The Best Hotels to Book in Malia, Crete

High Beach Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Malia, spilling directly onto the white sands of Malia Beach
High Beach Hotel is considered one of the best hotels in Malia, spilling directly onto the white sands of Malia Beach | Courtesy of High Beach Hotel / Booking.com
Gabi Ancarola

Twinkling on the northern coast of Crete, Malia has a reputation as the party hub of the island, its main streets lined with bars and nightclubs. But in the warm light of day, beyond the sticky floors and booming DJs, Malia has plenty of softer charms: a heavenly shoreline and the old village, a picturesque maze of narrow alleys, blooming with colourful bougainvillea. Here, traditional bars and tavernas offer a more authentic snapshot of Crete. But whatever sort of holiday you want to have here, these are the best hotels in Malia, bookable with Culture Trip.

Ikaros Beach Resort & Spa, for rustic luxury

Luxury, Spa Hotel

The curving pool of Ikaros Beach Luxury Resort and Spa at sunset
Courtesy of Ikaros Beach Luxury Resort and Spa / Booking.com

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.

Alexander Beach Hotel & Village Resort, for authentic flavours

Hotel

Snug traditional guest room with sea-view balcony at Alexander Beach Hotel and Village Resort
Courtesy of Alexander Beach Hotel and Village Resort / Booking.com

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.

High Beach Hotel, for all-inclusive appeal

Hotel

The relaxing pool area with loungers shaded by a thatched pergola at High Beach Hotel in Malia, Crete
Courtesy of High Beach Hotel / Booking.com

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.

Dessole Malia Beach, for a luxury beachside break

Hotel

View of pool and jacuzzi area with sea views at Dessole Malia Beach
Courtesy of Dessole Malia Beach / Booking.com

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.

SunVillage Boutique Hotel, for OTT luxury

Hotel

Elegant bedroom with recessed lighting, sofa and artwork at SunVillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites
Courtesy of SunVillage Malia Boutique Hotel and Suites / Booking.com

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.

Drossia Palms Hotel, for an urban oasis

Hotel

Upscale king room with polished tile floors and patio at Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites
Courtesy of Drossia Palms Hotel and Nisos Beach Suites / Booking.com

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.

Want to explore more of the spellbinding beach towns that Crete offers? Check out the best hotels in Agios Nikolaos, or these places to stay in Chania, as well as the best cheap hotels in Crete, bookable with Culture Trip.

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