Malia Maps

Malia is a coastal town on the northern coast of Crete, approximately 34 kilometers east of Heraklion. The town has a population of around 3,000 permanent residents and is known both for its archaeological significance and as a popular tourist destination.

The Minoan Palace of Malia, located about 3 kilometers east of the modern town, is one of the four major palatial centers of Minoan civilization. The palace complex dates to approximately 1900 BCE and was destroyed around 1450 BCE, likely by the same catastrophe that affected other Minoan sites. The site is particularly well-preserved and less reconstructed than Knossos, providing a clearer view of the original Minoan architecture.

Notable features of the palace include the Kernos Stone, a large limestone altar with circular depressions used for offerings, and extensive storage magazines that held large pithoi (storage jars). The site also includes a hypostyle crypt, residential quarters, and a ceremonial courtyard. The nearby Chrysolakkos (meaning "pit of gold") is a Minoan cemetery complex that yielded significant gold jewelry and artifacts, now displayed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Modern Malia has developed significantly as a tourist resort, particularly popular with younger visitors. The town features a long sandy beach stretching several kilometers along the coast. The old village center retains traditional Cretan character with narrow streets and stone buildings, contrasting with the extensive modern development along the coastal strip.