Between the two fashionable and luxurious resorts of Malia and Hersonissos is the cozy village of Stalida. Rest in it is not much different from the popular tourist epicenter, hotels provide no less comfortable living conditions and service, and prices are much lower than in other coastal cities. The main advantage of Stalida is its beaches. These are wide sandy strips with a gentle entrance to the sea and a gradual set of depths. Every year, vacationers from all over Europe come here – parents with children, elderly couples and noisy youth companies. Everyone is attracted by services at reduced prices, proximity to popular resort centers, the opportunity to visit the main attractions of the surrounding area. Between the village and nearby settlements there is a transport connection, you can always rent a car.
Minoan Palace in Malia
The main attraction of Stalida is the ancient palace of the Minoan era. Its excavations began in 1915 and continue to this day. From the very first found ruins, it became clear to researchers that this is one of the largest structures that once decorated the coast and served as protection for the local population. The palace was the third largest of the four found in Crete. Excavations are carried out by the French Archaeological School, which was transferred the rights to conduct research by the Greek doctor Joseph Hadzidakis. He was the first to find the ruins and organized an expedition in 1915. Archaeology was his hobby. He personally supervised the work until 1920.
Today on the territory of the monument you can see the Minoan Palace, the residential quarters located around it, the necropolis of the rulers of Malia. The history of those times is restored by the artifacts found, they are compared with legends and myths. No one knows exactly who ruled the polis during the Minoan period, but legends tell of Minos’ younger brother Sarpedon, the son of Zeus and Europa, who reigned and became the founder of this settlement. During the research, archaeologists came to the conclusion that there were two palaces built in different periods. The first appeared in 1900 BC. and was destroyed in an earthquake in 1700 BC.
The ruins of the second palace are above the remains of the first. It was erected immediately after the destruction and lasted until 1450 BC, before the eruption of the volcano Thira, which forever destroyed the Malian Palace, covering it with a layer of lava and ash. One of the houses was completely reconstructed. It houses an exposition of found artifacts. You can visit the archaeological site from 8.30 to 15.00 on weekdays, from 9.30 to 14.30 on weekends, in summer opening hours – from 08.00 to 20.00, day off – Tuesday. Hotels in Malia, which are located near the excavations, are quite suitable for an overnight stay.
Address: Malia 70 007, Crete, Greece
Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=10261
Open-air museum “Lichnostatis”
In the suburbs of Hersonissos (42 km from Stalida) there is an open-air museum “Likhnostasis”. This place is eager to visit everyone who wants to get acquainted with the life and folk culture of Crete. The founder of the ethnographic museum was the doctor Yorgos Markakis. For many decades, he collected household items, handicrafts, studied ancient technologies for making oil and wine. His collection formed the basis of the fund of almost all expositions. In 1986, he decided to present the exhibits to the public.
With the support of the family, Markakis began the construction of an open-air museum in the suburbs of Hersonissos. At his disposal were three workers and vast knowledge in the field of ancient technologies for the construction of buildings. For seven years, exhibition halls, craft workshops, and a tavern were built. Only natural materials were used – stone, clay, wood. In 1992, an authentic museum was opened. The concept initially laid down the principles of full acquaintance of visitors with the exposition. All items can be picked up, inspected, master classes are held at the winery and the olive oil mill.
There is a garden with traditional Crete plants. The fruits of fruit trees are used for cooking, winemaking. Herbs are sent to the weaving and drying plant shop, from which a unique herbarium has been created. Honey from the apiary can be bought without departing from the beekeeping farm. In the workshops, you can independently try to do something with your own hands. The museum has a collection of minerals and stones, a gallery of young Cretan artists, and thematic events are regularly held in the amphitheater.
Address: Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
Site: http://www.lychnostatis.gr/
Mochos Village
Between Malia and Stalida at an altitude of 400 meters is the mountain village of Mohos. You can get to it in different ways:
- rent a car or take a regular bus, which goes to the village on schedule and not every day;
- walk along a mysterious mountain trail, which is difficult to find without a guide, the time walk will take from 4 to 6 hours one way;
- use the services of the “happy train”, which sends up excursion groups exactly on schedule.
Whatever method the tourist chooses, there is really something to see in Mohos. Tickets for the tour are bought in advance, usually the day before the trip. The locomotive travels around all the points of ticket sales, collecting tourists. The trip takes approximately half a day.
The first stop is at the highest point of the area, from where you can take a series of interesting species photos. Then the road lies in the village. Through the narrow streets, the group is brought to the central square. There is a memorial complex dedicated to the heroes of the Second World War, as well as an old oil mill for the processing of olives. It is abandoned, but you can get acquainted with the devices for the production of oil. Locals continue to grow olives and make oil from it, but at a new plant with modern equipment.
In a small village preserved about 10 religious temples. They are the main attractions for which it is worth making a voyage. Icons in them are hung directly on the walls, they can be photographed. During the tour, tourists are given time for a snack in a traditional Cretan tavern. you can buy something for memory in numerous souvenir shops. You can’t stay overnight. The nearest hotels are 3.5 km from the village by the sea.
Address: Stalida, Crete, Greece
Aquaworld Aquarium
In the coastal tourist area of Hersonissos is the Cretan Oceanarium “Aquaworld”. Despite its small size, it is considered one of the main attractions of the island. Here is the Reptile Rescue Center, which delights both children and adults. The concept includes direct contact between humans and animals, but it’s not just a petting zoo. Anyone can take home a pet and take care of him for some time.
The exposition is divided into a hall with aquariums and a terrarium. In 20 water reservoirs live marine fish, lobsters, moray eels, octopuses and crustaceans. The Reptile Garden contains turtles, several dozen species of snakes, lizards (iguanas, spiketails, chameleons). This zone is the contact zone. All the animals were saved from death now. in the opinion of employees, they need additional care and care. With most of the inhabitants, including huge pythons, you can take pictures.
The aquarium is open from April to October. In winter, you can visit its inhabitants by prior arrangement. Tickets cost 4 euros for children and 6 for adults. There are no days off in the institution, visitors are accepted from 10.00 to 18.00. The tour lasts 45 minutes, so the ticket office is open until 17.15.
In Hersonissos you can stay for a few days. Local hotels accept guests by reservation, but there are always private guest houses that provide places for overnight stays. Their services are usually used by tourists coming with children. The next day you can please the child by spending the day in the water park “Star Beach”, which is located right on the beach.
Address: Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
Site: https://aquaworld-crete.com/
Acqua Plus Water Park
Another water park in the vicinity of Hersonissos (5 km from the city) is no less attractive for parents with children. This is the second largest aqua zone of water attractions and entertainment in Crete (the largest“Water City”is located in Heraklion). Acqua Plus has its merits. First, it is built on a mountain in a beautiful park area. Secondly, there is a golf course nearby. Thirdly, slides, attractions and pools were installed taking into account the terrain, so everything is very organic and cozy here. The water park has a second informal name – “Garden of Eden”.
It was opened more than 20 years ago. The owners already applied the concepts of the world’s leading leaders in the field of water entertainment. The water park has repeatedly been recognized as the winner of various competitions of European travel companies. Every year there are new attractions. The administration constantly monitors the feedback of visitors and keeps its finger on the pulse of modern innovative technologies. The real pride of the founders is a professional swimming pool, in which Olympic champions can train.
Unlike other water parks, prices here depend not on growth, but on the age of visitors. A children’s ticket costs 18 euros, an adult – 28. Children under 5 years old are served free of charge. There are some limitations. You cannot bring your own food and drinks to the grounds. Everything is bought in the café or restaurant of the water park, payment is made upon delivery of the key to the safe and the bracelet at the exit. To services of visitors there are additional table tennis, billiards, fish pedicure, photo salon, souvenir shops, air hockey.
Address: Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
Site: http://www.acquaplus.gr/
Labyrinth Park
10 km from the Stadida is the most popular entertainment object – Labyrinth Park. The concept is based on ancient Greek myths, primarily the legend of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. It is the central place in a large amusement park. It was developed by the world-famous compiler of labyrinths Adrian Fisher. The construction of wooden panels with bridges, recreation areas and towers occupied an area of 1300 square meters. m Passages are adapted for visitors in wheelchairs, and the attraction itself is suitable for people of all ages. The goal is to search for certain items, the list of which is issued at the entrance, as well as the Minotaur itself, when meeting with which it is recommended to quickly turn around and run to the exit. For safety reasons, an emergency exit from the labyrinth is provided.
In addition to the labyrinth in the park, you can visit a small farm, a mini-village, a pottery workshop, an orchard, a field for a minigolf, a stable (horseback riding), a snack in a Minoan tavern. Especially popular among visitors is the laser labyrinth, which immerses participants in the events of the Trojan War. For kids there are rental of electric jeeps and ATVs. Half a kilometer from Labyrinth Park there are fashionable hotels that will delight travelers with unsurpassed service. These primarily include Crete Golf Club and Village Heights.
Address: Ano Hersonissos district, Crete, Greece
Site: https://www.labyrinthpark.gr/gr
Attractions Stalida on map
