Stalida Resort

Today the resort of Stalida has become a part of a large tourist complex including the resorts of Hersonisos and Malia. The whole area of Stalida is very busy, in fact it is the busiest tourist part on Crete.

Who is Stalida suitable for?

The area of Hersonisos - Malia is suitable for families with children and those searching for busy resorts with unlimited choice of entertainment and varied nightlife for several reasons:

• the long and wide sandy beaches in Stalida are suitable both for children and disabled ones
• given the character of the beaches, you can practice there all kinds of activities you can imagine
• in the location (in the centre of Hersonissos, 10 minutes from Malia, and 5 minutes from the resort of Stalida) you will find the large StarBeach WaterPark
• there is a countless number of shops, tavernas, bars, and entertainment venues
• rich nightlife which never fades out in Stalida 
• international environment - the location is visited by tourists from all over the world, and so, you can always find the community of people you enjoy being with 
• the proximity of the capital of Heraklion where you can get within a few minutes from the airport
• the proximity of interesting natural locations but also historical sites
• the area is easily accessible even by public buses

Stalida is note suitable for those searching for a calm holiday in a peaceful environment, complete privacy and few people. Yet all the others will certainly enjoy their stay in the resort.

Stalida surroundings

Those who like natural sceneries (besides the beautiful sea and long sandy beaches) will certainly appreciate Stalida surroundings. In the south-east of the town, you will find the Selana Oros mountain range which is the northern promontory of the highest mountains in the area - the Dikti mountains which is more than 2 000 high (the highest peak, Mount Dikti, has 2 148 m).

As the crow flies, the Selena mountains can be found about 5 km far from the town, while the Dikti mountains witht the Lasithi Plateau is located about 10 km far away,

History of Stalida 

The whole tourist area of Stalida has emerged out of small fishing villages. Besides that, this area also used to be sought after by the inhabitants of Heraklion who spent there their free time.

The area of the Malia bay is considered to be the first inhabited area on Crete. Based on the findings of ceramics and pottery fragments, the first settlments date back to between 6 000 and 3 000 BC. From 3 000 BC, the signs of settlement are much more evident - there are remains of settlements but also tombs and other signs of permanent settlements that were discovered. In 2 000 BC, the first Minoan palace of the area was built in Knossos. In 1 700 BC, it was destroyed, yet in 1650 BC the edifice was restored. In 1450 BC the palace was pulled down like all the other Minoan palaces. During the 14th and 13th century BC, a Romanesque settlement was buitl in the place, with a Romanesque chapel dated back to the 6th century BC being discovered.

Yet the historical research and archaeological works of Stalida area still continue. 

Stalida location

The area of Hersonisos - Stalida - Malia is located on the north coast about 35 km from Heraklion. Agios Nikolaos can be found a little less than 40 km far away. For more distances, see the link. Malia is located approximately in the middle of the route Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos; you can´t really overlook the exits from the main road. Local buses go to Stalida both from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

Where else to go on Crete?

Some of the most visited resorts on Crete are: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Fotia, Agia Galini, Agia Marina, Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikolaos, Achlia, Amoudara (West of Heraklion), Analipsi, Anissaras, Bali, Damnoni, Erimoupoli, Ferma, Fodele, Galini, Georgioupolis, Gouves (Kato Gouves), Heraklion, Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kavros, Elounda, Kalamaki, Kissamos, Kokkini Hani, Kolymbari, Lygaria, Makrigialos, Maleme, Malia, Matala, Mirtos, Missiria, Paleochora, Panormos, Perivolia, Pigianos Kambos, Plakias, Platanias (Chania), Rapaniana, Rethymno, Sissi, Skaleta, Stalida - Stalis, Stalos, Stavromenos and Stavros,