Top beaches in Malia

Malia's main sandy beach has something for every holidaymaker. Also known as Glozanie Beach, Malia Bay is renowned for its lively atmosphere and wide range of facilities. Visit Dolphin Water Sports in Malia to hire equipment, then head to Elia Restaurant or Pleasure Beach Club for a delicious meal in Caribbean style.

As its name suggests, Tropical Beach is famous for its olive-green palm trees and exotic vibe. Swimmers will find the waters wonderfully calm and clear, while sunbathers can enjoy a relaxing day under the Greek sun.

Potamos beach has all the hallmarks of a sunny Greek beach: deep blue waters overlooking a vast expanse of golden sand. To reach this crescent-shaped lagoon, head east from the port of Malia.

Potamos owes its name to the River Potamos, which flows into a small stream at the eastern end of Malia. Its quiet bay is dotted with parasols, sun loungers and a handful of water sports. In autumn, these rocky outcrops are transformed into a bed of water lilies, making for a remarkable landscape.

Although Vai beach is a little further away from Malia, a 90-minute drive to be exact, it's a must on any visitor's bucket list. Vai is much loved for its peaceful setting, palm forests and beautiful scenery. This sandy and pebbly cove is surrounded by rocky outcrops and offers shallow and generally calm waters, ideal for family outings with the young ones. Legend has it that its palm trees grew from date wells left by Saracen pirates years ago.

Paralia Stalidas, or Stalida Beach, is graced with lush greenery to complement its pristine white sands and sparkling turquoise waters. Located on the east coast of Malia, Stalida Beach is home to a lively strip of bars and restaurants such as Nemo Beach Bar and Baya Restaurant and Bar, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the panoramic views. The inviting crystal clear waters are calling, so head to Sea Wolf Water Sports to hire paddle boards or snorkelling equipment and plunge into its tranquil underwater world.

This magnificent crescent-shaped bay, which comes in all shades of blue, is nestled in a cove to the west of Chania. Here you'll find Iguana Beach, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the region. If you tire of the beach, head up the hill to visit the Chapel of the Holy Apostles. Alternatively, head to the other side of the beach to discover Paralia Agii Apostoli, a horseshoe-shaped lagoon reflected in Iguana Beach.