Malia,
the Minoan Palace of Malia

Malia

Malia is located 37 km east of Heraklion. The sandy beaches of the Sea of Crete to the north, the mountain of Dikti to the south, and a little valley lying between them - this is the peaceful scene we see on reaching Malia, 37 km east of Heraklion or 25 Km west of Agios Nikolaos.

Malia Minoan Palace

To the east of the modern resort is the Minoan Palace of Malia. This is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete, built in a wonderful setting near the sea, on the road linking eastern and central Crete.

This palace - the seat, according to myth, of Minos’ brother Sarpedon - was first constructed circa 1900 BC. The already large settlement, some parts of which are preserved around the palace, thus became a palace-city. This first palace was destroyed circa 1700 BC and rebuilt circa 1650 BC, on the same site and with the same layout. Finally the new palace was destroyed circa 1450 BC and not reoccupied. During the Mycenean period a small building, probably a sanctuary, was constructed in the ruins.

At Malia we can actually walk around the actual palace, just as it was uncovered by archaeological excavations. Most of the ruins visible today belong to the Neopalatial complex - the second palace - whose rooms are set around three courts: the Central Court, the North Court and the Tower Court. The majestic size, complex plan and multiple details of the palace make it a fascinating place to visit.

Life here was much the same as in the other palaces. Let’s try to imagine Minoan daily life, the ceremonies and festivities held in the great court…

Malia Palace Opening Hours:

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Minoan Palace of Malia, Tour

Use the map to tour the Palace of Malia. Click on a number to visit the various areas of the Palace. We recommend that you follow the numbered route.

• the entrance to the archaeological site of Malia (panoramic image)
• the kouloures (1)
• the South entrance to the Malia Palace (2)
• the Central Court of the Malia Palace (3)
• the Altar in the Malia Palace (4)
• the West Wing of the Malia Palace (5)
• the staircase in the West Wing of the Palace (6)
• the kernos of Malia (7)
• the Pillar Crypt (8)
• the Grand Staircase of the Palace (9)
• the Loggia and the Central Court of the Malia Palace (panoramic image - 10)
• the east storerooms (11)
• the Royal Apartments of the Malia Palace (12)
• the pillared room and the banquet hall (13)
• the Tower court and the Mycenean sanctuary (14)
• the North entrance and the Sea road (15)
• the Minoan Town of Malia (16)
• Malia Quartier M (17)
• The Necropolis of Chryssolakkos in Malia