Maleme Holidays
A peaceful patch of Crete, blessed with a never-ending pebble beach, Maleme was made for sun-worship.
Want to concentrate on catching some serious rays this holiday? If so, then Maleme is for you. Located to the west of Chania and Platanias, this undisturbed place has one very hot asset - its gorgeous beach. A long belt of pretty pebbles washed by bright blue waters, it's perfect for serious sun-worshippers, largely because there are no diversions to get in the way of you and that tan. There are some watersports that might temporarily seize your attention. But if you're not interested in them, they won't detract you from your downtime. Most importantly, the resort itself doesn't tempt you with any significant diversions. A chequerboard of quiet roads, hotels and tavernas, it exists merely to service your beach life rather than compete with it. Even if you do take time out to enjoy a meal of rice-stuffed tomatoes and carafe of icily-cold wine, it shouldn't take too long. Energies revived, it's just a short trail back from the nearby tavernas to the beach, your return applauded by a thousand cicadas. When you finally decide on doing something different, Platanias, with its shops and restaurants, is worth rummaging around. And when night comes, you'll find that Maleme keeps to the same lazy pace as the days. Evenings here are about dining out in a taverna watching a Cretan sunset, before maybe visiting the two or three music spots in the west end of the town.
With a beach that just goes on and on, holidays in Maleme have a rather obvious focus. A deep sweep of pale pebbles, bleached by the sun and the sea, it's Nature's gift for serious sun-worship. And it's the single most stunning attraction that draws visitors to Maleme. Holidays here are all about sport and leisure …with the emphasis on leisure.
There's a range of watersports from the beach, a clutch of tavernas in the village, and a couple of music bars at its western end. Everything else is hotel based - many boasting sports facilities and hosting programmes of daytime activities and evening entertainment. The A Class Hotel Louis Creta Princess offers all the above and adds the extra dimension of all-inclusive holidays to Maleme. And while there's plenty going on, there's no pressure to leave your poolside lounger and join in. It's well worth a look - for couples and families alike.
So, you've spent a few days winding-down at the water's edge and watching the sunsets from taverna tables. When you're ready for something a little livelier, nip into neighbouring Platanias. It's the busiest of western Crete's resorts, with bags of bars and eateries and several discos. And it's only 6km down the road, so taxi fares are fairly cheap. Holidays in Maleme are well placed too for forays into Chania - for culture, shopping and nightlife.
If you're looking for something at the last minute, holidays to Maleme are good all-rounders.