Car Rental Malia
Malia is the most famous beach resort and coastal town in Crete. Situated on the northeast side of the island’s capital, Malia is known worldwide for its parties, clubbing, and lively beach nightlife. The municipal unit of Malia comprises Stalida, Krasi, Sisi, and Mochos villages. Malia is the famous Cretan resort where European and American visitors gather during summer to enjoy the vibrant life and the endless Cretan summer. Until the 1940s, Malia was a small village whose inhabitants cultivated fruits and vegetables. It was a picturesque and quiet village set in a landscape with stone windmills, where people watered their orchards, engaged in agricultural and farming activities, and lived slowly.
Today, Malia has experienced rapid tourism development, as luxury hotels, restaurants, and large-scale shops flood the area and attract thousands of tourists every summer. However, Malia is not just its vibrant center, bustling beach life, and luxurious hotels and resorts; the imposing Minoan palace of Malia, the old Byzantine churches, the secluded beaches with turquoise clear waters, and boating activities are some of the things that attract visitors who come with their families or older people who want to experience the quiet side of Malia. Even though Malia beachfront is accessible on foot, the surrounding villages and sights of interest are best explored by car. Imperial Car Rental provides you with a wide selection of holiday vehicles at affordable prices. A flexible and secure car rental in Malia is definitely what you need to tour around Malia. Book with us today and drive safe!
Car Hire Malia
Malia’s unique landmark is the significant archaeological site of the Minoan Palace of Malia. It is the third largest Minoan palace in Crete, built in a wonderful natural setting overlooking the sea. According to mythology, it was inhabited by Sarpedon, Minos' brother. According to the archaeological findings, the palace of Malia was built in 1,900 BC while a settlement developed around it, which is preserved to this day and thus turned into a small city-state. The palace was destroyed twice - in 1700 and 1450. The new palace was built around 1650 BC on the ruins of the old one, keeping the basic design of the previous one. The first structure was destroyed by an earthquake, and the final disaster came around 1450 BC from a fire.
In general, the palace and the entire settlement were wealthy. This city minted its own coins that depicted the goddess Athena and two dolphins on both sides. There were also workshops specializing in coppersmithing, pottery, and seal carving. Apart from the workshops, the inhabitants were engaged in agriculture, fishing, and trade. It is now a truly imposing archaeological area near Malia and certainly a must-visit. If you’re driving back to Malia after your visit, head to Taverna Kalyva for a delicious Cretan lunch or sandy Potamos Beach for swimming, relaxation, and bronzing away from the crowds. No matter what you choose to do in Malia, a car hire is your best bet if you want to be flexible and worry-free. Make your reservation through our booking system and choose the vehicle that suits you best to make your car rental Malia experience unforgettable!
Malia Crete Best Car Rental
Malia consists of the main beachfront strip and seaside promenade as well as the upper village. Most hotels, apartments, tourist shops, rental shops, bars, and clubs are located on the seaside shoreline. Malia has developed into a well-known vacation destination with a thriving resort that is dominated by tourism and commercial activities. In order to meet the demands of visitors, the town's economy depends on hotels, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Known for its exciting nightlife, Malia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and Crete, often being compared to Ayia Napa and Ibiza. Popular with young people from the UK and Northern Europe, Malia's nightlife offers a unique clubbing experience thanks to events and well-known DJs visiting Malia to host techno and electronic-style events.
The main street of Eleftherios Venizelos divides the city into two parts, with the old town of Malia surrounded by olive groves and Mount Selena, while the modern tourist part of the city stretches out on the northern coast. The old town is characterized as picturesque and traditional as it preserves elements of the Cretan tradition with stone houses adorned with bougainvillea, narrow alleys, churches, and taverns. Here, the visitor can taste traditional flavors accompanied by Cretan tsikoudia, mezedes, and live music and enjoy peaceful walks. The second part, where the bays and beaches are, is full of restaurants, shops, and countless bars and clubs that are buzzing with life and entertainment from the frenzied fun of young tourists during the summer season. The beach of Malia stretches in front of the town and has fine golden sand and deep blue waters. It is a well-organized beach of 6 km, with many options for water sports activities. Opposite the beach of Malia, there is a small islet named Afentis Christos, on which is the church of the Transfiguration, perhaps the most characteristic scenery of Malia.
Car Rental Stalida
Stalida is a seaside resort and village near Malia. It was first developed as a holiday resort in 1980 and is the newest tourist area in Malia, which was specifically built for tourism and commerce. Stalida is like Malia in terms of accommodation and entertainment but is not as buzzing with life and offers cheaper options. It has now grown to offer various facilities and tourist amenities, such as hotels, villas, apartments, tavernas, restaurants, shops, etc. Stalida has a three-kilometer-long sandy beach that is suitable for swimming and water sports. There are also rocky coves where you can go fishing, diving, and exploring the seabed.
Some of the renowned and well-rated hotels in Stalida include Blue Sea Beach, Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Resort Beach Hotel & Spa, and Mary Sofi Residences. For hiking lovers, a 5 km long trail starts from Stalida and ends up in the village of Mochos. It is called the Bulgarian Trail, as it was created by Bulgarian prisoners during the Second World War. The Monastery of Gkouverniotissa is a must-see religious structure in the area, with a rare iconostasis built in a remote, serene location. In Stalida, on the 12th of August, an important event is organized in the courtyard of the church of Agios Ioannis that visitors should not miss. The "Horodion" is a traditional religious festival where you will admire traditional Cretan traditions, dance, and music and indulge in culinary experiences.
Rent a Car Stalis
Stalis or Stalida Beach is preferred over Malia Beach because of its tranquility and fewer crowds. It is still a destination for quiet family holidays, compared to Malia, which mainly attracts rowdy youngsters who party until the morning. The heart of Stalida beats on its 5 km long coastal road, where most of the area's shops, hotels, and restaurants are gathered. A stroll along the promenade in the afternoon is a must before you head to enjoy dinner at a seaside tavern. Next to the coastal road is the long coastline of Stalida, which stretches to the east and gives way to the beach of Malia. The sandy beaches of Stalida are divided by rocks into two parts. The beaches are very well organized but tend to have waves because of their north orientation. In its western part, there is also one of the few native species of the Cretan date palm. The Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis is in the middle of the beach, built right on the rocks in 1600. Rent a car in Stalis and discover its wonderful lengthy shoreline as well as its mountainous and forest areas. Choose the holiday car that suits you best, either an SUV, an off-road, or a minivan, and benefit from superior offers in Stalis and Malia year-round.
Car Hire Sissi
Sissi is a picturesque seaside village on Malia Bay. This tranquil and elegant village is different from Malia or Stalida. Its authentic village character, peaceful waterfront location, narrow alleys, and local shops attract the most romantic and curious visitors. Sissi is 6 km east of Malia and is renowned for its local olive oil and olive production. Many hotels and apartments have been built in Sissi in the last few years, and now slow tourism thrives here. It is a quiet traditional fishing village with picturesque winding streets and excellent seafood restaurants, with the most characteristic attraction being the village's natural harbor, which resembles an enclosed lagoon. The coasts around Sisi are mainly rocky, but there are also small inlets that you can get with your car. Because the sea in the area tends to have waves from the frequent north winds, the only protected beach in Sisi is inside the port’s area, called Limani Beach. From Avlaki Beach and to the east, you will find many coves and tranquil beaches where you can relax, go diving or swimming. Some of them, though, are only accessible by boat, while others can be accessed on foot through short trails.