Hersonissos - Μalia

You’re probably here for the beaches, of which there are plenty to choose from in Limenas Hersonissos, Malia and Stalis, which are all magnets for young, fun-loving tourists, with white sand and beautiful water to swim in. So be sure to visit the long sandy beach at Anissaras (a stone’s throw from Hersonissos), Limanakia, Creta Maris, Sarantaris, and Analipsi.

But there are other attractions here you shouldn’t overlook. On the Hersonissos waterfront, you’ll find the 17th or 18th century church of Agios Nikolaos, and to the north, where you reach Megalo Horio, a forest of 3,000 bear-berry, oak and carob trees, and the settlements of Koutouloufari and Piskopiano, where a former olive oil refinery houses an Agricultural Museum.

Malia Palace

Malia boasts the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete. Originally 7,500 sq m in size, it was built in 1900 BC and, after a turbulent history, permanently destroyed by a fire in 1450 BC.

An open-air museum

You’ll learn about Crete’s folk traditions and culture at the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum in Limani Hersonissos. Traditional Cretan farmers’ houses, a distillery, windmill, church, wine and olive presses, weaving workshops, a garden with medicinal plants and a folk art gallery – everything you need to get to know the real Crete. 

Pillow talk

Luxurious hotels, sprawling resorts and rooms-to-let: Hersonissos and Malia cater to every style and budget, whether on the beach, right in the middle of the lively town, or quiet and secluded.