Our most recommended things to do in Malia

Heraklion: Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Meal

1. Heraklion: Half-Day Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Meal

Set sail from the old Venetian Port of Heraklion to Dia Island on a yacht tour. Cruise through the Mediterranean Sea. Feel the wind on your skin, cool off in the sea by snorkeling and swimming, and enjoy a full meal onboard. After an hour of sailing, drop anchor at St George's Bay, the biggest bay on the island. Spend 2.5 hours there, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. With the snorkeling equipment that is available for everyone on board, explore the Mediterranean biodiversity and the remains of the ancient Minoans' port. Or use the fishing gear to try your hand at fishing, with respect to the local ecosystem. For the more adventurous, there is also a chance to walk the wild landscape of the island towards the chapel of Analipsi. Later, come back onboard for a taste of local cuisine. Sit on the deck, savor your meal, admire the scenic view, and listen to music.

Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket

2. Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket

Venture into the ocean’s depth with a 1-day admission ticket to the CRETAquarium. One of Europe’s largest aquariums, over 2,000 sea creatures lice the CRETAquarium's 60 diverse habitats. Delve into the caves and crevices of the Mediterranean, where stingrays and rock-like scorpionfish slither about. Pop out into the open ocean, where menacing sharks circle, waiting to be fed. Get up close and personal with jellyfish and schools of vibrant tropical clownfish through shallow, open-topped tanks, which allow a new viewing perspective of well known species.  Above all, gain a new appreciation for the unending diversity of the world’s most mystifying environment. When you’ve had your fill of looking at the ocean’s residents, why not pop in for a dip? The CRETAquarium is, fittingly, right on the beach.

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

3. Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Embark on a full-day guided trip to northeastern Crete and take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Visit Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake, and explore the picturesque village of Elounda. Begin the day with the visit to Agios Nikolaos, and see the shore of Mirabello Bay. Explore the town, famous for the lake at its center and its shopping and cafes. Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake. Explore an open-air market on Wednesdays. Move on to see Elounda village, a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Depart from Elounda for the cruise to Spinalonga Island. Learn about the island's vibrant history, from a home for the Venetians and Turks to a place of isolation for those suffering from leprosy. Experience the island, more popular after the 2005 historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived in Spinalonga. Join the hundreds of people who come to the island every day to visit and learn its history.

Crete: Snorkeling Boat Trip with Snack and Transfer

4. Crete: Snorkeling Boat Trip with Snack and Transfer

Take in the beauty of the Cretan Sea on a scenic boat tour with iconic snorkeling opportunities. Depart from Malia on a motor yacht and discover Stalis, Hersonissos, and Saint George Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, gaze at vibrant marine life, and enjoy tasty snacks. Start your adventure with a hotel pickup before heading to Malia. Set sail and admire stunning views of the coastline of the Aegean Sea. Stop at various beaches and coves along the way for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. Enjoy a sandwich, dessert, and fruit salad if you're feeling hungry. Explore the villages of Stalis and Hersonissos, both known for their lively atmosphere and nightlife, and soak up the sun at Saint George Bay, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery. Finally, make your way back to Malia to be transferred to your accommodation.

Hersonissos: Sunset Catamaran Trip with Finger Food & Drinks

5. Hersonissos: Sunset Catamaran Trip with Finger Food & Drinks

Sailing trip suits better for newlyweds and couples, it can become as well a budget option for family vacation. We take on boat tours snorkelling & fishing equipment, sup, inflatable flamingo & unicorn, guests’ popular photo shoot objects. White Cretan wine and light snacks: cheese, fruit are served on board. Products are purchased from local farmers market. The highlight of the cruise - meeting sunset at the bay exit. Incredibly beautiful and exciting sight.

Crete: Off-Road Quad Safari with Hotel Transfers and Lunch

6. Crete: Off-Road Quad Safari with Hotel Transfers and Lunch

Set out on a self-driving quad safari and explore the Cretan countryside with a guided tour with hotel transfers from Malia, Heraklion, Sisi, and surrounding spots. Drive to Milatos, featuring rock-hewn caves and a little beach. Visit an olive oil factory, and discover the Palace of Malia. Before starting your quad tour experience, get acquainted with your ATV vehicle, including lessons for beginners, by an instructor. Begin by going uphill on off-road terrain to reach your first stop, the Chapel of the Prophet Elias, where you will be greeted by panoramic views of the surroundings. Descending through this lush place, hit an off-road route between the vineyards and olive groves to explore Cretan nature in all its glory. Stop at an olive oil factory to see how locals extract olive oil, followed by a brief tasting. Continue on the dirt roads to Milatos to explore a series of caves hewn into rocks, surrounded by mountains, rich flora, and fauna. This is your chance to collect some local herbs and be one with nature. After the hike on the path to Milatos Cave, head to Milatos Beach for a swim. Next, it's time for a seaside safari tour through the narrow streets of the quaint fishing villages of Milatos and Sissi. Then, we'll drive through impressive off road around the picturesque countryside, where the Malia Palace Archaeological Site once stood. Finally, unwind over lunch after a full day of adventure in Crete.

Crete: Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus Off Road Safari Tour

7. Crete: Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus Off Road Safari Tour

Discover traditional life in rural Crete by witnessing the daily activities of the locals and visiting the sites where Greek myths were born. Enjoy a tour of Potamies, Aposelemis dam, Empasa, the cave of Zeus, and the beautiful scenery of the plateau. Start with pickup from your accommodation. Visit one of the most characteristic Cretan villages, Potamies, for a tour of a traditional local farm. See the process of milking and cheese-making, meet the animals, and sample their fresh cheese. Next, head to the Aposelemis dam, the largest water supply project in Crete. See the village of Sfendili submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. Explore the natural wetlands and spot a unique variety of birds. Continue uphill on the dirt roads to the gorge of Empasa. Enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. Try your hand at foraging for native herbs or relax and take in the panoramic views. Take a trip to Lassithi Plateau to enter Psychro Cave, the fabled birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. Follow the trails of the gods and after that take a tour around the plateau to get a sense of local life. Finally, enjoy authentic food baked in the wood oven in one of the most celebrated taverns in the picturesque village of Krasi. Admire the town square filled with fountains and see imposing plane trees that are up to 2000 years old. Return to your hotel full of unforgettable memories of Crete.

From Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit

8. From Crete: Santorini Day Trip by Boat with Oia & Fira Visit

Board a high-speed vessel with an open deck and coffee bars and enjoy a nice ferry cruise from Heraklion to the island of Santorini (Duration: approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be transferred from the port to the magnificent village of Oia in the north. During the transfer, an experienced guide on the bus will share many interesting facts about Santorini, its history, features, and secrets. In Oia, you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to visit picturesque spots and viewpoints and enjoy breathtaking views. The town of Oia is famous worldwide for its iconic panoramic views, Cycladic architecture with white houses and churches with blue domes. After Oia, the tour continues to the capital of Santorini - the town of Fira. Fira is just as beautiful as Oia, with breathtaking views of the sea and Caldera from its streets. You can visit the big Orthodox Cathedral on the main square in the center of Fira and walk through the city. Fira is full of interesting and picturesque spots and corners. You will have almost 1.5 hours there to explore on your own. The tour will end with a transfer to the Santorini port, where you will take a return trip to Crete. The day trip ends at the port of Heraklion or at your hotel area if you select the option that includes hotel transfer.

Crete: Quad Safari with Monastery Visit, Lunch, Malia palace

9. Crete: Quad Safari with Monastery Visit, Lunch, Malia palace

Explore off-road trails in Crete on a quad. Marvel at Minoa Palace and drive through olive groves. See an ancient oak tree and a 16th-century monastery. Savor a traditional Greek lunch in a cozy tavern and tour an olive mill. Bask in the sun and cool off with a swim in the sea at the end. Go to the activity provider's premises in Malia for a safety briefing. Then, head to Minoa Palace in Malia and continue to the village of Sisi. Cross a forest and pass through olive groves on your way up to the mountains to stop for a memorable photo at an 800-year-old oak tree. Afterward, visit Vrahasi village and navigate its narrow streets as you head up a steep road to the Monastery of Agios Georgios Vrahasiotis. This monastery dates back to the 16th century. Every 30 minutes, you can stop to take photos and listen to the guide explain where you will go next. Next, go to the village of Latsida and eat a traditional local lunch in a tavern. Finish your meal and then follow your guide to Neapoli. Check out Vasilakis Estate, an award-winning olive mill where olive oil is produced. Enjoy a tour here and then continue to Sisi to relax on the beach and swim. Finally, return to the starting point and then transfer back to your accommodation to conclude your adventure.

Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau Day Tour

10. Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau Day Tour

Start your tour with pick up in an air-conditioned Land Rover from your accommodations at 10 AM and head into the Dikti Mountain Range. You'll pass through several traditional and very picturesque mountain villages. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or to have a coffee at a real taverna. At the Lassithi Plateau, you might see eagles and vultures, as both nest around this area. Next, you’ll reach the base of Mount Spathi. The Psychro Cave, the birth place of the Greek god Zeus, is located on the north face of Spathi. You’ll walk 15 minutes up the steep hill to the entrance of the cave and from there follow the path down into the spectacular cave.   Next, enjoy a traditional Cretan meze lunch with local wine. After lunch, you'll continue around the plateau and then descend taking in views of the north coast and the impressive Aposelemis Dam. You will then visit a 2400-year-old plane tree, the oldest on the island, as well as the Selinari Monastery.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Malia?

The best day trips and excursions from Malia are:

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What people are saying about Malia

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,403 reviews

Great trip, snorkelling equipment really made it so good we loved it.. food was good staff are so welcoming nice half day trip, with good amount of time for swimming and exploring. Would do it again

Everything was perfect from the beginning! Our friendly guide Kostas, the trip, the goats, the Minoan route, the food (very tasty), the cheese, zeuz's cave, etc. 100! Recommended

The cruise to Dia Island was very relaxing, such a lovely sail boat. The crew of 2 worked hard to make sure we had the best experience.

Excellent fun, the captain and crew were lovely and the food was surprisingly good. Views were stunning, highly recommended.

Very nice trip. They picked me up in a van very close to my hotel because the streets were very narrow. Recommended!