Malia, Crete Excursions
A number of the best sites can be reached by local bus. Coach companies and your holiday company arrange a wide range of excursions.

Dia, a nearby island, to see the sunken Minoan harbour, swimming in crystal clear waters or even a fishing expedition. These boat trips usually include a sighting of the famed Kri-Kri goats.

Palace of Knossos and Archaeological Museum in Iraklion are unmissable. The capital of Minoan Crete, Knossos, is a staggering excavation of the ancient Palace, which even after 3,500 years, almost defies description. Destroyed by a massive fire the palace ruins cover acres of hillside with grand rooms and intriguing details round every corner. You can see throne rooms, wine stores and residences, some of which were once covered in elegant frescoes, now kept at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion (Iraklion).

Lassithi Plateau and Diktion Cave at Psychro - believed to be the birthplace of Zeus - is also a popular excursion, which often includes stops in picturesque Greek villages and a trip to the Monastery of Kera.

Samaria Gorge for a breathtaking 18km walk through a natural valley down to the Libyan Sea on the south coast. There are three ways of tackling this trip - the 'lazy way', the 'long way' and the 'crazy way'- the former starts from the end of the gorge for a short hike to the most photographed part before heading back to the sea. The long way is, as it suggests, starts from the mountains and follows the full 18km down to the sea. The crazy way - not for the fainthearted or unfit - starts from the sea and climbs 18km through the gorge into the mountains..

Chania is further still but worth the journey to enjoy the charm, beauty and history of this former capital city.

Vai, a paradise beach on the west coast of the island, is the only true palm beach in Europe. Apart from the main beach there are a few less accessible bays including one frequented by nudists.

Ierapetra followed by a short boat ride to Chrissi ('gold') Island - the most southerly island in Europe - offers white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

Santorini is a full day cruise but independent travellers might want to make more time to see the most photographed island in Greece and described by many as the most beautiful.

MatalaThe magnificent inlet of Matala features one of the best beaches in Crete. The artificial caves, carved into the north face of the coast, have been probably used as prehistoric dwellings and places of worship, while during the 1st-2nd century were used as tombs.
These caves, in combination with the sandy beach, form a semicircle on both sides of which jut up towering rocks; they act as a magnet for many people. During the 60's the caves were hosting a hippie commune.

HERAKLION is the biggest city in Crete (and fifth in Greece) with a population in excess of 120000. It concentrates most of the economical activity of the island, and is the main port of entry to Crete for the majority of visitors. The Iraklion airport receives approximately 15% of the total tourist traffic of Greece.

Aeolos beach Hotel

Aeolos beach                                  Malia Crete Greece 71111       info@aeolosbeachmalia.gr       tell.  fax. +30-2897033844 OFFICIAL HOTEL SITE     http://www.aeolosbeachmalia.gr                     2008 PAGE HITS