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Malia (
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
: Μάλια) is a coastal town and municipal unit situated in the northeast corner of the Heraklion region of Crete, Greece. It is part of the municipality of
Hersonissos Hersonissos (, meaning “peninsula”, ''Chersónisos'', ), also transliterated as ''Chersonissos'' and ''Hersónisos'', is a town and a local government unit in the north of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. The town is about 25 ...
and is located approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) east of
Heraklion Heraklion or Herakleion ( ; , , ), sometimes Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital city, capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion (regional unit), Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in G ...
. As of 2021, the population of the municipal unit was 5,501. The area also encompasses the villages of Mochos (
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
: Μοχός), Krasi (
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
: Κράσι), and Stalida (
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
: Σταλίδα), covering a total area of 60.720 square kilometers (23.444 sq mi). Malia is renowned as a tourist destination, particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the town is home to
Minoan The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age culture which was centered on the island of Crete. Known for its monumental architecture and Minoan art, energetic art, it is often regarded as the first civilization in Europe. The ruins of the Minoan pa ...
ruins located three kilometers to the east, spanning an area of approximately 1 square kilometer (0.4 sq mi).


Palace of Malia

Close to the modern town lies an
archaeological Archaeology or archeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of Artifact (archaeology), artifacts, architecture, biofact (archaeology), biofacts or ecofacts, ...
site housing the remains of a Minoan palace and an associated settlement. Dating back to the
Middle Bronze Age The Bronze Age () was a historical period characterised principally by the use of bronze tools and the development of complex urban societies, as well as the adoption of writing in some areas. The Bronze Age is the middle principal period of ...
, the palace suffered destruction from an
earthquake An earthquakealso called a quake, tremor, or tembloris the shaking of the Earth's surface resulting from a sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in intensity, from those so weak they ...
during the
Late Bronze Age The Bronze Age () was a historical period characterised principally by the use of bronze tools and the development of complex urban societies, as well as the adoption of writing in some areas. The Bronze Age is the middle principal period of ...
, a fate shared by
Knossos Knossos (; , ; Linear B: ''Ko-no-so'') is a Bronze Age archaeological site in Crete. The site was a major centre of the Minoan civilization and is known for its association with the Greek myth of Theseus and the minotaur. It is located on th ...
and other contemporaneous sites. Subsequently, the palace underwent reconstruction in the latter part of the Late Bronze Age, with the majority of the visible ruins dating from this period. The palace notably includes a sizable central courtyard measuring 48m x 23m. Positioned on the southern side are two sets of ascending steps, alongside a network of small chambers. An intriguing feature within the premises is a carved stone known as a
kernos In the Typology of Greek vase shapes, typology of ancient Greek pottery, the kernos ( or , plural ''kernoi'') is a pottery ring or stone tray to which are attached several small vessels for holding offerings. Its unusual design is described in l ...
stone, resembling a millstone with an attached cup. On the northern side of the courtyard, storage rooms containing large earthenware pithos jars, some reaching heights of up to two meters. These vessels were utilized for storing various commodities such as
grain A grain is a small, hard, dry fruit (caryopsis) – with or without an attached husk, hull layer – harvested for human or animal consumption. A grain crop is a grain-producing plant. The two main types of commercial grain crops are cereals and ...
and
olive oil Olive oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing whole olives (the fruit of ''Olea europaea'', a traditional Tree fruit, tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin) and extracting the oil. It is commonly used in cooking for frying foods, as a cond ...
, with the rooms featuring a sophisticated drainage system designed to manage spilled liquids. The palace of Malia was initially uncovered in 1915 by Greek archaeologist Joseph Hadzidakis. Subsequent excavation work commenced in 1922 under the auspices of the French School at Athens in collaboration with Greek scholars. Jean Charbonneaux oversaw the excavation of the Central Court starting in 1921. Following
World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
, Fernand Chapouthier and Pierre Demargne resumed excavations, unearthing the palace and its residential neighborhood. In the 1950s, further excavation efforts were led by Micheline and Henri van Effenterre, Andre Dessene, Olivier Pelon, and Jean-Claude Poursat, who explored different sections of the site. Pascal and Claude Darcque Bourrain conducted additional investigations in 1981, focusing on the northwest corner of the palace. Soundings conducted by Olivier Pelon in 1981 and 1982 provided new insights into the palace's precursors. Since 1988, Alexandre Farnoux and Jan Driessen have continued excavation work at the site. The Palace of Malia covers a floor area of 7,500 square meters and is aligned along a north-south axis, consistent with other Minoan palaces. In terms of architectural design and amenities, it is comparatively smaller and less elaborate than palaces like Knossos and Phaestos. The Palace of Malia exhibits distinctive features that set it apart from other Minoan palaces. These include the presence of eight kouloures or silos located in the southwest corner, an oblique building situated in the north court, and an altar positioned in the Central Court. The Central Court serves as the focal point around which various districts or ensembles are organized, interconnected by corridors and pathways. Each of these quarters is designated for specific functions, but they are best understood individually before considering their placement within the overall layout. Olivier Pelon identified four distinct functional areas: representative, residential, cultic-religious, and economic (Magazine). Radiating outwards from the Central Court, the rooms were arranged centrifugally, resulting in the characteristic projections and recesses typical of Minoan Palace facades. The façade was imbued with a distinct significance: The west façade holds particular significance at Malia. It features meticulously carved cuboid blocks of sandstone centrally placed atop a base running the full width (known as Ashlar masonry), with limestone blocks at the edges. These elements epitomize the typical attributes of Minoan façades, characterized by a succession of projecting and recessed walls. The west façade is preceded by a sizable courtyard known as the West Court, measuring 100 meters long and 20 meters wide. Olivier Pelon identifies it as a transitional zone between the residential and administrative areas, bridging the secular and religious realms. Originally, the entire West Court was constructed with Kalderim, featuring 1.05-meter-wide limestone slabs. These "raised walks" likely served as ceremonial paths, leading to key points within the structure. The West Court is flanked to the north and south by noteworthy complexes: to the north is the "
Hypostyle In architecture, a hypostyle () hall has a roof which is supported by columns. Etymology The term ''hypostyle'' comes from the ancient Greek ὑπόστυλος ''hypóstȳlos'' meaning "under columns" (where ὑπό ''hypó'' means below or und ...
Crypt," subject to much discussion. This space, connected underground to several storage areas, possibly served as a meeting place for councils during the era of the early palaces. To the south, large storage chambers were partially unearthed, not directly connected to the palace architecturally but evidently linked during the Protopalatial period. Many of these rooms still contain numerous Pithoi, or large storage jars. Through archaeological soundings and dating analysis, the site reveals a core dating back to the Early Minoan III to Middle Minoan IA periods (mid 3rd millennium BCE/2300–1900 BCE). This pre-palatial phase is evident along the west façade (Quarter I) and in the north of the Central Court (Quartier IX). The construction of the initial palace structure occurred during the Middle Minoan IB to Middle Minoan II periods (1900–1700 BCE), similar to contemporary palatial sites. During the subsequent New Palace Period, two major phases emerged, spanning Middle Minoan III and Late Minoan IA (1700–1450 BCE). The first palace, built around 1900 BCE, likely succumbed to an earthquake around 1700 BCE. This period witnessed the development of an urban center with settlements, the palace, villas, workshops, and cemeteries. While little remains visible from this stage within the palace, surrounding complexes like the "Hypostyle Crypt," "Agora," and "Quartier Mu" indicate the political center of the time. The New Palace, constructed circa 1650 BCE, was later destroyed around 1450 BCE, akin to Phaestos and Zakros, possibly due to the eruption of Thera, subsequent earthquakes, or Mycenaean invasions. The palace was encompassed by a Minoan town, recently uncovered with ongoing excavations. Large semi-transparent roofs shield significant excavation areas, allowing tourist access in some sections while walkways enable passage above others. Identified structures include metal and ceramic workshops, meeting rooms, and a large residential dwelling with an en-suite bath, reminiscent of designs at Phaistos, all strategically positioned to maximize scenic views.


Malia resort

Malia has transformed into a prominent holiday destination, boasting a bustling holiday resort characterized by
tourism Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the Commerce, commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. World Tourism Organization, UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as ...
and commercial activities. The town's economy thrives on
hotels A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. Facilities provided inside a hotel room may range from a modest-quality mattress in a small room to large suites with bigger, higher-quality beds, a dresser, a refr ...
, restaurants, gift shops, bars, and
nightclubs A nightclub or dance club is a club that is open at night, usually for drinking, dancing and other entertainment. Nightclubs often have a bar and discotheque (usually simply known as disco) with a dance floor, laser lighting displays, and ...
, catering to the needs of tourists. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Malia has emerged as a top tourist hub in Crete and Europe, drawing comparisons to destinations like
Ibiza Ibiza (; ; ; #Names and pronunciation, see below) or Iviza is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is 150 kilometres (93 miles) from the city of Valencia. It is the third largest of th ...
and Magaluf. Predominantly frequented by young visitors from the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
and Northern Europe, Malia's nightlife scene is elevated by the presence of renowned DJs and events. The Main Strip serves as the focal point, hosting a plethora of bars, clubs, taverns, and restaurants, complemented by nearby accommodation options including hotels and apartments. Malia boasts a scenic sandy beach stretching from the base of the strip and extending eastward toward the vicinity of the Minoan palace of Malia. In the past, Malia was renowned for its
agricultural Agriculture encompasses crop and livestock production, aquaculture, and forestry for food and non-food products. Agriculture was a key factor in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created f ...
output and iconic windmills. Presently, it's celebrated for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the historic Minoan Palace of King Sarpidon, one of Crete's prominent ancient sites. The town offers a blend of tradition and modernity, divided by the main road. To the south lies the old town, characterized by charming alleyways and traditional architecture, including renovated buildings and ancient churches. Visitors can explore traditional taverns and restaurants. In contrast, the newer part of town, located north of the main road, features a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs, alongside shopping opportunities and eateries serving traditional cuisine. Malia gained prominence as the setting for the 2011 British comedy film, '' The Inbetweeners Movie'', depicting a lads' holiday adventure of the main characters. Over the years, Malia has seen a surge in popularity, surpassing other holiday resorts like Ayia Napa and Zante. Independent reviews of booking data from various travel agents indicated Malia as the favored destination among young adults in 2013. Additionally, the 2023 film '' How to Have Sex'' was also filmed in Malia.


Villages in Municipal Unit of Malia


Krasi village

Krasi village is situated approximately 46.3 km southeast of
Heraklion Heraklion or Herakleion ( ; , , ), sometimes Iraklion, is the largest city and the administrative capital city, capital of the island of Crete and capital of Heraklion (regional unit), Heraklion regional unit. It is the fourth largest city in G ...
city and just 6 km south of Malia town, nestled inland within
Hersonissos Hersonissos (, meaning “peninsula”, ''Chersónisos'', ), also transliterated as ''Chersonissos'' and ''Hersónisos'', is a town and a local government unit in the north of Crete, bordering the Mediterranean / Aegean Sea. The town is about 25 ...
Municipality at an elevation of 600 m. Its residents primarily engage in agricultural pursuits, particularly olive cultivation and livestock farming. A notable feature of the village is its square, adorned with three ancient plane trees. Located on the southern side of the village is the "Megalh Vrish- Ydragogio" fountain, which continues to supply water for local agricultural irrigation and the surrounding area. The village's church, Metamorphosis Sotiros, boasts intricate frescoes and a finely carved wooden temple. An archaeological highlight of the area is the "Protominoikos Tafos," a tomb unearthed in 1929 by Spiridon Marinatos, predating the Minoan era. Krasi also boasts a rich tradition in music and dance.


Mochos village

Mochos village is situated approximately 12 km south of Stalis village, nestled on the mountainside about 45 km southeast of Heraklion city, within Hersonissos Municipality at an elevation of 400 m. It is renowned for its preservation of 16th-century architecture, featuring a splendid village square. Annually, on the 15th of August, the village hosts a celebration in honor of the
Virgin Mary Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth, the wife of Saint Joseph, Joseph and the mother of Jesus. She is an important figure of Christianity, venerated under titles of Mary, mother of Jesus, various titles such as Perpetual virginity ...
, drawing a large gathering of individuals who indulge in traditional culinary delights and revel in the sounds of Cretan traditional music and dance until the early hours of the morning. A visit to the Folklore Museum of Mochos offers insights into traditional Cretan life through the presentation of a typical Cretan house and a collection of tools and objects from traditional occupations of old.


Stalis village

Stalis village, situated 31 km east of Heraklion city, lies just 3 km east of Hersonissos village and 3 km from Malia town. As a coastal resort, Stalis offers various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. It's popular among families for its serene ambiance and fully-equipped beaches. Stalis provides easy access to nearby nightlife hotspots in Malia and Hersonissos. The village hosts the annual Xwrodeion event on August 12th, featuring Cretan traditions and local delicacies. Admission to this event is free.


References


External links


Malia palace
ellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports
Malia Palace
Well illustrated account of the Palace and the nearby Minoan town {{Authority control Populated places in Heraklion (regional unit) Hersonissos Cities in ancient Crete Aegean palaces of the Bronze Age Minoan sites in Crete