Stalida beach Crete Stalida (Stalis, Stalis, Σταλίδα). What is Stalida
We are actively preparing for a trip to Greece. I'm looking for information about Stalis - there is very little information about the village, about the Zephiros hotel there are no fresh reviews at all this year - something very sad. It felt like we were going to a remote village.
Due to the change in the composition of tourists, our plans also changed. Now we are planning a moderate excursion vacation with our son. Please answer a few questions, experts on Crete, or provide some useful links. I would be grateful.
1. What is interesting in Stalis (Stalida)? - sights, shops, and also interested in excursion travel agencies
2. Where can you go from Stalis on your own by bus?
3. What is the Cretan evening like? (recommended to visit)
Well, as a beginner, please recommend a must-see in Crete. Interesting historical and pleasure-sea excursions, non-tiring, one-day excursions. Thanks in advance everyone!
We were in STALID a long time ago, but some aspects are unlikely to have changed - the beach and entry into the sea are excellent, sandy, the location of the hotel is also good, the village itself does not have any special entertainment, just one long street with shops and taverns, a kind of village promenade. Therefore, all entertainment must be sought ™on the side™. The highway is just above the village, from your hotel almost perpendicularly up 300 meters. There, take a regular bus and, if desired, either right to Heraklion or left to Agios Nikolos and beyond.
It felt like we were going to a remote village.
where did this feeling come from? We returned recently, we were there last year. A calm, tourist place, a lot of taverns, bars, people walking until late at night. The bus service is excellent, we went to Agios, Hersonissos, Heraklion. Zephyros is a good, small hotel, every day I watched it from my balcony))) First line, clean pool (it is cleaned every morning) They spend their evenings with live music, they sang so beautifully - we watched from the balcony.
There are plenty of shops in Stalida, nothing of attractions except a church on the promenade. At stop number 24 there is the Lychnostatis Museum of Cretan Life. Among the excursions I liked Matala-Gorina-monasteries, western Crete (Rethymnon-Chania-Arkadi monastery), Knossos Palace. To Heraklion It’s more interesting for ourselves, last year we went on a tour, but this time we went leisurely, from the fortress along August 25th Street to the Morosini Fountain and Daedalou Street.
I'm looking for information on Stalis - there is very little information about the village, there is no fresh information about the Zephiros hotel at all
On www.tripadvisor.ru There are reviews this year about this hotel. We were in Zephiros a long time ago, then we liked everything about the hotel: location, food, service, and the sea and beach could not change, as already noted here, the road is behind the hotel, which is also a plus, everything is good there. The village itself has good infrastructure; there is nothing like a remote village.
I’ll add about excursions and walks, we returned from Stalida 2 days ago. My son and I took a regular bus (the journey took 5 minutes) to Lychnostasis, we walked and looked there, it was relaxed and not hot. There is a beach nearby. Then you can walk to StarBeach, but we just walked right through it. In the direction of Agios Nikolaos, 25 minutes by bus to the very beautiful monastery of Georgios Selinari. Then you can take the next bus and get to Agios Nikolaos (another half an hour). We also went to Knossos ourselves (by regular bus to Heraklion, then changed to a city bus). There you can take part in an excursion, and we ourselves went with printouts and a guidebook, so it even seems to me more interesting for children - to look for frescoes on the map, to guess what was where. We went to Mohos for a Greek evening. There, on the main square, every Wednesday at about 9 pm, folk songs and dances begin. You sit down in a tavern and pay only for food. The only thing is that you can only get there by taxi if you don’t drive a car yourself. We paid 18 euros for the journey there, and the same amount back. And still, we managed to do it much cheaper than through an agency, and you can leave at any time if the child is tired, and drive 10-15 minutes to the hotel. And if you find a company, then a taxi will be even cheaper.
The closest stop to you is 28th, from Zephyros go out past the jewelry store almost opposite your hotel onto the highway, turn right, go straight ahead and here is the stop. Buy a ticket on the bus and tell the conductor where you are going, to Heraklion 3.70, in Agios 3.80, Hersonissos 1.60 euros tickets cost. Return from Heraklion and Agios at the bus station at the ticket office, take a ticket to Stalida, guard your stop, usually the conductor squeals in a loud voice the names of the stops :-) Buses with the name KTEL on the windshield, yes and the conductor will usually stick his head out and tell you where the bus is going. From Khersoniss you take your ticket directly on the bus.
If you are traveling from Stalida towards Hersonissos, Heraklion, then you do not need to cross the road and the schedule to Heraklion is correct. To get to Agios Nikolaos, you need to cross the road, there is also a timetable. The final destination is written on the buses, and you can ask the conductor. The conductor sells tickets and will tell you when to get off. Only in Heraklion and An-Nikolaus did you buy tickets at the bus station, say “Stalida”, and they will give you a ticket for the next flight. In Stalida your stop is number 28
Thank you all so much - I’ve already received so much useful information (I’ll print it out later and take it with me)
Is there a travel agency in Stalida that sells excursions, maybe someone can take advantage of it?
Hersonissos
What interesting things can you see there?
She recommended that I visit Rethymno - is it really possible to get there from Stalida by bus?
In the Heraklion region of Crete, three small towns are located in close proximity to each other - Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia. These resort towns are extremely popular, primarily due to their beautiful beaches and modern tourist infrastructure. The active development of tourism in this area has contributed to the fact that Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia are practically connected with each other by a long embankment.
For example, if you simply walk along the sea coast from Stalida to Malia, it will be difficult to determine where one resort town ends and another begins. Perhaps soon the boundaries between the three towns will finally disappear and they will merge into one large tourist center. Be that as it may, today Hersonissos, Stalida and Malia are the best places in Crete for a beach holiday and a fun time.
Hersonissos is located thirty kilometers east of the capital of Crete, Heraklion. Only about three thousand people permanently live in Hersonissos, but during the tourist season the city is literally flooded with vacationers, as a result of which the population increases approximately tenfold. You can get here from Heraklion by taking a tourist bus. The ticket will cost 3.5 euros, and the trip to the resort town will take approximately 30 minutes.
Hersonissos, like many other cities in Crete, has a proud history. It is believed that the local settlement was founded more than three and a half thousand years ago. The city's heyday came during the Roman Empire, when Hersonissos became the island's key port. It was of such great strategic and commercial importance that the city even had its own coin with images of Hercules and the goddess Britomartis.
Despite such an ancient history of Hersonissos, it is almost impossible to find any well-preserved monuments of the past within the city limits today. Of interest are the remains of Roman buildings with mosaic floors and ancient port buildings. Unfortunately, after the liberation of the island from Turkish rule, when Crete was experiencing enormous difficulties, most of the ancient historical monuments were dismantled by local residents as a source of finished building material. Such an unenviable and sad fate befell many monuments of Roman architecture that remained in Hersonissos until the end of the 19th century.
So now people go to Hersonissos not to see historical sights, but to relax comfortably on the sea coast and have a good time in numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Almost the entire main life of the city is concentrated around the main street and the beautiful embankment. Along the main street of Hersonissos there are, in particular, numerous shops, mainly souvenir shops. There are not many brand stores here, however, if you walk around and study the assortment, you can find stylish clothes and shoes, and at a better price than in Russia.
As for souvenir shops, you can buy anything there - from nationally produced ceramics to olive oil and paintings with panoramas of Crete. Also along the main street in Hersonissos there are plenty of jewelry shops where you can buy stunning jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones. The shops themselves in Hersonissos are relatively small, but they attract with their fairly wide assortment. There are only two truly large supermarkets in the city - Select and Spar.
Holidays in Hersonissos include visiting restaurants and Greek taverns, as well as active nightlife. To try national cuisine and local delicacies, it is best to go from the main street to the embankment, where restaurants with terraces are located right next to each other, offering a beautiful view of the sea. Restaurants replace each other during a half-hour walk along the embankment. Here you can choose an establishment to suit every taste.
Fans of vibrant nightlife in Hersonissos should visit the disco bars and nightclubs. Discos start operating from about 10 pm, and admission is free - the owners of such establishments rely solely on the fact that guests will buy drinks. The most famous and fashionable nightclubs of Hersonissos are StatusClub, Amnezia and Matrix.
At almost every step in the city you can find rental points for various vehicles - scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs and cars. Renting a car will cost approximately 55 euros per day, excluding gasoline costs. The car will allow you to visit the maximum number of attractions and resort places in the Heraklion region. But more interesting is the rental of an ATV - a powerful four-wheeled vehicle with which you can travel along mountain roads or to a nearby beach, enjoying the pleasure and excitement of driving. The cost of renting an ATV per day is from 10 euros. Bicycles are also available for rent.
The beaches of Hersonissos are crowded with vacationers during the tourist season. They are mostly pebble and narrow. Admission to all beaches is free; fees are charged only for the use of sun loungers and umbrellas. Among the city beaches, it is worth highlighting the beautiful sandy Star Beach, located near the water park of the same name. Unlike other local beaches, it is wide and has a smooth entry into the sea. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for 3 euros. StarBeach has bars and water attractions, and various festive events are often organized. The only drawback is the huge number of vacationers, so it is unlikely that you will be able to find a good place or relax in a calm, secluded atmosphere here.
There is another popular beach near the Creta Maris Hotel, where you can enjoy a variety of water sports. To the east of the central part of the city there are many more picturesque bays with sandy beaches, which, as a rule, are located in front of hotel complexes. The bravest ones can be offered a holiday on the nudist beach, which is located in the area of Cape Sarandaris.
Water activities in Hersonissos are not limited to sea swimming. The city is well known for its excellent water parks - the best in Crete. Star Beach Waterpark is located on the beach in the eastern part of Hersonissos and offers a variety of water attractions for visitors of all ages. Another water park called Aqua Splash is located outside the city limits and can be found on the road to Kastelli. An even more interesting and rich entertainment program is offered here.
Malia
Not far from Hersonissos, on the shores of the Aegean Sea, there is another popular tourist town - Malia. It has gained popularity as a youth resort focused on fun and exciting nightlife. Due to the fact that Malia has a huge number of clubs and discos, this town is often compared to Ibiza and other similar resorts. The rhythm of life in Malia is special: during the day and after lunch there is peace and quiet on the streets, but at night the city comes alive and is filled with musical motifs. Holidays in Malia are recommended specifically for youth groups and all those looking for entertainment and noisy parties.
Once upon a time, on the site of Malia there was a city of the ancient Minoan kingdom. The settlement, located on the coast of a large natural bay, was an important center of navigation and trade during the Minoan civilization. Today this is evidenced only by the ruins of a Minoan palace in the vicinity of the city. It was built in the same era as its more famous brothers - the Palace of Knossos and Phaistos. The palace was considered the residence of Sarpedon, the brother of King Minos. Excavations at this place are still ongoing.
Today, the ruins of the Mali Palace are the city's most important attraction. Many of the finds discovered here are presented in the collection of the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. Among other attractions of Malia, the Church of Panagia Galatiani, the construction of which dates back to 1400, attracts attention. You can simply feel the atmosphere of the city by walking through the narrow streets of Malia.
However, these days the main attractions of Malia are restaurants, shops, beaches, clubs and discos - everything that allows tourists to enjoy their holiday on the sea coast. There is no promenade as such in Malia, so all entertainment venues and restaurants are located close to the beach. With the onset of darkness, the cheerful, vibrant life of the city begins. The most popular nightclubs in the city, favored by young people, are Malibu Club, Camelot Castle and Banana Club. They are open until dawn, and entry to the establishments is absolutely free.
Many restaurants and Greek taverns located nearby and along the main streets of Malia close well after midnight. The city center can be quite noisy - loud music can be heard from establishments, and the roar of motorcycles and ATVs can be heard. ATV, car and motorcycle rental centers in Malia can be found on almost every corner.
A distinctive feature of the resort town of Malia is its beautiful sandy beaches with developed infrastructure, bars and water activities. They are considered one of the best on the entire coast of Crete. The beaches of Malia have a smooth entrance to the sea and shallow depth, which allows you to comfortably relax here with small children.
Malia's main beach is located in front of the city and is always crowded with holidaymakers during the tourist season. It is a sandy strip more than half a kilometer long, which is surrounded by bars on the land side. The beach is covered with amazing fine sand and has wonderful shallow waters, which will appeal to the youngest vacationers. Various entertainment events are often organized right here on the beach.
Those who prefer a beach holiday in a more relaxed, secluded environment should head east of the city, to the ruins of the famous Mali Palace. Next to it there is an excellent sandy beach, where you will not meet such a large crowd of people. Potamos Beach, located near the central city beach, is distinguished by a comfortable seabed, beautiful sand dunes and comfortable recreation areas.
Between Hersonissos and Malia in the Heraklion region there is another popular resort - Stalida. This town differs from its neighbors in that there are not a large number of entertainment venues and clubs. Stalida is more focused on a relaxing family holiday. It is often chosen as a beach holiday destination by older tourists and couples. It is much calmer here than in neighboring resorts, but the tourist infrastructure with restaurants, taverns and bars is also well developed. The town itself does not have any historical attractions, but due to its favorable location, Stalida is a good starting point for exploring the most interesting sites and architectural monuments of eastern Crete.
Two roads pass through the resort town, one of which cuts through Stalida right in the middle. In the summer season it is closed to vehicular traffic, and it turns into one continuous pedestrian zone where you can walk for your pleasure. But be careful when walking along this street - motorcycles and bicycles are very popular in Stalida. There are several rental points for these vehicles in the town. The second road goes around the city and runs parallel to the national highway. Tourist buses pass by Stalida, taking vacationers to Heraklion.
The heart of Stalida is a beautiful five-kilometer-long promenade. It is around it that most souvenir shops and stores are concentrated, as well as restaurants and Greek taverns offering delicious national cuisine. A huge sandy beach with shallow water stretches along the embankment. There are bars and cafes near the beach, but the pace of life here is much calmer than in Hersonissos or Malia.
The sandy beach stretches along the entire town, and around it restaurants, bars and hotels smoothly merge into each other. There are also small stalls offering all kinds of water activities - from jet ski rides to banana rides. The huge strip of sand is broken only once by a rocky section of the coast. Despite the fact that the beach in Stalida is quite wide, during the tourist season it is almost always crowded with vacationers. In windy weather, the sea here is choppy, but strong waves invariably subside on the coast. The local beach is equipped with everything you need - umbrellas and sun loungers, changing cabins, beach volleyball courts and its own rescue service.
When planning the trip, the task was simply the sea, the beach, wine, fruit, national food - that’s it, no excursions, stress (like a car) or other fuss. It should have been a fairly budget trip. (It wasn’t)
The company's services were taken from Pegasus, which has a very solid presence on the island (it worked clearly and specifically). Hotel Pela Sophia 3* in Stalis with a stingy owner (described in another place)
The sea is very clear, the waves are small, it was calm a couple of times in the mornings, once there was a red flag and then we swam, there were no living creatures - small fish of 2-3 species, no jellyfish, few hedgehogs, no seagulls - in the stones, it seemed, someone... I saw a moray eel once, the crabs were small, there was practically no debris in the water. I think masks and fins are not very necessary. Perhaps this is the best sea I have seen from 5 countries.
The public beaches are sandy with a small inclusion of stones, the depth is meters. 30, you can be on any beach around, wherever you want, sunbeds and umbrellas are paid (1.8 EUR per unit, i.e. a set of 2 sunbeds and an umbrella - 5.4 EUR. A check is given for the whole day, i.e. if you come again in the evening - you don’t have to pay. Those who need cheaper prices can sunbathe by the pool and go swimming in the sea (everywhere is not far away) or buy an umbrella - 10 units, a mat - 2 units.
Nothing is imposed on the beach, no one bothers you, once a day there is a baker and 2 times a day Vietnamese masseurs with expensive massages. (from 15 to 40 euros)
The water at the beginning of June is crisp (they say it was cool in May), 20-21 degrees, there is no information anywhere on the temperature, so by eye, if the water was a little cold, the folk method was used - vodka-rakia inside. Locals start swimming after the 15th.
The weather was super-20 degrees in the evening, up to 30 degrees in the afternoon, it was easy to breathe, the humidity was normal, and the clothes dried quickly. Mosquitoes were moderate, fumitox was necessary. There are a lot of “not young” German women topless on the beach. Not all Germans swam in early June. The tan is brutal. We need to be careful.
Although many still lay there from 10 to 5, from afar they could be confused with blacks. As always, parachutes, bananas and other beach paraphernalia are available.
About the village of Stalida, also known as Stalis. One long straight street (Stalida Beach road) parallel to the shore. Along it there are many hotels of 2-3 floors on both sides. There are few local residential houses. Lots of small souvenir shops, olive cosmetics, mini food markets, taverns, car, motorcycle, and bicycle rentals.
ATVs are popular. Pedestrians and cars are mixed together walking along the street, there is no sidewalk, wild ATVs of inadequate Englishmen from Malia are rushing around. The street is closed at night, but a small part of it towards Hersonissos, in the Pela Sophia area is noisy at night. Therefore, you need to choose a hotel with windows not facing the street. (Who wants to sleep at night). Prices in Stalida: gasoline 1.7-2 liters. food prices: bread-1.5 eu., eggs-1.5 eu. 6 pcs., a pack of olives-2.5 eu., feta from 2 units a pack, wine (retsina) -3.5-5 units. for 1.5 liters or more, draft brandy 4-6 units liter, sausage-12 units, hard cheese-12 units, meat 7 units kg., watermelons-melons 1 units.kg, cherries-5 units.kg (Egyptian), strawberries-4 units. none, honey is prohibitively expensive, beer from 1.3 euros, ice cream - 2.5 euros (initial prices). The numbers in euros are deceptive, it seems like a small thing, when translated into rubles it is a significant amount, so there is no need to translate, you just need to spend. There is no bargaining as such, except that %10 will be discounted as a regular customer. Prices are about the same everywhere, it seemed cheaper in “Vasilise” than in Gemini. The quality of products also differs in different markets. The locals again praise Vasilis. Magnets can cost from 0.5 to 1.5 euros. Lots of shells and stars at reasonable prices. Souvenirs are not only Chinese, but there are also Greek ones. Prices for similar products such as toothpaste, etc. much higher than ours - Europe. Good prod. "Halkidiki" store in Malia near the church.
Count the receipt in small shops, there have been cases of cheating, at the checkout they count not by barcodes, but by hand. Some markets have containers with wine and brandy, you can taste it for free until you like it, pour it into the container and buy it. Ouzo is better than Turkish rakia, but not everyone likes the taste of anise.
We visited the market in Heraklion on Saturday - only fruits and vegetables, expensive fresh seafood, a small selection of homemade wine (very sour) and rakia. Eg. a loaf of 1.5 liters of homemade olive oil - 4ev. There is nothing interesting in terms of folk crafts. Lots of junk, but didn't look.
In Heraklion there are many gypsy women in the central squares, asking for handouts with dirty children, like ours.
Of the six taverns visited in Stalida, I liked “Camelot” (huge portions, delicious), I also liked “Calipso”, I didn’t like “Paradis” on the border with Malia (they didn’t splash it on the road, the portions were small, the dolma was the size of a fingernail). In general. Most of the portions are not huge (definitely not for two), as described, maybe because it’s a tour. zone - it’s a pity I didn’t try it in the villages. They pour it on the road everywhere, sometimes they add something of their own, such as fruit salad (a small thing, but nice). The main national ones. I tried the dishes, everything was delicious, each tavern has its own menu. Live music is often found, but at an amateur level, although “sirtaki” is always good and fiery. Prices are somewhere around 12-15 per person or more, seafood dishes are more expensive. Check the bills if you understand Greek (there was an extra salad at “Sergianis” for 7 euros). There are barkers along the road, but it’s tolerable.
We counted and wept (just kidding) - food in general is expensive, so normal food in the hotel is important, and only then taverns and markets. In our 3* hotel, the food is more than modest (worse than in other two-room apartments), so the hotel needs to be knocked out and according to this indicator. Yes, there was a kitchen corner with everything necessary, but I would like to see the lucky one whose wife will stand at the stove on vacation. But all costs are compensated by the beautiful sea and relaxation, so the money is counted at home when the impressions subside.
To Malia (to the church) about 40 minutes on foot. This is a town with a completely different intensity, with a lot of noisy young people. My Soviet stereotype was dispelled - “all English women are thin and flat”, they turned out to be simply “super-sexy”, clothes on the verge of a foul, but without vulgarity. Eh! Let's get off our shoulders for thirty years and climb into this English chicken coop! Therefore, I recommend only Malia to young people, not Stalida.
It seemed that in Stalida up to 50% were Russians (there are also many of them in Malia), the rest were English and Germans.
The Greek people made a very favorable impression - they are friendly towards the Russians, natural, not irritated. There was a case when an elderly Greek tried to give us (knowing that we were from Russia) his potatoes for the barbecue, which we did not have time to order (we were in a hurry to catch the bus), perhaps this was his only food for the day. No words! It’s better to communicate, of course, not on tour. zone, in the tourist zone money prevails, not feelings. There are a lot of saleswomen from the former Soviet Union, they have been there for more than 10 years, but they don’t take Greek citizenship, although they could. Russian-speaking service is in demand - there have been notices for appointments, which means more and more of our tourists are arriving.
I haven’t noticed a crisis, although the staff are cutting their salaries and social benefits. help. Everyone is waiting with horror for the June 17th elections. Off. The minimum salary level is 330 euros. There is no hint of strikes.
Duty-free Heraklion is rather weak, but Metaxa is noticeably cheaper there, oil is a little cheaper, although the choice of oil is smaller, other prices are the same as in cities, incl. and for branded alcohol. There are few souvenirs there. But this can be carried in hand luggage, which does not affect the total weight of the luggage.
Of course, I really want to return to Crete again, somewhere in the western part, but there are still so many interesting countries!
I described my impressions - as I saw, so I wrote. What is not biased is for sure.
In our article we want to talk about one of the Greek resorts. Stalida (Crete) is a resort village located in the Heraklion region, between the popular youth resorts of Malia and Khrsonissos. From Heraklion to Stalida the distance is only 30 kilometers. Despite the fact that the resort is located in the area of famous villages where young people prefer to relax, it is aimed at a completely different audience. Stalida (Crete) is a quieter town, aimed at sedate family holidays. In addition, older vacationers like to come here.
A little about the resort...
Currently, the active development of tourism has led to the fact that all three cities on the coast - Malia, Stalida and Hersonissos, located close to each other, have practically connected with each other. The connecting link was a modern ten-kilometer embankment, walking along which you will definitely not be able to understand where one village ends and another begins.
As we already mentioned, Stalida (Crete) differs from its neighbors in that it does not have such a vibrant nightlife as in neighboring towns. It is for this reason that married couples with children come here. Even if you want to have fun, Malia and Hersonissos are very close.
There are a lot of European pensioners and families with children in Stalida. And young people here sometimes live in budget hotels and go to neighboring cities to have fun.
What is Stalida?
The resort itself is a small village consisting of one long street stretching along the coast. In the depths of Stalida there is also a road that leads to Malia (Greece). All the other streets, like streams, lead to the sea, descending from the mountains to the water.
The local Beach Road embankment, unfortunately, is not divided into vehicular and pedestrian zones. Therefore, during the daytime there is very active traffic on it. But at night the embankment becomes pedestrian, as it is closed to cars. But even at this time, scooters and bicycles actively move along it.
Despite such inconveniences, the promenade of Stalida (Crete) is considered one of the best on the island. It is worth noting that the resort, unlike neighboring towns, does not have an ancient history.
Not long ago, the villagers of the village of Mokhos were resting in temporary light houses. But over time, the beautiful and convenient coast gradually attracted the attention of residents of other cities. So gradually Stalida (Crete) turned into a popular resort.
How to get to the city?
In order to get to Stalida, you need to take tickets to the international one and then take a taxi to the resort (about 30 kilometers). The fare will be approximately fifty euros.
There is also a more budget option; the distance can be covered by the Heraklion - Malia bus, which departs from the bus station every thirty minutes. The fare is 3.8 euros per passenger. The journey takes just under an hour.
Resort Beach
The beaches of Stalida are the pride of the resort. It is thanks to them that the city has gained such popularity among vacationers. The sandy coast has a wide, gentle entrance to the sea, and the water on the coast is clean and transparent.
The entire coast of the resort is divided into two parts by a rocky embankment, because of this it is believed that there are two beaches in Stalida. It is worth noting that there are no wild areas of the coast in the city. At the height of the holiday season, the beach is crowded with vacationers.
The resort coast has a well-developed infrastructure. There are all conditions for a good comfortable holiday. On the beach you can rent a sunbed and an umbrella (the service costs three euros). The shore is equipped with showers, toilets and changing cabins. There are several children's playgrounds for young guests of the resort.
On the coast, vacationers can go on water rides: banana boat (ten euros per person), jet ski (forty euros), catamaran (fifteen euros per hour). There are sports equipment rental points on the beach. Diving enthusiasts can go in a group with instructors towards Hersonissos, near which at a depth of about 24 meters there is a sunken plane that has become a kind of landmark.
Lifeguards are always on duty on the local coast. When coming to the beach, you need to pay attention to whether the red flag is raised, warning vacationers to enter the water due to strong waves.
Along the coast there are a large number of taverns and cafes where you can eat without leaving the coast.
Sights of Stalida (Crete)
The resort has a convenient location not only relative to the airport, but also relative to Cretan attractions. Local travel agencies vie with each other to sell excursions from Stalida to interesting places on the island. In principle, you can explore all the sights on your own by renting a car.
For those tourists who are visiting the island for the first time, we can recommend going to Elounda. Once the town was a small fishing village, but now it has turned into an elite resort. On the way to Elounda, vacationers can see how ordinary Cretans live far from the sea coast.
No less interesting may be a journey to the site, which was once fortified for defense and later turned into a leper colony. The place has a creepy history, but at the same time it looks very nice. You can get to the island not only as part of an excursion, but also independently on ships sailing every thirty minutes from the ports of Plaka, Elounda, Nikolas and Agios. The cost of a boat trip is 4-5 euros. You can visit the fortress on the island for two euros.
You can visit Plaka only to admire the picturesque view of Mirabello Bay. From the village, following the signs, you can get to the ancient city of Olunta, most of which is now under water. And from here tourists can easily go to Agios Nikolas - one of the most popular cities in Crete. In the village you can admire the architecture and sea views and visit Lake Vulizmeni, in which, according to legend, Athena once swam. The reservoir itself is small, but has a round shape. A long-standing legend said that the lake was bottomless. But in the twentieth century, the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau proved that it still has a bottom, like any other body of water on earth. The deepest part of the lake reaches 64 meters. At its bottom lie the remains of German equipment from World War II. This excursion route is quite interesting and not tiring. The length of the route is 89 kilometers, and the cost of the excursion trip is 25 euros per tourist.
Knossos palace
The main attraction of Crete is the Palace of Knossos. It is located not far from Stalida, so you can reach it by car in about twenty minutes. In addition, you can get to Knossos by bus, but with a transfer in Heraklion, since there is no direct flight. The fare from Stalida to Heraklion is 3.8 euros, and from Heraklion to Knossos is 1.6 euros.
Resort hotels
The city has a fairly large selection of hotels. Of course, the most popular hotels in Stalida are those located near the coast. In our article we want to mention several hotels that are worthy of attention, based on positive reviews from tourists.
Horizon Beach is a three-star hotel located 150 meters from the beach. The complex has four swimming pools, a children's playground and a terrace leading to the sea. The modern apartments are well equipped, with rooms overlooking the sea or the pool. All rooms have kitchenettes with cooking stoves and refrigerators. Therefore, hotel guests have the opportunity to cook for themselves if they wish.
Horizon Beach has a restaurant and a pool bar. A buffet breakfast is served daily. Positive reviews from tourists give reason to recommend the hotel for a holiday. According to numerous guests, Horizon Beach is a very good establishment with new spacious rooms, plentiful and varied food and a high level of service. Particularly pleasing is the beautiful area with swimming pools filled with sea water and a promenade to the sea.
"Akti Lounge Hotel and Spa"
Modern hotel located right on the beach of Stalida. The complex is equipped with good furniture, a sun terrace and a swimming pool.
Comfortable rooms, entertainment and good food make your stay unforgettable. Aktia Lounge Hotel Spa 5* has its own spa where you can enjoy wellness treatments and massages. The hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis. According to vacationers, the food in the main restaurant is always delicious, and the choice of dishes is very large. The service is at a high level. On the beach, hotel guests are provided with free umbrellas and sunbeds.
Hotel Triton 3*
Triton 3* (Stalida) is another hotel on the coast of the resort. The complex is located ten meters from the beach. On its territory there is a bar, a swimming pool, a well-equipped recreation area and modern comfortable rooms. All apartments are equipped with flat-screen TVs and satellite channels, refrigerators, new furniture and bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served daily in the restaurant. Near the hotel there are cafes and taverns, although hotel guests do not need additional food, since the food at the hotel is tasty and varied, as evidenced by rave reviews from tourists.
In general, the choice of housing in the village of Stalida is quite diverse. Among the local hotels you can choose a fashionable complex or a cozy family hotel. Depending on your budget, you can rent an apartment with a kitchenette, the presence of which will allow you to save on food. But still, the majority of tourists prefer hotels with an all-inclusive system. Fortunately, there are plenty of such hotels in Stalida (Greece).
Local taverns and cafes
At the very end of the beach is “Anatolia”. The establishment is known not only for its amazingly delicious food and excellent service, but also for its very reasonable prices. For example, a lunch for two consisting of several simple dishes and two liters of wine will cost about 60 euros. Visitors to the establishment recommend ordering pizza, red mullet and kleftiko.
In the Golden Beach area you will find another worthy place - the Maria Tavern. The establishment is equipped with a nice outdoor terrace with a beautiful view. According to tourists' reviews, the tavern serves very tasty food. Perhaps “Maria” can be called the best establishment in terms of visitor ratings. The cafe staff is very respectful of Russian tourists; there is even a Russian-language menu for guests from Russia.
The establishment is named after the owner herself, who is also named Maria. She is said to sometimes personally help the staff. The food portions in the tavern are very large, and the cost of the dishes is quite affordable. For example, a dinner for a family with drinks will cost approximately 35 euros. Regular guests of the establishment recommend trying meat dishes, pizza, meze and garlic bread.
Katherine's Tavern
The tavern is on the list of popular establishments in Stalida (reviews from tourists are direct confirmation of this). Despite the fact that the cafe is located some distance from the beach, it is so popular that it is worth booking a table there for the evening in advance. The restaurant's menu includes dishes that are traditional Cretan food. Here you can try cheeses, preserves, pies with all kinds of fillings, home-made olive oil, homemade wine and delicious meat dishes, well, there’s no need to talk about seafood, they are prepared simply excellently here. The tavern has been run by the same family for over twenty years.
There is an Irish pub called Dewer's on Stolida beach. Of course, it is far from the only one on the coast, but many tourists say that it is special. In the evenings you can listen to live rock music here, and at night take part in a party on the seashore. If you are lucky enough to borrow an umbrella and a sun lounger at the bar during the day, you are guaranteed to be able to dine for just three euros. Beer of different types costs from three to six euros in a pub.
Resort climate
The peculiarity of cities such as Stalida and Malia (Greece) is that they are located in several climatic zones - North African and Mediterranean, like the whole of Crete. It is for this reason that summers in the region are dry and hot, and winters bring a lot of rain.
In general, the climate at all resorts on the island is incredibly mild and ideal for the human body. Stalida delights tourists with sunshine more than 300 days a year. The resort attracts vacationers with its good ecology. It’s no secret that there are no harmful industrial facilities near Crete.
The best time to relax is from April to the end of October. During this period, the air temperature is very comfortable, and there are practically no winds. But from November to the beginning of April, the weather cannot be called beach weather: it rains very often and the winds blow, and the sea is constantly stormy.
Some tourists dare to swim even in April, but the water becomes more comfortable in May, since summer weather sets in on the island at this time. Many tourists who do not really like the heat tend to the resort in May. The comfortable temperature allows you not only to swim in the sea, but also to see the local beauty and attractions.
Stalida Beach (also known as Stalis Beach) is a wonderful sandy beach with clear sea and complete infrastructure, it is located 30 km east of Heraklion. Unlike Malia beach, there are no noisy parties and nightlife here, so mainly couples with children, elderly spouses, and lovers of a relaxing holiday relax here. However, if you want to have a fun night out, you can always head to the heart of the party life - Malia Beach, which is just a stone's throw from here.
The season here begins in April and ends at the end of October, at which time the air temperature warms up to +35 °C, and the water temperature reaches about +25 °C. The warmest month of the year is August, and it is especially warm here at this time. Potamos, like Crete as a whole, is characterized by warm and humid weather in the winter and hot in the summer.
At one time, the small village of Stalida, in which the beach of the same name is located, was a vacation spot for residents of the city of Mohu, but now Stalida is a popular tourist resort, which, perhaps, will soon join Malia, at least that’s what local residents think.
Infrastructure
This beach is perfect for families with small children, as there are not only crystal clear waters and soft sand, but also a smooth entry into the water. On some parts of the beach you can see palm trees growing - a real rarity for the northern coast of Crete.
The beach of Stalida extends 5 km to the east and is divided into two parts by a rocky outcrop.
The beach is well organized - here you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay: umbrellas and sun loungers, showers, toilets and changing rooms. It’s nice that the beach is not too crowded even in high season, umbrellas and sunbeds are at a comfortable distance, neighbors don’t disturb each other. Here, next to the sun loungers, there are small restaurants where you can have a snack or drink a cold drink.
There is a lot of entertainment on Stalida beach: you can play volleyball or golf, do sea sports, take a breeze on a banana boat or an inflatable ring, and also go sailing on a boat or jet ski. There are also lifeguards on the beach to ensure safety at sea.
On the embankment next to the beach there is a huge number of cozy shops where you can find original souvenirs for your loved ones. Some tourists even come here specifically in search of special gifts that they could give upon returning from the resort. There are also beach bars and cozy taverns, restaurants and cafes. Near the beach there are pharmacies, ATMs, grocery stores and a large number of hotels to suit every taste. You can stay in a hotel on the seashore or in the village itself, and if you prefer privacy and panoramic views, then choose hotels on the slopes above Stalida.
Where is Stalida Beach in Crete
The beach is located in the village of the same name on the northern coast of Crete, between Malia and Hersonissos. It is believed that Malia and Stalida will soon turn into one tourist resort, since even now, when walking along the shore, it is difficult to distinguish where one beach ends and the other begins. New hotels and restaurants continue to be actively built on the coast. Stalis beach stretches for 5 km and is located 100 meters from the Agiou Ioanni Chersonisos 700 07 highway.
Coordinates: 35°17’35.17""N, 25°26’8.7""
Attractions
While on the beach, you can go explore local cultural sites, and the convenient location of the town where Stalida Beach is located will only contribute to this! You can explore all the attractions of eastern Crete, including nearby towns and villages.
The most convenient way to travel is by rented car or taxi. You can also take an excursion by pre-arranging it with major tour operators or local travel agencies.
A week from Stalida there are: the village of Elouda, the island of Spinalonga, the village of Plaka, the Lassithi plateau, Cretan St. Tropez - Agios Nikolaos, the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, the Monastery of St. George, the Minoan Palace in Malia, the village of Mochos, as well as the Dictaean Cave and the Palace of Knossos and etc.
Knossos palace
The famous Palace of Knossos is a legendary architectural monument of the Minoan civilization, located 25 minutes by car from the beach of Stalis.
Researchers believe that the ruins belong to the second palace of Knossos, while the first labyrinth palace is inextricably linked with the legend of the Minotaur.
The Second Palace of Knossos at one time was a huge building with an area of about 24 thousand square meters - a kind of “city-within-a-city”. The palace had a huge number of rooms, a theater, a temple, small workshops, mills, vineyards, and wineries. You have the opportunity to look at the ruins and feel the movement of history. Next to the ruins is a museum containing frescoes of the former palace. The museum welcomes tourists all year round, but there are winter and summer schedules. From May to October the complex is open to visitors from 8.00 to 19.00, and in winter (from November to March) from 9.00 to 15.00.
Panoramic view of Stalida beach in Greece - Google Maps
How to get to Stalida beach in Crete
From Heraklion International Airport to Stalida beach is about 35 kilometers, you can get here by bus, rented car and taxi.
If you travel by public transport, you need to take the bus that goes from Heraklion to Malia, and then walk another 500 meters from the stop to the beach. Buses run several times a day and the trip lasts approximately 1 hour.
If you go by car, your journey to Stalida beach will be about 35 minutes. The street closest to the beach, which runs along the coast, is called Agiou Ioann.
To get to the beach quickly and comfortably, you can also use taxi services operating in Crete, for example: Kiwitaxi, Cretetaxi, Stathmos Taxi.
Video: Stalis Beach on Crete