✈ Heraklion Airport → Malia

📍 Route Map

🌍 About Malia

Malia is a popular resort town situated 32 kilometres east of Heraklion Airport along Crete's northern coastline, reached in approximately 30 minutes via the E75 coastal highway. The town has built its reputation as one of the liveliest holiday destinations on the island, particularly popular with younger European travellers who come for its long sandy beach, warm shallow waters, and vibrant nightlife strip. The transfer from the airport is one of the most straightforward on the island, following a wide dual-carriageway for most of the journey.

While modern Malia is known primarily for its beach resort atmosphere, the area holds significant archaeological importance. The Minoan Palace of Malia, situated on the northern coastal plain just 3km east of the modern town, is the third largest Minoan palace complex on Crete after Knossos and Phaistos. Unlike its more famous counterpart, Malia's palace has been less reconstructed, offering a more authentically archaeological experience. The site features a circular altar known as the Kernos, unique in the Minoan world, and covers approximately 7,500 square metres.

Malia's beach stretches for over 4 kilometres, offering a mix of organised beach sections with sunbeds and umbrellas and quieter spots toward the eastern end. Water sports facilities are extensively available, including jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding and banana boat rides. The town centre features numerous restaurants serving both international favourites and traditional Cretan cuisine, alongside the famous nightlife area known as 'The Strip'. For visitors seeking a lively, sun-focused holiday with easy airport access, Malia represents one of Crete's most convenient resort choices.

⭐ Premium Transfer Service

🚌 Other Transport Options

If a private transfer does not suit your plans, here are the main alternatives for travelling between Heraklion Airport and Malia:

• KTEL Bus — KTEL Heraklion–Lassithi operates intercity coaches stopping at Malia as part of the Heraklion–Agios Nikolaos route. Services depart from Heraklion's KTEL Bus Terminal near the port, with the journey to Malia taking approximately 50 minutes. The fare is around €3.50–4.00 per person. Since the terminal is at the port and not the airport, add an ASTIKO bus connection from the airport, bringing total journey time to around 90 minutes. Approximate cost: €3.50–4.00 per person.
• City Bus Line 2 — ASTIKO Line 2 connects Heraklion Airport to the city centre and port, with fares of €1.20. From there, transfer to the KTEL intercity service toward Malia. Alternatively, some local bus routes operate along the coastal road during summer months. The multi-stage bus journey takes approximately 90 minutes in total and involves at least one change. Suitable for budget-conscious travellers with minimal luggage. Approximate cost: €1.20 airport to city.
• Standard Taxi — Taxis from Heraklion Airport to Malia cost approximately €40–55 on the meter, taking 30 minutes via the E75 highway. The fare is competitive for the 32km journey and makes taxis an attractive option for small groups or families. Taxis are available from the rank outside arrivals without advance booking, though pre-booking is recommended during the busy July–August peak season when demand can exceed supply. Approximate cost: €40–55 per taxi.
• Car Rental — Hiring a car at Heraklion Airport is a practical option for visitors to Malia who wish to explore nearby sites such as the Minoan Palace of Malia, the Lassithi Plateau (about 35km south), or the quieter beaches further east. Car hire from major desks in the terminal starts at €25–40 per day in shoulder season. Malia has plentiful parking near the beach and in the town centre, and the driving route is straightforward. Approximate cost: from €25/day.