Holidays in Maleme

Things to do in Maleme

Until a few years ago, holidays in Maleme were rare, as Maleme was mainly a farming area. However, the situation has changed in recent years and Maleme welcomes many visitors each summer, with an adequate tourist and hotel infrastructure.

Maleme has a pharmacy, cashpoint machine, rural surgery, minimarket, kiosks and tourist shops. It does not offer a great variety of goods, as neighbouring Platanias has all you could wish for.

It’s worth walking along the Maleme beach road, which is picturesque, with pretty benches and streetlamps for an evening stroll, while there are cafeterias and restaurants which open early in the morning.

Hotels in Maleme

For those who want to come to Maleme on holiday, there are large hotels such as the luxury Louis Hotel.

New apartment complexes and villas are constantly springing up at the east end of Maleme, just behind the pretty beach road.

Restaurants and Tavernas in Maleme

Tavernas and restaurants are perhaps the most common establishments in Crete, so you won’t have any difficulty finding somewhere to eat in Maleme, either. For more variety, drive a few kilometres into the surrounding area.

The best often awaits discovery, and the locals are usually valuable sources of information.

Cafés and Bars in Maleme

You will find cafés on the Maleme beach road, but the bars and clubs are right next door in Platanias, recommended by locals and tourists alike for its wild nightlife.

If you go to Maleme on holiday…

Enjoy the sun and sea at Μaleme Beach. If you have your own or a rented car, explore the area and discover new beaches.

Don’t miss a visit to the German War Cemetery at Maleme, where 4,465 German soldiers are buried. If you notice the dates on their tombstones, you will see that most of them were 20-year-olds, sacrificed to their leader’s paranoia and megalomania.

“The graves of warriors are the best missionaries of peace” – Albert Schweitzer

Chania is just 16 kilometres from Maleme, so don’t miss visiting for a stroll around the alleyways of the Old Town and a coffee at the Venetian Harbour.

Go to neighbouring Kissamos or Kastelli and take the boat to Gramvoussa and Balos

Εlafonissi with its famous lagoon is about an hour’s drive away from Maleme. It’s best if you go there early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there are fewer people.

If you like walking, then the Samaria Gorge is the best nature walk in Crete – as long as you are prepared for a 6-8 hour hike, unless you’re a cross-country speed-walker. If you prefer something shorter and less busy, then try the Gorge of Agia Irini which runs down close to Sougia with its beautiful beach.

Cape Spatha or Spada is close to Maleme. It’s worth a trip to Ravdoucha for fresh fish. If you have a 4-wheel drive or a good motorbike, you can drive about 25 kilometres down a dirt road to Menies beach, where there was once an ancient temple of Artemis Dictynna.