About
Malia Palace is a Minoan palace complex on the north coast of Crete, in the Heraklion area, at Malia in Greece. It is also known as the Palace of Malia or the Minoan Palace of Malia, and it is the third largest Minoan palace on the island.
What you will see
The site is valued for its well-preserved ruins, which allow visitors to follow the layout of the complex. It includes royal quarters and ceremonial areas, so a visit gives a sense of how the building was used as well as how it was arranged. The remains are spread over a broad area, and walking through them is the main way to take in their scale.
Why it is worth a visit
Malia is known in particular for the discovery of a famous golden bee pendant on the site, a find that draws many people to the palace. Visitors interested in Minoan culture will find the ruins a useful counterpart to the better-known palace at Knossos, giving a different view of how these settlements were planned.
- A heritage site suited to people interested in ancient Crete
- Well-preserved ruins that show the layout of a large palace
- Royal and ceremonial areas to explore on foot
Planning your trip
Malia lies within the Heraklion area, so it works well as part of a wider day exploring the north of the island. For up-to-date information before you travel, you can call the site on +30 28970 31597.
