banana boats, wakeboarding, parasailing and plenty more ways to make a splash.
P-A-R-T-Y? Yes please!
Malia’s beaches aren’t the only place to party out here. You can expect to see revellers in high spirits (or sinking them!) on the beach, in the streets, at the resort, and, of course, in Malia’s many bars and clubs.
The main drag, Dimokratias Street (or Beach Road to the cool kids), plays host to a throng of party people from the moment the sun goes down – if not a little earlier. Head here to sip silly-looking cocktails with silly names and to rave into the next day.
A different kind of culture
Modern Malia may be the place to party, but there was plenty here long before the town became known for its nightlife. See the best of the bits left behind at Malia Palace, which has a long history dating as far back as 1,900 BCE!
A young pup at just one millennium old, the tranquil Monastery of St. George Selinari is another ancient spot well worth a wander. Check out the ancient monastery’s chapels, courtyards and museum while you’re here too. But be on your best behaviour – the monks still live here!
Sneak Peek
Best for... A brilliant, bargain and somewhat boozy beach break 🍻
Go... To Malia Beach to see the town at its boisterous best 🇬🇷
You have to... Sip cocktails and slam shots on Beach Street 🍹
Malia holiday deals
Kristalli Hotel Apartments
4.5
Excellent
- 14 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Phãea Cretan Malia
4.5
Excellent
- 30 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Aegean Sky
- 15 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Melissa Apartments
4.5
Excellent
- 19 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
Around €2
3-course meal
€15
Flight time
3 hrs
Seas the day
Malia Beach is the destination for most of the sun-seeking travellers that fly in every summer. With 2km (1.2 miles) of shimmering shore, you should be able to find a sun-lounger for your beach day here. When you’re not topping up your tan, hit up Seaside Bar to sip in the sunshine with a sea view. Here with the fam? Potamos is where it’s at. A much quieter cove, its warm shallow waters are perfect for little waders. There are enough cafes here to keep the kids (and you) well-fed too.
Party all night
Malia is definitely among the Mediterranean’s best places to party. Kick things off in Street Bar with beer pong or work your way through the cocktail list at The Flying Dutchman. When it’s time to dance until you drop, head to Apollo for grime, R&B and a crowded dance floor. Candy Club is open all night too, pumping out chart music until lunchtime the next day! There’s also a stacked events calendar if you’re keen on pool parties, beach parties, or just about any other kind of party.
Thrills on the hills
What better way to put that hangover to bed than a 7km (4.3 miles) gorge walk (said no-one ever)? Get some colour back in those cheeks with a wander through Roza Gorge, which is all red rocks, babbling brooks and serene waterfalls. Just have a Full English beforehand to fuel up. If you want all the epic views without working up a sweat, book a Jeep safari of Lassithi Plateau. You can take in almond groves, ancient mausoleums and Greek villages from the comfort of your seat.
When to go to Malia
If you’re here to lather on sunscreen at Malia Beach (and let’s face it, you are), you’ll want to touch down on the tarmac between June and early September. With temperatures reaching 30C and beyond, your tan will be well and truly topped up.
It’s also prime party season, with events starting in late-May and ending with a bang in mid-September. Go any later and you’ll miss out.
For cheap holidays to Malia, head here in April, May, late September or October, when the sun’s out but the beaches aren’t as rammed as they are during the peak summer months. If you’re seeking a bargain break, remember to avoid school holidays where possible.
