Things To Do Around Malia
Minoan Palace
Visit the remains of a unique palace that are evidence of the glorious Minoan civilization that flourished here 4,000 years ago and that turned Malia into an important trade and shipping centre with substantial political and economic power.The first palaces in Crete were built around 1900BC, a period we call Proto Palatial. Excavations of the palace of Malia and of the nearby grave complex ‘Chrysolakos’ have given us a lot of archaeological evidence and rich finds, one of them being the famous gold bee pendant, a brilliant example of protopalatial gold jewellery.Set on a flat plain with easy access, just three kilometers east of Malia, by the sea and with the proud Mt. Selena rising behind it, it is easy to envisage this monumental palace in its days of glory.
Malia Old Town
Have a walk in Malia’s Old Town to absorb a touch of its traditional charm. Especially in the evening, the labyrinth-like alleys and picturesque, flower-filled courtyards give it that little something that makes it appealing and cherished. Have a look inside of one of the small, white-washed, Byzantine churches and their beautiful wall paintings and icons; you’ll be amazed at the refined atmosphere there is inside. For your dining pleasure, experience the culinary Cretan delights or flavours from around the world in one of the inviting taverns. Some of them are located in beautifully restored old Cretan houses that have kept their initial character.
Krassi Village
The idyllic mountain village Krassi is the easternmost village of the prefecture of Iraklio with a population of 350. Perched on the northern slopes of Mt. Selena, at an altitude of 600m above sea level, it breathes a feeling of serenity with a giant plane tree – proudly presented as the oldest one in Crete – and with a well that has water running directly from the