Malia, Hersonissos

Northern Crete (see map )

Hersonisos and Malia host what we call "mass-tourism" in the island, in the same way that Majorca or Ibiza do. Not for those looking for a traditional way of life, virgin beaches and tranquillity, this is a world of concrete hotels, video bars, international cuisine, extravagant nightlife and insistent barkers. That said the beaches are still clean (but crowded), there is enough competition to allow acceptable quality and bring prices down, you can find whatever you need around the clock (like Las Vegas) and it won’t hurt finally if you exchange vacation tips with the blonde Swedish girl next seat.

RESTAURANTS

There are zillions of eating places, most of them average and taking care not to hurt the good tourist’s feelings with anything out of his standards. Usually those with a sea view are more expensive (and more romantic) than the rest. AKROPOLIS is one of the oldest establishments and it has always been popular. IL CAMINO offers decent Italian food. VALENTINO is characterized by it’s spotless service MAXIM, SORAYA, KASTRI, AKROGIALI, ARHONTIKO offer the same standardized Greek and international food and highly professional service. NIKOLOUDIS by the national road towards Iraklion is an after hours restaurant, for a bowl of soup or some spaghetti after the countless shots in some club. In Koutouloufari FEGARI, EMMANUEL, PITHARI, TRIAADELFIA, are slightly less crudely touristic. At Malia, MALIAPORT is a fish tavern that attracts many connoisseurs from Iraklion. KRITI tavern, at the entrance of Malia, offers really home-made "ntolmadakia" without barkers and neon signs. DOLPHIN is a nice beach restaurant-bar while KALESMA is preferred by Greeks for it’s mezedes. Other establishments in the old village: YANNIS, KALIMERA, PETROS and the ROMANTIC RAPHAEL RESTAURANT. That said residents in Malia usually live on a fish and chips and other after-clubbing-junk-food diet, not recommendable for delicate stomachs.

NIGHTLIFE

We come to the point here. We ‘re talking about the Mecca of nightlife in Crete, don’t forget. And our humble remarks are dedicated to the pilgrims that come and come again in search of true fun. Let’s do it then: STATUS is always crowded and high-spirited, thanks to the honest efforts of owner Timis and his crew . NEW YORK a terrace caf? and beach bar that doubles as a club by night CAMELOT is one of the well known Cretan clubs for years TIGER PUB is speedy animated pubs. A guarantee in Hersonissos nightlife is AMNESIA. Strong house beats every night and various events and happenings at NRG. IOKASTI CAFE in Koutouloufari a classy pool bar with a nice view. Also in Koutouloufari CLASSICO is an after-hours Greek-music club.
Malia could be described as a party town occupied mainly by British teens. That explains the names of the clubs: LONDON, NEWCASTLE, MEANFIDDLER, CAMDEN, CORKERS etc. If you enjoy cheap drinks, football talking, they are OK. However, if you are interested in contemporary dance music, some of the best European d-j’s often perform in HIGHWAY, ZIG-ZAG, ZOO

BEACHES - GETTING AROUND

The main beach in Hersonissos is crowded but clean and nice. There are some nicer creeks though westwards, white sand and turquoise water, packed with coconut-scented half-naked bodies and there is plenty to watch: jet-ski exhibitions, paragliding, banana-boat riding, spontaneous strip-shows (a consequence of too many beers under thesun). At Malia, the feeling is more or less the same, you have to walk east from the main beach to find slightly more isolated spots to unfold your towel.

Source: Stigmes, Crete's magasine

Nikos Papadogeorgakis