The History of Malia

The past and the present

The century-long history of the town of Malia, dating back to the early Minoan period

The name Malia comes from the Greek word "omalos" which means a place that is easily accessible or a place on a plane, due to its location (a flat, coastal area).

In 1900 BC, the first signs establishing the importance of the place appear, this is justified by the famous palace, built 3 km away to the east of the town.  The third son of Zeus, Sarpidon ruled this town. According to mythology, Sarpidon ws chased away by his brother, Minoas.

The palace which covers an area of 8000 m2, is of the same architectural style as the palaces of Knossos and Zakros, excavations carried out in the area have brought to light a great number of very significant finds from the Minoan Times.

In the 50's Malia was a small coastal village where people lived very simply. The senior citizens of the village tell endless stories about the old village and its 40 houses and 800 people who lived there and recall memories of the local festivities and celebrations that used to take place which was their only form of entertainment.

They lived happily making a living from agriculture, mainly potato growing, fishing and later from the cultivation of bananas. It was also a small tourist resort for the Cretans

In 1956 the first tourist accommodation (a guest house) was build on the Klotzanes coast, this was just the beginning...

In the next three decades, Malia gradually transformed and developed into a organized tourist resort. In 2002 there were 15,000 beds available for thousands of tourists coming on holiday.

Nowadays, Malia palpitates with life and offers the opportunity to experience cosmopolitan life in lush hotels, magnificent nightclubs and moderns shopping areas, where you can find quality and cheap purchases: souvenirs, clothing, as well as decorative items all offered in amazingly great varieties.

In the taverns and restaurants you have the chance to try excellent menus from Greek as well as from international cuisine.  The wider area has a lot to offer in tasteful cafe-bars where you can relax.

As for the nightclubs - Clubbing here is a real MUST, since there are all kinds of clubs, each one being unique in its kind. Just let yourself go into the magic of the night and let your adrenaline reach its peak.

Enjoy yourselves until the break of dawn; dancing and singing to all kinds of beats...

... because those are the beats of Malia, the charming, hospitable, princess of Crete!