The Best Hotels to Book in Malia, Crete

Ikaros Beach Resort and Spa artfully blends Crete’s architectural heritage – in the form of its natural stone buildings, inspired by centuries-old Cretan villages – with razor-sharp, 21st-century design. Surrounded by undulating landscaped gardens, every room and suite has a private balcony or terrace, while some come with private swimming pools. A key feature of the resort is the Aura Spa with a signature collection of treatments, a fantastic indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna and steam area.

If you’re looking for an elevated taste of Cretan cuisine, Alexander Beach Hotel & Village Resort stands out from the crowd. You’ll find a mouth-watering choice of restaurants, tavernas, typical ouzeries and beach bars in a blissful beachfront location, serving international and Greek specialities. This family-friendly resort features stylish rooms, suites and villas, all of them with access to the spa, the fitness centre, a private sandy beach and six stunning sweetwater pools.

You won’t find better sea views than from the suites of this super-luxe resort, perched on a hillside overlooking Malia. The tastefully pared-back rooms and suites come with either terraces overlooking the central pool-dappled courtyard, or balconies giving you soaring panoramas of the glittering sea and rugged coastline. For when you’re in the mood for extra pampering, there’s also an on-site spa with its selection of rejuvenating treatments and massages, as well as a whirlpool bath, sauna and steam bath.

Considered one of the best hotels in Malia, High Beach occupies a highly coveted location, facing the lonely chapel on Afentis Christos islet. It also spills directly onto the white sands of Malia Beach, making it ideal if you’re looking for a fly-and-flop holiday. Rooms and suites are super-glam and come with their own private beach access. The all-inclusive resort gives you five restaurants and bars to pick from, offering everything from trad Cretan cuisine, to fresh seafood and stone-baked pizza.

Sugar cube-like whitewashed buildings dot an estate of manicured lawns, feathery palm trees and dazzling pools at Dessole Malia Beach. As the name suggests, this four-star stunner is just seconds away from Malia’s signature golden sands – and many of its spacious romantic suites, family rooms and even affordable doubles come with balcony views over the water and gardens. In the unlikely event that you get bored of sunning on the sand or playing in the surf, there’s a superb on-site spa.

Lavish, luxurious, and even over the top, the SunVillage Boutique Hotel embodies a hospitality concept that little resembles the typical Cretan experience. Surrounded by an enchanting garden, the hotel features modern facilities and services for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Chic rooms and suites combine pure whites and blacks with wooden and golden details. This boutique hotel enjoys a privileged central location, just minutes from the beautiful beach of Malia and only steps away from the exciting local nightlife.

For unbridled romance, the Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites is one of the best hotels in Malia. Its compact size, town centre location and central palm-surrounded pool make it feel like a hidden oasis, a sort of Mediterranean riad. The hotel boasts beautifully decorated rooms and suites equipped with comfortable beds and inviting mattresses. To enhance the experience, guests can head to the seaside for live music and delicious cocktails at the on-site Nisos Beach Bar.