Stalis, Crete Holidays

Sandwiched between Hersonissos five kilometres to the west, and Malia three kilometres to the east, Stalis is one of the most laid-back and sophisticated holiday retreats in Crete. Until the 1980s, it was a small fishing village. Today, it’s a cosmopolitan seaside town which attracts visitors from all over to world to its quaint Venetian-style streets. It's also home to one of the best stretches of sand on the island.

A stretch of golden sand starts in Stalis and winds its way eastwards along the coast to Malia and beyond for over six and half kilometres. A crop of sunloungers and parasols line the way, and the entire stretch is backed by hotels, restaurants, bars and tavernas. The Stalis end of the beach is the most relaxed and family-friendly, with gently sloping sands and shallow waters, while the Malia end is best for watersports and beachside dancing after dark.

Malia is best-known for its 24-hour party scene, with anthem-pumping clubs where you can see international acts spinning the decks. But cross over the road from the club strip and you’ll find yourself transported back to an old town of winding streets, whitewashed houses and traditional tavernas. It’s just a 20-minute walk from Stalis to Malia, though several buses and mini trains do run between the two during the day. A taxi home after a night out shouldn’t set you back more than about 10 euros.