Establishment of the Stalida Tourist Centre

The holiday town of Stalida forms part of the large area of Hersonissos - Stalida - Malia, which has earned the title "the largest and busiest resort on the island of Crete". Unlike its "neighbours" Chersonissou and Malia, Stalida was created artificially.

The harbour towns of Chersonisou (Hersonissos) and Malia have developed gradually and naturally from small fishing villages to their present form as large and bustling resorts. And between these two resorts there is an empty area with a beautiful sandy beach. It was not so surprising that the first dwellings began to spring up along the coast and all sorts of shops and taverns began to open.

The name Stalis is derived from the Greek verb "stalizo", which translates as "stop and rest". In the past, shepherds used this place to rest with their flocks or to shelter them for the night.

Stalida - resort amenities and Stalida beach

The resort of Stalida, also known as Stalis, has a variety of accommodation of different levels and quality. Generally, the hotels and apartments here tend to be of a lower standard, but they are often close to the beach and have their own pools. If you want to sleep at night, we recommend that when choosing a hotel you make sure it is not right on the main promenade, otherwise you may be woken up by night visitors to the resort.

Czech tour operators often combine Stalida and Malia into one resort as they are located right next to each other. If you walk along the coast you won't even know you've crossed from one town to the other, the long sandy beach stretches further east to Malia. You can tell that there are two resorts by the signs on the main road.

In addition to the accommodation, the resort offers other tourist services in the form of various shops, excellent tavernas, bars and discos. There are also car and motorbike rental services. In the evening, however, tourists from Stalida and other resorts flock to the neighbouring town of Chersonisou, which is the island's renowned night resort.

The resort includes the beautiful sandy beach of the same name, Stalida, which is considered one of the largest and most beautiful beaches on the island of Crete. The sand covering the coastline is wonderfully fine and children love to play in it. Stalida Beach is generally very popular with families with children, as the shoreline drops very slowly into the sea and the water in Malia Bay is beautifully warm and clear. There is also beach service, fast food and adrenaline water sports on offer.

History and historical monuments

The area around the bay has a very long history, with the oldest finds dating back to 6,000 BC. Evidence of settlement then dates back to around 3 000 BC, from which the remains of individual settlements or graves have been preserved. The most famous historical monument from this era is the Minoan palace of Knossos, which dates back to around 2 000 BC. Knossos was probably the administrative centre of the entire Minoan civilisation, and today it is a vast archaeological site that bears witness to the local Minoan civilisation. It is close to the capital Heraklion.

The Gulf of Malia and its surroundings are generally considered to be the first inhabited area in Crete.

However, no major historical monuments can be found in the area of today's Stalida. As already mentioned, the resort was created artificially between two developing port towns. Near the beach stands one of the few historical buildings - the Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis, dating from around 1600 AD.

Trips to the surroundings

Stalida is strategically located in terms of travel and transport. It is located close to the main road along the north coast, providing good transport links to other resorts on the island. The nearby capital Heraklion is certainly worth a visit, with its massive fortress, the famous archaeological museum and the fine Byzantine church of St Titus. Tours of the archaeological sites with the remains of the temple of Knossos are also organised as optional excursions.

Nature lovers and walkers will appreciate the surrounding countryside. Just beyond the resort, the hills begin to rise and towards the south-east you will see the Selena (Selena Oros) mountain range, which forms the northern part of the highest mountains in the area, the Dikti Mountains. From the village of Stalis, there is also a so-called "Bulgarian trail" up into the hills to the inland village of Mochos. The trail earned this name during the Second World War, when Bulgarian prisoners of war marched along it. In the village of Mochos you can refresh yourself with a cold drink, sit in the café on the square or visit the quite modern monastery of Panagia Theogenitor (Virgin Mary). Several times during the season there is also a traditional "Greek night" with delicious food and live Greek music.

Between Stalida and Chersonisou is the interesting open-air museum of traditional folk architecture, Lychnostatis, where you can see the ancient dwellings of Cretan farmers and merchants and learn how the oil mills, distilleries and weaving and pottery workshops of the time worked. You can even try out some of the activities yourself.

For whom the centre is suitable

We would recommend Stalida Tourist Resort to those who are going on their holiday mainly to relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Stalida is a lively resort with a beautiful beach where you will be well taken care of at the same time. However, you won't enjoy walking around the historical sights here.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for some peace and quiet and contemplation in the surrounding countryside, try the quieter resorts of Bali, Plakias or Paleochora.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Hersonissos, Malia

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.