Malia, Crete

Malia
Μάλια

Malia and bay of Malia
Malia

Coordinates: 35°18′N 25°00′E / 35.300°N 25.000°E / 35.300; 25.000Coordinates: 35°18′N 25°00′E / 35.300°N 25.000°E / 35.300; 25.000
Country Greece
Administrative region Crete
Regional unit Heraklion
Municipality Hersonissos
 • Municipal unit 60.720 km2 (23.444 sq mi)
Highest elevation 10 m (30 ft)
Lowest elevation 0 m (0 ft)
Population (2001)[1]
 • Municipal unit 6,212
 • Municipal unit density 100/km2 (260/sq mi)
Community
 • Population 3722
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 • Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)

Malia (Greek: Μάλια) is a coastal town and a former municipality in the northeast corner of the Heraklion regional unit in Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Hersonissos, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] It lies 34 kilometres (21 miles) east of Heraklion, the Cretan capital city. The town (pop. 3,722 in 2001) was the seat of the municipality of Mália (pop. 6,212). The municipal unit also includes the villages of Mochos (Greek: Μοχός) (1,155), Krasi (Greek: Κράσι) (348), and Stalis (Greek: Σταλίδα) (987), and has a total land area of 60.720 square kilometres (23.444 sq mi). The town is a tourist attraction, primarily for its significant archaeological site and nightlife. The Minoan town ruins lie three km east of the site and cover an area of approximately 1 square kilometre (0.4 sq mi). The original name for the town is not known.

History

The palace of Malia, dating from the Middle Bronze Age, was destroyed by an earthquake during the Late Bronze Age;[3] Knossos and other sites were also destroyed at that time. The palace was later rebuilt toward the end of the Late Bronze Age. Most of the ruins visible today date from this second period of construction. The palace features a giant central courtyard, 48m x 23m in size. On the south side are two sets of steps leading upwards and a maze of tiny rooms. Also here is a strange carved stone called a kernos stone, which looks like a millstone with a cup attached to the side of it. On the north side of the courtyard were storage rooms with giant earthenware pithos jars, up to two metres tall. These were used for holding grain, olive oil and other liquids; the floor of these rooms has a complex drainage system for carrying away spilled liquids.

The palace of Malia was discovered in 1915 by Hadzidakis, a Greek archaeologist. It was fully excavated from 1922 onwards by the French School at Athens in collaboration with Greek scholars. Importantly, the palace was surrounded by a Minoan town which has only recently been uncovered. Excavation is ongoing. Important parts of the old and new excavations are covered by a series of large semi-transparent roofs, which protect them from the elements. In places tourists are allowed to wander among the ruins; in others, walkways allow passage above. There are rooms which have been identified as metal workshops, ceramic workshops and meeting rooms; there is also a large residential dwelling with en-suite bath, which is similar to a design at Phaistos, both taking advantage of expansive views.[4]

Malia the Resort

Modern day Malia is a holiday resort, tourism and commerce are the main economic activities in the town, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, gift shops, bars and nightclubs. Malia has become one of the most popular tourist locations of Crete, and one of the most popular in Europe, rivalling Ibiza and Magaluf. It is mainly visited by young people from the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. The prominence of Malia as one of the leading spots for nightlife in Europe is cemented by the attraction of big name DJs and events. The Main Strip is home to many bars, clubs, taverns and restaurants. This is supported by the many close by hotels and apartments in Malia and the immediate area. Malia has a fine sandy beach which starts from the bottom of the strip and continues towards the East near to the Minoan palace of Malia.

During the summer of 2008, Malia attracted increased attention from the British news media, centering on the wild nightlife and the antisocial behaviour attributed to this. Various newspapers and television news services such as BBC News and GMTV sent reporters to highlight the growing concern at the violence and alcohol problems in the popular resort.[5] This behaviour was also brought to light in the 2002 Sky 1 documentary titled Sex on the Beach which was filmed in Malia and followed the experiences of different groups of British holidaymakers during their stay with an emphasis on their drinking binges and sexual promiscuity.

Malia was also the setting for 2011 British comedy film The Inbetweeners Movie, in which the four main characters went on a lads' holiday. Through the years Malia has become increasingly popular, outgrowing other holiday resorts such as Ayia Napa and Zante. An independent review of booking numbers from many travel agents discovered that the resort of Malia looks to be the most popular among the youth of 2013.

Main Villages in Municipal Unit of Malia

Mochos Village

Mochos village is located 12 km south of Stalis village, on the mountain side 45 km southeast of Heraklion city, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality at an altitude of 400 m. A traditional village; which preserves its 16th century architecture, with a magnificent village square. In the square, traditional cafes, taverns and a local grocery shop offer local dishes, drinks and agricultural products. Every year on the 15th of August, the celebration of Virgin Mary take place, and a vast number of people gather in her honour, to feast on traditional delights and drink to the sound of Cretan traditional music and dance till the early morning hours. A worthwhile visit to the Folklore Museum of Mochos, where a traditional Cretan house is presented as well as a number of tools and objects from old traditional occupations. A walk around the picturesque alleyways is a must, and will definitely make visitors feel the warm atmosphere of the village and the characteristic hospitality of locals well known for their music and multicultural heritage.

Stalis Village

Stalis village is located 31 km east of Heraklion city and 3 km east and of Hersonissos village and 3 km from Malia town. It is a resort by the sea with accommodation facilities, shops, and sightseeing not only on its coastline but also on the south hillside of its area. It is an ideal destination for families, due to its relaxing atmosphere satisfying number of fully organized and beautiful beaches as well as taverns, cafes and restaurants. It is a breath away from, the more intense, nightlife of Malia and Hersonissos that visitors may seek. Easy and fast access is one of the advantages of Stalis, to its accommodation facilities and beaches, with the characteristic example of Foinikas beach an outstanding crystal clear water beach, fully organized with courts and areas for tennis, volley and water sports. The picture of this particular beach closes with the Cretan palm trees that spread across its area. In conclusion, a must see experience is the Xwrodeion event that take place on the 12th of August in the courtyard of Agios Ioannis church, where visitors will see and admire Cretan traditional costumes, dances, music and the making of local traditional delights. The entrance is free for this event.

Krasi Village

Krasi village is located 46.3 km southeast of Heraklion city and just 6 km south of Malia town, in the inland of Hersonissos Municipality at an altitude of 600 m. Its villagers are involved in agricultural production, in particular in olive growing and livestock, producing high quality olive oil and dairy products that every visitor can taste and purchase from local shops. A remarkable point of interest of the village is the square, with its three ancient plane trees that decorate the square and during the summer time offer plenty of shade for the traditional cafes, taverns and shops. On the south side of the village you can see the ‘‘Megalh Vrish- Ydragogio’’ fountain, that to this day provides endless water to the local agricultural irrigation system and for the wider area. The church of Metamorphosis Sotiros, in the village, is an ideal point to visit to admire the enviable frescoes and wooden carved temple, inside. In conclusion, the archaeological site of the area is the ‘‘Protominoikos Tafos’’, a tomb that was discovered in 1929 by Spiridon Marinatos, and is dated before the Minoan era. Krasi has a long and magnificent tradition in music and dancers, which is maintained to this day, and this is the guarantee for every visitor to live an experience full of tradition, celebration with local delights and drinks.

Main Points of Interest in Municipal Unit of Malia

Minoan Palace of Malia

This Minoan Palace is situated 3 km east of Malia town and is the third most significant known Minoan Palace after Knossos and Faistos. It is known for its strategic port, nearby and moreover for its characteristic large central courtyard, the centerpiece of the complex, the stairwells, the skylights, polythira, monumental facades and on each side rooms for specific functions.

Platanos and Fountains in Krasi

Krasi village is located in the mountains and it is distanced of about 10 km from the main town of Malia. Its square is naturally decorated with three enormous plane trees; the one in the middle is the biggest of them all and is considered to be one of the oldest plane trees in the Mediterranean. Opposite the majestic trees, two spectacular fountains stand to impress the visitors, giving a spectacular picture for everyone.

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ De Facto Population of Greece Population and Housing Census of March 18th, 2001 (PDF 39 MB). National Statistical Service of Greece. 2003.
  2. ↑ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)
  3. ↑ Mallia archaeological site
  4. ↑ C. Michael Hogan. 2007. Phaistos fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian
  5. ↑ Clarke, Natalie (1 August 2008). "Sex Drugs Booze Violence welcome To Malia". London: Daily Mail. Retrieved 1 August 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Malia.

www.cityofmalia.gr

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