Malia, Crete
Malia 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 and is located approximately 34 kilometers east of Heraklion. As of 2021, the population of the municipal unit was 5,501. The area also encompasses the villages of Mochos, Krasi, and Stalida, covering a total area of 60.720 square kilometers. Malia is renowned as a tourist destination, particularly famous for its vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the town is home to Minoan ruins located three kilometers to the east, spanning an area of approximately 1 square kilometer.
Palace of Malia
Close to the modern town lies an archaeological site housing the remains of a Minoan palace and an associated settlement. Dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, the palace suffered destruction from an earthquake during the Late Bronze Age, a fate shared by Knossos 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 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 and olive oil, 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, 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.
Malia resort
Malia has transformed into a prominent holiday destination, boasting a bustling holiday resort characterized by tourism and commercial activities. The town's economy thrives on hotels, restaurants, gift shops, bars, and nightclubs, 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 and Magaluf.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.
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.