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Malia Palace: Unearthing Minoan History

Uncover the mysteries of the Minoan civilization at the Malia Palace, one of Crete's most important archaeological sites.

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Explore the ruins of Malia Palace, the third-largest Minoan palace on Crete, near the modern town of Malia. Discover its fascinating history, from its construction around 1900 BC to its final destruction in 1450 BC, and see remnants of a once-thriving Minoan civilization.

A brief summary to Malia Palace Archaeological Site

  • Αρχαιολογικός χώρος Μαλίων, Malia, 700 07, GR
  • +302897031597

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring sun protection, as there is limited shade on the site.
  • Visit the small museum at the entrance to see reconstructions of the palace.
  • Check the official website for the latest opening hours, as they vary seasonally.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most convenient way to reach Malia Palace is by car. From Heraklion, take the national road east towards Agios Nikolaos. The palace is located about 40 km from Heraklion and is well-signposted. Ample parking is available near the main entrance. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Buses from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos stop at Malia. Check the KTEL bus schedule for routes and timetables. From the bus stop on the main road, it is a short walk (approximately 250m) to the archaeological site. A single bus fare from Heraklion to Malia costs approximately €4-€6.

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Discover more about Malia Palace Archaeological Site

The Malia Palace Archaeological Site, located on the northern coast of Crete, offers a captivating glimpse into the Minoan civilization. Situated a few kilometers east of the modern town of Malia, this site was once a major Minoan city and palace, ranking as the third-largest on the island after Knossos and Phaistos. According to mythology, it was the seat of Sarpedon, brother of King Minos. Constructed around 1900 BC, the palace complex covered an impressive 7,500 square meters. Like other Minoan palaces, it featured a central courtyard, storage rooms, workshops, and royal chambers. The city surrounding the palace covered approximately one square kilometer, indicating its importance as a societal, religious, and commercial center. The palace was destroyed around 1700 BC, rebuilt, and then destroyed again around 1450 BC. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Second Palace, which offer insights into Minoan life. Highlights include the central court, the storage rooms with their large pithoi (storage jars), the Hypostyle Crypt believed to be a meeting place, and the remains of the royal rooms and workshops. The site also has a small museum with models and photos to help visualize the palace's original structure. The famous Bee Pendant, a significant Minoan artifact, was discovered here and is now displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

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