Cheap Holidays in Malia

Beaches and cocktails will make up the bulk of your holiday activities in sun-heavy Malia. But don’t empty your pockets just yet – quiet days on the shores and views from taverna patios will help balance out your bar-centric nights.

Malia Cheap Holidays

Sun, sand and saved pennies in busy Malia

All in all, about four hours and 20 minutes stand between you and Malia, where party-heavy shores and a little splash of history await.

If it’s parties you want, it’s parties you’ll get down in Malia, Crete’s self-proclaimed nightlife capital. But in addition to its late nights and neon-lit clubs, Malia is a place of sandy beaches, quiet cobbled lanes and some big time historical sites that help illuminate Greece‘s ancient past.

Cheap things to do around Malia

With two unique halves to choose from, Malia has plenty on offer here for budget-friendly holidays. On the coastal half you’ve got six beaches in total, each with their own distinct vibes, ranging from highly snoozeable to party central.

Off the strip is a vibrant waterfront where you can grab a coffee and embark on a stroll, before heading inwards down the quiet cobbled lanes to the more subdued half of town for an afternoon of sightseeing. Malia also has its own little Happy Train, which will take you around the local sites for a flat fee.

Malia is home to the third largest ancient Minoan palace still in existence – pop by and you’ll get a window into the past, one that can be free on certain days of the year. On the other end of the holiday spectrum, Malia is also renowned for its party scene, which is among the best in Greece.

A wide array of clubs, bars, pubs and tavernas with brilliant wine lists make up a colourful nightlife paletteyou’ll want to explore – happy hours help you save a little cash on drinks, as will wristbands that offer discounts, free shots and sometimes money off club entry.

How to get a great Malia holiday deal

To ensure you get the best deal on your next trip to Malia, you’ll want to sit tight on booking until eight weeks prior to your departure. That’s when you’ll find low last minute prices start to kick in.

Many of Malia’s hotels are centred around the idea that you’ll be heading out to the beach or the clubs, so the rooms tend to come with kitchenettes. This way, you can save a few pennies by making your own meals.

If you’re still on board with a cheap holiday but aren’t sure about Malia, never fear, take a look at these other cheap destinations across Crete.

At the other end of the island to Malia, Chania is another great place to have a lively night out, but as a bonus it’s got a pretty harbour, Venetian architecture and top shopping. Or for a quieter time, with daytrip options galore, Aghios Nikolaos is surrounded by archaeological wonders and close to Spinalonga Island.

And if, at the end of the day, your sights are still set on Malia, have a look at our travel guide for more information on this part-beach, part-club super star. In the meantime, here are our top hotels for a cheap holiday to Malia.

Ilios Malia

The Ilios Malia brings the city’s party atmosphere right to the pool and vibrant terrace, plus there’s a smaller pool with whirlpool jets. Each apartment comes with a balcony or terrace as well as a kitchenette, though there’s a restaurant downstairs. You’ve got a good location here too, just a 10-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute walk from the bars and clubs – plus there’s a bar just next door and one by the pool.

Malia Dedalos Hotel

Staying at the Malia Dedalos will put you within reaching distance of Malia’s nightlife scene, which is just around the corner. There’s a terrace garden and a pool with music playing and a cocktail bar, plus party nights and quizzes in the evening, though the beach is just a 15-minute walk away. When it comes to your room, you’ve got a kitchenette on hand and a restaurant too.

ICandy Apartments

iCandy is a family-run spot with a pool scene and a little clubhouse with a pool table and bar on hand. You’ll have a kitchenette up in your room, plus weekly barbecues and the Greek-English eats down at the bar. As for location, you’re about a 10-minute walk from the beach, and though you might not believe it when you take in the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere, Malia’s clubs are just five minutes away on foot.