Getting around Malia is straightforward to plan using the town centre as a starting point, with KTEL buses linking Malia to towns along Crete’s northern coast and east. The centre is about a seven-minute walk from Ibiscus Hotel Malia, while taxis and car travel can help with longer journeys.
- On foot: Malia city centre is about seven minutes’ walk from the hotel.
- By bus: KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi operates intercity services through Malia.
- By taxi: A taxi rank is in front of Agios Nektarios church.
- For the archaeological site: Hellenic Heritage provides driving directions and parking information.
Walking around central Malia
Walking is a practical way to get between central Malia’s streets and local destinations.
For a closer look at the town’s older streets, you can make the centre part of a walk through what to see in Old Town Malia. Keep the walk focused on the central area, then use a bus or taxi for destinations farther along the coast.
How do you get from Malia to nearby towns by bus?
KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi S.A. runs intercity buses on a corridor that connects Heraklion, Chersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Viannos and Monofatsi.
The coastal route includes stops at Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Anisaras, Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia. That makes the bus useful for journeys between Malia and other towns on this stretch of coast. KTEL also publishes a route schedule for Agia Pelagia–Chersonissos–Malia.
For a trip from the capital, the Athina Intercity Bus Station in Heraklion is identified as a starting point on a route serving Malia. KTEL’s timetable site has a route search, including Heraklion–Malia; check the official site before you go for current schedules and connections.
When are taxis or a car useful in Malia?
A taxi can save time when you’re heading beyond the centre or carrying luggage. The Municipality of Hersonissos identifies a taxi rank in front of Agios Nektarios church.
For driving into Malia, the municipality describes the approach as the National Road east toward Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos. Hellenic Heritage provides driving directions and parking information for the archaeological site, which can help you plan a visit by car.
How do you reach Malia’s local attractions?
The Malia archaeological site is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete, after Knossos and Phaistos. Its original palace was built in 1900 BC and, like other Minoan centres, was destroyed around 1450 BC.
Museum Lychnostatis is another local attraction. If it’s on your itinerary, you can pair the journey with a visit to Museum Lychnostatis from Malia.
What should you check before travelling?
Bus routes and schedules can change, so confirm your departure, destination and stop before setting out. KTEL Heraklion–Lasithi provides a route search and timetable information, while the Municipality of Hersonissos describes a municipal bus service connecting villages and municipal districts, including stops from Sgourokefali through Kokkini Hani, Hersonissos Port, Stalida and Malia.
FAQs
Which towns are connected to Malia by intercity bus?
KTEL’s corridor includes Heraklion, Chersonissos, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Viannos and Monofatsi, as well as Malia.
Where is the taxi rank in Malia?
The Municipality of Hersonissos identifies it in front of Agios Nektarios church.
Can you visit the archaeological site by car?
Yes. Hellenic Heritage provides driving directions and parking information for the Malia archaeological site.