Malia Holidays
Crete's legendary party spot, buzzing Malia has everything you need for round-the-clock fun, including a knockout sandy beach.
Malia has two faces to it. One is its original, old inland village awash with traditional Cretan serenity and charm. The other is big, brash, party-mad, non-stop Malia. And that's the one that wins the day. Famous for its relentless energy, modern Malia doesn't hold back when it comes to any of the holiday essentials. On Crete's northern coast, it boasts a ravishing beach of satiny sands and vivid blue waters that's quite literally, packed with action. A never-ending parade of watersports rentals offering pedaloes, ringos and jetskis run its length. Sun beds cover every patch of sand, backed by rows of cheerful beach bars and the occasional volleyball court. And the young crowds who come here in July and August to make Malia their own, lie immobile on their loungers, dozing off the night before. Away from the sands, the main 'strip' pulsates with bars, pubs and music spots with one mission in life - to supply full-on fun. In between, you'll find a multitude of restaurants of every conceivable type and size, from Mexican, English, Chinese and Indian to even the occasional Greek taverna. When you fancy escaping, hop on a bus to quieter Stalia or Hersonnisos with its picturesque harbour front. Or jump on board a boat and visit some of the beautiful beaches peppered along the coast. Make sure you're back for Malia's nightlife, though. From the moment the sun disappears here, its centre throbs with life. Head for a bar to start with, and then dive into the high-energy clubs and dance spots that take over when everything else closes. Be prepared to stay up late - the nightlife here ends at sunrise and not before.
Here's a place whose reputation goes before it! If you're coming to Crete to party, you've homed-in on the hot-spot. Holidays in Malia have everything going for them. For a start, the beach is one of the best on the island - a sweep of deep-piled sand that stretches for miles. Sunbeds are strategically placed for you to sleep off the last night's excesses, and for those with energy, there are watersports, jet-skis, ringos and pedaloes to play on.
Behind the beach there's a string of bars and snack bars - so you can re-fuel without losing tanning time. And along the 'strip' leading inland you can virtually name your menu - burgers, Mexican, British, Chinese, Indian and the odd Greek eatery. This single road is also the hub of after-dark activity, crammed with bars, pubs and discos that open at dusk and have no plans to close before dawn.
But Malia holidays are much more than their legendary nightlife. The old sector of the village is actually quite charming - retaining a flavour of Greece against all the odds. And there's a huge variety of choice holidays and cheap holidays in Malia - from affordable luxury in the family-friendly Hotel Cretan Park, to self-catering holidays in stylish little complexes like the Maria Rousse Studios, and great late deals for last minute holidays to Malia.
So if your idea of heaven is full-on, round-the-clock fun, summer holidays to Malia may tick all your boxes. What are you waiting for?