Characteristics of Maleme

The village of Maleme lies about 18 km west of the regional town of Chania, on the coast of the long Chania Gulf, which is directly dotted with larger and smaller holiday resorts. Maleme is one of the smaller and more touristic areas of Crete, where tourism is still developing. The beauty of this place is mainly due to the abundance of greenery and the beautiful surrounding nature. The village is surrounded by olive fields and vineyards, with plane trees, fig trees and beautiful palm trees.

The name of the village is probably derived from the word "malama", which translates as "gold". According to the locals, there was a gold mine here in ancient times, but no findings have yet confirmed this.

Several small hotels and guesthouses have gradually sprung up in the village, scattered among the original houses of the locals, in beautiful flower gardens. Recently, a large hotel with all-inclusive, more luxurious rooms and a large swimming pool with slides has been added. But Maleme lacks a centre or anything like a square, so most of the accommodation and other services are along the long sand and shingle beach. There are also a few tavernas, cafes and shops with a variety of goods available to tourists. In the western part of the resort you can visit discos and night bars. However, if you like a wilder nightlife, we recommend heading to the nearby resorts of Platanias or Agia Marina or straight to the beautiful and lively town of Chania.

Maleme has good transport links, with the main road linking Chania and Kissamos/Kasteli passing directly through the resort. The Cretan motorway also runs close to the village. If you want to liven up your stay in the resort with some excursions or shopping, we recommend renting a car. You can also use the local bus service to travel to the nearby resorts, the bus stop is located right in the village.

Coast and beach of Maleme

The spacious and very pleasant Maleme beach stretches along the entire length of the resort, forming part of the long Chania Bay, where one beach practically follows another. To the west, the beach overlooks the rocky peninsula of Rodopou, and to the right you can see the islet of Agia Theodori (St. Theodore), now a protected conservation area.

Maleme beach is covered with sand and pebbles, with smaller and sharper stones in places. Families with children are particularly fond of the gently shelving waters and the beautifully clear sea, while the larger waves during the strong northerly winds (meltemi) attract water sports enthusiasts such as windsurfing and paragliding.

Maleme is a semi-organised beach. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented here and there are also beach showers, nearby taverns and bars. If you want to make your beach holiday more active, try one of the adrenaline water sports on offer. During the high season, a lifeguard supervises the safety of visitors. Look for the quieter part of the beach at the western end, next to the old military airfield.

History of the Maleme area and unique historical monuments

The village of Maleme played an important role during the Second World War. During the so-called 'Battle of Crete', fighting took place between the local population and the Allies on the one hand and the German army on the other, with the Tavronitis and Maleme area also being hard hit. It was Maleme that was attacked in 1941 by German paratroopers with the aim of taking control of the local military airfield. However, the whole operation was one big disaster for them, with some suffering fatal injuries when they landed on rocks and cliffs and others meeting with unexpectedly strong resistance from the local population. Most of the soldiers from the elite German paratroop unit were thus killed in action. Despite these heavy losses, however, the German troops eventually captured the local airfield.

Maleme thus became a symbol of national resistance to the German occupation for the Cretans. A cemetery for the fallen German soldiers, more than 4,000 mostly very young men, was also built on top of the hill above the village. A place of remembrance with a beautiful view of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea, which hopefully will not let anyone forget the horrors of the Second World War.

In addition to the historic airfield and the German war cemetery, you can also discover another important historical monument in Maleme - a tomb from the Minoan period. Unfortunately, the tomb was looted at the beginning of the 20th century and then, during the fighting of World War II, it was also hit by a bomb. In 1966, however, its remains were uncovered and the tomb is now open to the public. A particularly nice experience is to walk under the 2 m high, imposing entrance gate.

Tips for trips in the area

The village of Maleme is nestled in a beautiful setting of vineyards and olive groves, and its surroundings are inviting for romantic walks and longer hikes. The nearby White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or the Samaria Gorge, said to be the longest in Europe, are also great places to explore.

Thanks to the resort's good transport links, you'll be in one of the neighbouring resorts in no time, or visit the nearby picturesque historic town of Chania, which offers both beautiful historical sights and more entertainment and shopping opportunities. From the village of Maleme there is also a road that winds its way to the southernmost coast of Crete, to the town of Sougia. The road south is very scenic and passes through many traditional Greek inland villages where time seems to stand still.

Water lovers and active children will be thrilled by a trip to Limnoupolis Park, the largest water world in the western part of Crete. You can also take an interesting day trip to the Elafonissi Nature Reserve with its beautiful sandy beaches and especially the unique Elafonissi beach. The beaches and coastline around the dunes of Falassarna are also interesting, and the beaches of Gramvousa or Balos are also beautiful.

Who is the centre suitable for?

We would recommend Maleme to those tourists who are looking for peace and relaxation on their holiday. The place is ideal for romantic walks in the picturesque, green surroundings or for contemplation on the local pleasant pebble and sandy beach. The basic tourist services are well taken care of, but don't expect any major entertainment or lively nightlife from the resort. However, with good transport links, the larger resorts can be reached in no time and the location can also be ideal as a base for travelling around the western part of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Gerani, Platanias (Chania), Rapaniana, Tavronitis

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.