Malia is located 37 kilometers east of Heraklion, on the way to Agios Nikolaos. The main road seems to divide the town in two, the old Malia at the foothill of Mount Selena and the newer part towards the shoreline.
Malia is an unusual small town, unlike any other in Crete. It used to be known for its delicious potatoes. But times changed, the tourists started coming to Crete and the potato fields of Malia were replaced by hotels large and small, tavernas and bars.
On the north side of the main road is the newer part of Malia, mainly consisting of hotels, apartment, restaurants and bars. Dimokratias Street, running north from the church of Agios Nektarios to the shore, is better known as the Malia Beach Road.
What you see here is a complete different image of Malia compared to the old town. Filled with clubs, bars, cafes, English and Irish pubs and fast food joints, serving anything from souvlaki to pizzas, it is the place to be for those who fancy a good night out.
On the one hand there is the old Malia with its narrow streets, houses with bougainvilleas and little tavernas with live Greek music. On the other there is the coastal resort with its bars, nightclubs and frenzied nightlife of young tourists from 11 at night into the early hours.
To visit the Malia archaeological site, leave the town heading towards Agios Nikolaos. About 2-3 kilometres from Malia, turn left. The road leading to the Palace of Malia continues down to the sea and the beach. Bear the beach in mind if you get a bit hot touring the archaeological site and want a swim to cool off. You can then continue along the same road back into Malia.