Taxi from Heraklion Airport to Malia

Malia, located 35km east of Heraklion, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Crete. Its name, which means “flat area”, is derived from the fertile plain on which it is situated. The town is known for its delicious bananas grown in the local greenhouses, as well as its numerous springs and windmills used for irrigation.

Despite its small size, Malia has seen rapid growth in recent years, with the town expanding in all directions. It is particularly popular among young tourists for its three “s” holidays – sand, sea, and sex. The town boasts a large beach and a lively nightlife, with thousands of young tourists partying in the clubs until dawn. In the early morning hours, Malia can resemble a bombed landscape as drunk young people stumble back to their hotels.

The town has two main roads that meet at its center, in front of the church of Saint Nektarios. The first road is a pedestrian street lined with clubs and bars, where the partying continues late into the night. The second road is home to a variety of shops, cafes, supermarkets, and other services, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.

Aside from its reputation as a party destination, Malia also has a rich history and several notable sights worth visiting. The most famous of these is the archaeological site of the Minoan palace of Malia, the third-largest palace in Crete. This palace was controlled by King Sarpedon, brother of King Minos of Knossos, and son of Zeus and goddess Europa. The ruins were destroyed and rebuilt multiple times before the final destruction in 1450BC. Excavations have revealed tombs with golden objects, including the famous jewel with bees which is now displayed in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

In the old village of Malia, visitors can explore the narrow traditional streets and visit the church of Panagia Galatiani, which was allegedly built with milk instead of water. Other notable churches in the area include Saint John the Baptist, the Archangels, Saint Demetrios and the Annunciation, St. George, St. Pelagia, and Saint Sava. The Church of St. George at Loutres features ancient frescoes and was built to protect locals from mythical creatures. Just off the coast is the island of Transfiguration, home to a picturesque church that is perfect for photographs.

For a change of scenery, visitors can take a short drive to the traditional village of Krassi, located 15 minutes north of Malia. The route passes through a picturesque gorge with carob and oak trees. Krasi is famous for its massive plane tree in the central square, where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal in one of the village’s taverns. The square also features a spring with clean, cold water.

Traveling to Malia is convenient, as it is only 32km from Heraklion Airport and takes approximately 27 minutes by taxi. Visitors can easily book a taxi through MyCreteTaxi for a fast and convenient transfer to their destination. With its combination of beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and rich history, Malia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete.