With its bars, discos and nightclubs, Malia, on the Greek island of Crete, has long had a reputation as a holiday destination for primarily young people. However, the beaches, water parks and historical attractions can make Malia a fun destination for the whole family. Here are some suggestions for how both you and the kids can enjoy your trip to this gorgeous seaside town.
The Sands of (Holiday) Time
Malia holidays simply have to include time on the beach. The town is home to a three mile long beach, providing plenty of space to play in the sand, throw a frisbee around or swim in the sea. Hey, why not do all three? The beach is conveniently divided into several different areas, to suit the wants and needs of different types of tourists. Younger people may gravitate towards the area playing music and families might prefer to stick near the area with water sports.
You can hire jet skis, hop aboard a banana boat or treat your teen to a parasailing adventure. Various boat trips are on offer as well, including fishing expeditions and a cruise around the bay of Malia, complete with snorkelling, swimming and shopping stops along the way. If the kids are young and you’d prefer to stay closer to the shore then simply pack some buckets and spades, build a monster sand castle and soak up the sun.
Splash!
There are several water parks in or near Malia, so the kids certainly aren’t short of somewhere to splash around in. So you think these slides are just for them, do you? Think again because there are slides that you’ll be queuing up to get on as well! Water City, a 20 minute drive from Malia, has the biggest wave pool in Europe and also two children’s pools, complete with interactive water games and slides appropriate for the youngsters.
Malia Slides is perfect if you’re looking for an outdoor activity, other than the beach, that’s still in close proximity. The park is located just 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of Malia and is lower key than some of the other water parks. It has three pools, including a children’s pool, several slides and best of all, it’s free to enter!
Back in Time
If you find you need a break from all of the sea and sand — some people can’t get enough of it, though! — you can check out some of Malia’s history. The ruins of the Minoan Palace of Malia, which dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, will let you into the town’s past. They feature a central court, which was used for ceremonies including animal sacrifices, shrines and storerooms. The weaving rooms and palace details make this an intriguing place for the family to spend an afternoon.
So pack up some sunscreen and pop your beach towels in your case, and set sail (or rather, board the plane!) for Malia! There’s something there for the whole family.
The nearest I’ve got to Greece and the Greek Islands is watching Mamma Mia! It looks lovely with the white buildings and turquoise skies, so maybe we will go at some point.