The buzzing town of Mália, on the Greek island of Crete has a reputation that precedes it – for sun, surf, and a whole lot of fun after dark! If you’re planning to visit for a summer break, rest assured there’ll be plenty to keep you occupied. Alongside the beach fun, there are plenty of opportunities in between cocktails and nightclubbing to delve into the town’s history (for instance, check out its church that was built with milk…!)
But for now, back to the beach…
Find the Beach Fun in Mália
Crete is well-renowned for its fantastic beaches, and Mália is right up there with the best on the island. There are plenty of ways to chase the sun (and catch it!) in this lovely town. Here are a few of our favourites.
Head to the Beach
It’s your holiday, so if you fancy just lying around topping up your tan for a week this is the perfect place! You’ll have a choice of beaches so, depending on your mood for the day, try these:
Malia Beach: This fantastic 6 km stretch of sand is the most popular in the area for good reason. Its wide shores and soft, fine sand make it the perfect place to kick back and sunbathe. The size, location and great amenities mean that it can get very busy, but the vibrant atmosphere really is part of the fun. Snag yourself a sunbed and get ready for fun in the sun! (Or just a snooze…)
Potamos Beach: If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, this one is no less beautiful but way less crowded. Located to the east of town (close to the Palace of Mália site), Potamos is a great place to come for some quiet time. It’s also very close to the wetlands, which make for a nice hike and the chance to get up close and personal with some local flora and fauna.
Wet and Wild Watersports
Dial up the adrenaline and dare yourself to try a few of the many watersports on offer in Mália.
Jet skiing: Satisfy your need for speed as you zip around the ocean (after a full safety briefing) with the sun on your face and the salt spray on your skin.
Paragliding: Get a bird’s eye view of the beach and town as you take to the sky, towed behind a super-fast jet boat.
Flyboard: Shoot up to 18m into the sky on the ultimate high-flying adventure. Perform impressive tricks with no experience needed!
Other watersports you might like to try include wakeboarding, water skiing, jet-pack, and, of course, the fun and antics of the good old banana boat.
Book on to a Booze Cruise
Well, this is exactly what it says on the tin: you’ll head out on the water in a modern, well-equipped vessel to dance, drink and party the day away with all the new friends you just haven’t met yet! This is one of the most popular local activities with various operators offering full and half-day cruises complete with DJ, lunch, swim stops, drinking games and, of course, lots of booze.
Where to Stay:
Aeolos Beach Resort: With a perfect location right on the beach, and just a short walk from the town centre, this fabulous resort offers spacious, comfortable rooms, and excellent facilities including a pool, restaurant and bar. The ideal base in Mália with everything at your fingertips.
Mila Malia Studios Hotel: Just 150m from the beautiful beach, this comfortable, traditional style accommodation has Cretan charm and peaceful sea views. Close to nightlife, shops and tavernas, the studios are spacious and well-equipped with modern amenities.
Golden Bay Apartments: Set in beautiful garden surrounds, very close to the beach, these well-appointed, family-run apartments offer modern furnishings, a tranquil ambience and all the comforts of home. Along with a lovely pool, there’s an onsite bar and sporting and massage facilities.
How to Get There:
Getting to your fun-filled holiday in Mália is as easy as jumping on a 4-hour flight from the UK. Various airlines offer budget-friendly options to get you to Heraklion Airport (HER), and when you land the most cost-effective way of getting to your accommodation is with a pre-booked airport transfer from Heraklion to Mália. A shared shuttle or minibus is the cheapest option if you don’t mind travelling with other passengers.
Overview
UK to HER Flight Time: 4 hours
HER to Mália Distance: 34.7 kms
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: around 40 minutes
Types of Transfer
There’s more than one kind of airport transfer from Heraklion to Mália. Shuttle Direct has options for every traveller, no matter what your budget and requirements.
A pre-booked airport taxi from Heraklion is a great way to ensure you spend more time on your holiday and less time waiting around! This Heraklion airport transfer option affords you independence and a handy door-to-door service.
For those watching the pennies, a shared shuttle is a smart way of getting from Heraklion Airport to Mália. Transfer in a shuttle and not only will you save money by sharing with other travellers, you might also make some great new friends!
If you’re after the ultimate in convenience and comfort, a private Heraklion Airport transfer is the way to go. You’ll travel in a luxurious vehicle and the professional driver will deliver you directly to the door of your accommodation.
A minibus transfer from Heraklion Airport to Mália is another excellent option for those looking to save money. It’s also good for large groups or families, as you’ll be able to travel in the same vehicle with all your luggage.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When it comes to choosing an appropriate airport transfer, you need to decide what’s most important to you – cost or convenience.
Cost: If sticking to a budget is your highest priority, you should opt for the most cost-effective transfer from Heraklion to Mália, which is a minibus or pre-booked shared shuttle bus.
Convenience: However, if travelling in luxury and a door-to-door service is important to you, and you don’t mind paying for the privilege, a private transfer from Heraklion to Mália would be your ideal service.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we’re proud of our reputation for providing convenient, cost-effective airport transfer services to and from destinations around Europe and the world. From shared shuttle services to private luxury transfers, whatever your budget and however you like to travel, we’ve got a service to suit.
