Malia

Malia 2012 - The Complete Guide to Malia - Crete - Greece 2012

Here are some photos that I took in Malia, enjoy!

Malia Resort.

Guide to malia


Malia is situated on the North Coast of Crete, just 25 minutes from the airport in an area of great natural beauty; it is surrounded by olive groves and the slopes of Mt. Selena. Malia is best known for its lively atmosphere; however Malia is not only for young people, it has a lot to offer everyone. The beach is the one of the best in Crete, 3 miles of fine, golden sand, which gradually slopes into the warm, clear blue sea. Malia gives you the best of both worlds since it consists of two parts; the new town and the old town which are separated by the main road; in the new town there are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. In the picturesque old town there are many winding narrow streets where you will find lots of traditional Greek tavernas and small coffee shops. Malia is situated in an ideal location to be used as base whilst you explore the rest of Crete: Agios Nikolaos - 18 miles (30km) Heraklion - 20 miles (32km) Hersonissos - 5 miles (6km) Sissi - 5 miles (6km) Stalis -1 mile (1.6km).

How did she get into the picture? he, he.

Daytime:

Beaches:

Malia’s beach is over 3 miles long with fine golden sand that gradually slopes into the warm, clear blue sea. The beach is split up into areas each offering something different; loud or chilled music, water sports and some, if you don’t like the sand and sea, have a pool and grassed area. Each area has its own bar and café/restaurant where you can get food delivered to your sun bed or you can sit in the shade and relax out of the sun. Some of the beaches are run by hotels; the majority are open to the public and will welcome your custom. Malia is made up of six beaches; walk along the sand away from Malia town, first you will come to Glozanie Beach (Malia’s main beach) then Pyrgos, follow the beach around you will come to Agia Pneuma (Holy Spirit) named after the tiny church that sits on the rocky outcrop just before Malia Marina. The marina which is still in the process of being built has a lovely fish restaurant where you can sit and watch the boats, then Sun Beach, which not only has the sea, sun beds umbrellas, but also has trampolines, two swimming pools, one of which is for children with slides and inflatable’s then you come to Tropical Beach, which is a large expanse of sand, with a few sun beds and umbrellas and a couple of cafes where you can get refreshments from, this leads onto Potamos Beach which is used a lot by the local people, it is lined with trees along the road which gives natural shade and one small Greek Taverna where you can relax and enjoy the local cuisine. Potamos Beach is renowned for its cleanliness and was voted the cleanest beach in Europe in 1997.

Wow! Sorry, it's the only expression I have for this.

Water Sports: All kinds of water sports are available from the water sports centre situated on the beach, which include: Jet Skis, Banana Boat, Flying Fish, Ringos, Water Skiing, Pedaloes and Parasailing. It is also possible to do some of the water sports from the hotel beaches.

Diving: There are many diving centres around Malia all of which offer the full range of PADI diving courses whether you are a novice or experienced diver, all equipment you will need is provided.

Boat Trips: There are many boat trips available from Malia and the surrounding area, if you want to get away from the beach for a day cruise, to go fishing or to visit one of the smaller islands, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

One of my  random shots.

Nightlife: 

Malia is a lively, atmospheric resort especially at night when the town comes to life; the bars open at 8pm and continue right through until the early hours of the morning. The majority of the bars and clubs are situated on the “Y” shape in the centre of Malia’s new town, there are two roads leading from the main road that join half way through the resort and continue on down to the beach. There is a bar or club to suit everyone’s taste whether you are young or old, from 60’s music and karaoke right up to the latest tunes which can be heard every night of the week during the summer season. 

There is a twenty four hour bar which is situated just outside the town about 10 mins walk from the centre where if you want to carry on partying after the clubs have shut you can. There is also a Gay bar (the only one in Crete) five minutes further out of town.

As you can see, things are happening here.

As you can see the website (Greece Monkey) that I've referred to here has a lot more information on Malia, so it's worth having a more in-depth look at everything. Thanks! Keep well. :-)

Saradari Sea Food Restaurant, Hersonissos Coves & some pics I took on the beach today.

SARADARI /// SEA FOOD RESTAURANT /// HERSONISSOS CRETE

After the introduction of Saradari Sea Food Restaurant, I've included some pics that I took today on the beach at Saradari, Agios Giorgios/Saint George. Thanks and enjoy! :-)

Taken from their Facebook page.

Saradari restaurant is situated 1.5 klm from the center of the port of Hersonisos, away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
It is the best recommendation for a wonderful meal, overlooking the infinite blue waters.
Without stress about where to park your car, you can enjoy a dip in the clear sea at a beach of unique beauty, from early in the day. 
We can even serve snacks and drinks on the beach while respecting the natural environment. 
In addition, Saradari is ideal for all kinds of happenings from birthday parties to more formal events like christening and wedding receptions due to the fact that the old church of Saint George is very close by.
We take pride of the careful attention given to our choice of the finest ingredients and menu suggestions. 
Our menu includes delicious sea food, Greek cuisine and grilled meats. 
For all these reason Saradari makes the difference.
We are open all day and evening.

Taken from their Facebook page.

Fishfood restaurant Saradari
Agiou Georgiou /// Hersonisos (Saradari area)
T.K. 70014, Herakleion, Crete

Greece

T. +30 28970 25375
F. +30 28970 25375
E. kordonisj@yahoo.gr

click on map to enlarge

Taken from their Facebook page.

http://www.saradari.com/?lang=en


Here are some pics I took today on the beach at Saradari, Agios Giorgos/Saint George. Enjoy!

The umbrella is dirty, but the sea is perfect, he, he.

Hersonissos Coves

 http://www.cretanbeaches.com/Beaches/Heraklion/hersonisos-coves/


The Coves of Hersonissos are located 27km east of Heraklion, starting from Cape Sarandaris and continuing to the east till the harbour of Hersonissos. They are really beautiful beaches with calm waters, since Cape Sarandaris protects them from the northwest winds. Access to all coves is easy and the surrounding area is well developed. The busy Hersonissos town is within walking distance, but if you want to stay at night close to the coves, there are several bars and cafes. Let’s now see the beaches, starting from the west.

How can one not smile in such surroundings!?...

The westernmost beach that you will find here is not actually a beach, but a large smooth dock from where you can dive. It is located on the west part of the rocky Cape Sarandaris, near the picturesque chapel of St. George. Close to the picturesque chapel, there is a staircase leading to the rock. On the rock, you might see the umbrellas of the nearby hotels. Swimming along the rocks is a great experience, as this place is a very good choice for snorkeling.

Big "children" & small children love this place! he, he.

On the base of the Cape Sarandaris, you'll find the amazing beach of Sarandaris Cape, maybe the nicest and mostly protected (from winds) beach in Hersonissos area. It is a sandy beach with shallow water and vivid blue colors. The beach is not too crowded because climbing down from the whitish limestone cliffs is needed to access that. However, it surely deserves a visit. This is our favorite beach in Hersonissos area.

Ania & Foteini showing us how it's done.

Most believe that naturist beaches are found only on the remote coasts of southern Crete. However, this is not absolute and Hersonissos is one of these exceptions. Indeed, just next to the beach at the base of Sarandaris Cape, there is a second nudist beach well protected by high cliffs and prying eyes. The sand here alternates with rocks and water is always calm. It is a very good choice for swimming and isolation. To get here you have to follow the main road that runs alongside the coves and heads to Anisaras. At the point where the road changes direction, vertical to the shore, keep going straight in the dirt track. After 50 meters you will find the beach below your right hand. Climbing is necessary as well, or you can walk along the coast from the beach of Sarandari.

Dreamscape!

Immediately, after the nudist beach there is the amazing beach of Sarandari (this is actually known as Sarandari, as this is the most popular beach in Sarandaris area), which is the first sand-only beach of the area. A short trail leads to the beach, which starts from the main road. The water in Sarandari is shallow and the sand is fine, perfect for kids. On the beach there are umbrellas, sunbeds and a small canteen. A common problem of the beach is the seaweeds that gather there.

Does such a place actually exist on this planet!?

Immediately after Sarandari and adjacent to the coastal road, you will find the beach of Giofyri, with the tall concrete wall surrounding it. The beach has white coarse sand (some people call it “rice”), has deeper waters than Sarandari and its bottom is quite rocky. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and gets crowded.

I kid you not!

From Giofyri, if you head to the east along the coast road, you will see numerous very small and narrow beaches, where the sand is combined with white rocks and the water color has beautiful blue hues. The same scenery continues till the point where the road changes direction and you meet the hotel of Creta Maris. From there you can walk along the coast until you reach the large and wide beach in front of the hotel, ending at the port of Hersonissos, near the hill of Kastri. It is very well organized with sun beds and umbrellas, water sports and tennis beach volley. As you head towards the harbor, it gets busier and more vulnerable to winds. Lastly, after the hotel, the seaside road reappears and runs along the coastline to the port. The road is full with shops, cafes and restaurants.

You'll never get bored here...

Even if you do not want to swim in the Coves, an afternoon stroll from Port to the Cape of Sarandaris is a unique experience. Do not forget your camera, in order to take pictures of the chapel of St. George in Sarandaris and the magical views of Hersonissos Bay. Moreover, in the port of Hersonissos it is worth walking to the lighthouse and visiting the church of Agia Paraskevi, a part of which is built into the rock. On Kastri Hill there are findings of an early Christian church, with many mosaics in good condition.

http://www.cretanbeaches.com/Beaches/Heraklion/hersonisos-coves/

Just a few more pictures to go... thank you for your pattience and I hope it was worth your while. :-)

Ania enjoying the crystal clear sea.

Endless fun!

Self-promotion, he, he.

Diva!

Till next time then, cheers!

http://www.saradari.com/?lang=en

Rent a car in Crete at rock bottom prices!

Rent a car in Crete at rock bottom prices!

Anna Cars and a day on the beach in Anissaras! :-)


At Anna Cars you can rent a Daewoo Matiz or a Fiat Panda for the day and it will only cost you Euros 35!!! That includes everything, even insurance and the cars are in excellent condition, they actually look like new and have everything one needs for a comfortable and safe drive, exploring the magical sights of Crete.

Here are some photos that we took at Anna Cars and subsequently had a great time on the beach, here in Anissaras. Enjoy!

Mr. John of Anna Cars.

Welcome to ANNA CARS. Welcome to our beautiful island, Crete.

Being in business since 1984 our main aim is to ensure you a stress-free rental experience by providing a variety of cars with features you need for safety and comfort.

The company owns more than 280 of the latest car models.

Anna Cars.

We are proud to offer you the best insurance, working together with Greek and European Insurance companies, special rental rates starting from € 17  daily and excellent services designed to win customer's loyalty.

We are sure that you will meet your expectations. Our dedications guarantees real service.

ANNA CARS rental is interested in cooperating with Tourist and Travel Agencies. For more information please contact us.

Many thanks for visiting our website and we hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
ANNA CARS

Kokkini Hani - Heraklion - Anissara - Hersonissos - Crete - Greece

Kostas Anifantakis

TEL. : +30  6977 470121  +30 2810 762019

Enjoying a Greek Coffee.

Founded in December 1984, Anna Cars has prospered by concentrating on offering quality car rental services at exceptionally low rates.

The car rental company Anna Cars, offers organized servicing and gives you the chance to explore the whole island of Crete, in a safe, comfortable and qualitative manner.

In order to suit every demand, every year we add a wide variety of modern and maintained models to our fleet like mini bus, air-conditioned cars and open jeeps.

The car is delivered in a destination chosen by our client -airport, port, hotel, residence or work place- by a company employee who will answer any question the client may have.

In the 21 years of operation, Anna Cars has provided service to more than 100.000 clients, a fact that places the company at the top of the list of the car-rental business. This is not only due to the quality of the services provided, but it is a result of offering high quality services at competitive and affordable prices.             

Thank you for your interest in Anna Cars - Car Rental Services in Crete!

Mr. John, his wife in the background, customers & Foteini enjoying her Greek coffee.

Anna Cars - Rent a Car in Crete
Kokkini Hani - Tel: +30 2810 762019, Fax: +30 2810 762050
Annisara Hersonissos - Tel: +30 28970 24944, +30 28970 24945 
Heraklion - 73 Meletioy Piga St. Tel: + 30 2810 237418 info@annacars.gr 
Crete Hotels

Mr. John & Foteini with the Quad bikes

Crete - Greece (taken from Anna Cars website)

Crete is the largest island of Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. A mountainous island, it lies south of the Aegean Sea, a link between Europe, Africa and Asia. This geographical position, being at the junction of major civilizations and cultural currents, influenced its history throughout the past 5000 years.

Crete has an elongated shape, 260 km long from east to west and between 15 and 60 km wide. The coastline is over 1000 km long and consists of both sandy beaches and rocky shores. The high mountains are a characteristic of the Cretan landscape. They form three mountain complexes, each with its own personality. Between the ranges lie semi-mountainous zones which cover the greater part of the island. There are also a few low lying plains as well as a number of high plateaus.

Crete has about 600.000 inhabitants, of which over a third live in the towns of Heraklion, Hania and Rethymnon. The rest of the island is sparsely populated, with large tracts of mountainous areas frequented only by shepherds.

Crete has become a very popular holiday destination for northern Europeans. The current number of visitors per year is around 3 million. Most of them arrive by charter to Heraklion or Hania airport.

Traveling eastwards you can visit the anciend ruins of the town Gournia, the most southern town in Europe, Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos  with it's pretty harbour and seafront cafeterias. A visit to the monastery of Toplou is on the way just before arriving at Vai beach with it's crystal clear waters and palm fringed beach.

Everyone should visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos. It was excavated and reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans. It was a political, religious and economical center while the rest of Europe was still uncivilized. The Palace was an intricate,multi-storeyed structure and it's labyrinh is said to be where Thesaus slew the Minotaur.

Heading south, through the Messara plain you will pass through Gortys leading to Phaestos Palace, the second largest Minoan Palace. Further south is the town of Matala, on the Libyan Sea, an ideal spot for lunch and a swim. 

If you decide to travel high up into the Cretan mountains you'll pass Kera Monastery and the Gateway to the Plateau on your way. pectacular scenery awaits you traveling through traditinal Cretan villages brings us to the Dikti Gave and Zeus birth place.

The beautiful wild and rugged landscape of the west is a complete contrast to the east. You can visit Arkadi Monastery, Rethymnon, with it's Turkish and Venetian influence and Chania with it's leather market and Venctian harbour. Also there are the cemetries of Souda and Maleme. 

http://www.annacars.gr/index.asp?pageid=76&langid=en

It's perfect!

The beach of Anissaras, a sandy beach close to the popular and well developed tourist resort of Kato Gouves, is found 20 kilometres far from Heraklion at the East. Open to the Cretan Sea, the beach is affected by the northern winds. The seabed is partly rocky, which makes it suitable for snorkelling.

Enjoying the sea, sand & sun!

Well organised, close enough to Heraklion and the tourist resorts of Kato Gouves and Chani Kokkini, the beach covers all the needs of the visitors in accommodation and food and drink. Facilities for swimming and sunbathing (sunbeds, umbrellas ) and sea sports are also available.

The end of the beach is much less crowded, so if you like being isolated, you may find the place it fits you at this part of the beach.

Access from Heraklion is possible by public bus, running regularly, taxi from Heraklion and rented and private car and motorbikes.

http://www.greekhotel.com/crete/heraklion/anissaras/beach/home.htm

Crete is a beautiful place!

On holiday but what will the weather be like in Anissaras?
Here you will find the 14 day weather forecast for Anissaras.


http://www.zoover.co.uk/greece/crete/anissaras/weather

She's lovely!

It's a small village just 3 Km from lively Hersonissoswith beautiful sandy beaches.

http://www.ellada.net/crete-info/sightseeing/heraklio.php?pid=4

Okay then I'll leave it at that for now, don't forget to rent your car from Anna Cars and to swim in the crystal clear waters of the sea at Anissaras! Take care. Bye now! :-)

http://www.annacars.gr/index.asp?pageid=80&langid=en

Anisaras Beaches

Anisaras beaches | Heraklion | Beaches| Κρήτη | Crete

It has been spread that Anisaras takes its name after the plant anise that abounded in the area. However, anise never existed here and the name comes from a corruption of the word agisaras. Agisaros is one of the Greek names of the plant Cistus creticus (the other name is aladania) that indeed abounds in the area.

Cistus creticus (aladania). Photo taken from alathanos.blogspot.com

The peaceful resort of Anisaras is located 21km east of Heraklion, west of Cape Sarandaris. The area is now full with big hotels, which offer primarily all-inclusive services. In front of the hotels, there are small sandy beaches with rocky seabed. All beaches are well-organized with umbrellas and sun beds, which are offered for free to the customers of the hotels.

The beaches are beautiful, but the seabed is quite rocky. This makes them popular to snorkelers. However, the beach close to Analipsi, the largest in the area, has more sand than the rest ones. From there starts the coastal road of Anisaras, which runs along the coast and stops before the big complex of Anisaras hotels. From there the road continues with south direction and "encircles" the hotels. If you want to swim at the beaches shaped in front of the hotels, you will have to walk along the coast until you find the cove you like. Otherwise, you should ask permission from the hotel guards, to let you walk across the hotels.

In the easternmost point of Anisaras, on Cape Sarandaris, you will find the small chapel of St. George, which is very picturesque and has spectacular views to the bay of Hersonissos. You can reach it either by keeping walking eastwards from the beaches of the hotels or by driving on the road that connects Anisaras withHersonissos Coves. Before the Harbors, you will see a stonepaved footpath heading to the tip of the cape.

In Anisaras you won’t find any structured settlement or village, but only dispersed hotels. Thus, you will not have many options for dining or getting out outside the hotel. Do not worry, because Hersonissos is very close. Access to Anisaras by bus is however a big trouble, as there is no direct route to Anisaras. The buses running to Hersonissos stop about 2km away from the beach and you have to call a taxi.

http://www.cretanbeaches.com/Beaches/Heraklion/anisaras-beaches/