Malia Palace Archaeological Site – Complete Visiting Guide
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The Malia Palace Archaeological Site may not be as popular as other Minoan Palaces in Crete, but its finds will impress you.
Although not as famous as Knossos and Phaistos, the Minoan Palace of Malia is an essential stop for any ancient history buff. Read this guide to prepare for your visit to the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, the third-largest Minoan Palace in Crete.
Where Is The Malia Palace Archaeological Site?
The archaeological site of Malia Palace is situated near Crete’s northern coast and the seaside towns of Malia and Stalida. It’s less than an hour’s drive from the city of Heraklion and a 30-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos in the Lasithi Region.
Timeline of The Minoan Palace of Malia
The First Minoan Palace of Malia was built in 1900 BC on the site of an older settlement. Alongside other major Minoan centers on the island of Crete, the First Palace was destroyed in 1700 BC.
A few decades later, a New Palace was constructed. Life in Malia continued until the Second Palace was also destroyed in 1450 BC, following the fate of the declining Minoan Civilization that gave way to the flourishing Mycenaean Era.
The first on-site excavations started in 1915 by the Greek archaeologist Iosif Hatzidakis. Later, for financial reasons, the French School of Archaeology took over the archaeological excavations, which are still in progress.
All precious objects from the excavations are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Why Is The Minoan Palace of Malia Important?
Malia Palace, the third-largest Minoan Palace in Crete, is one of the few sites where all three writing systems of Crete were identified: Cretan Hieroglyphic, Linear A, and Linear B.
The seals found in the neighborhood known as Quarter M are important sources of information not only about seal production of the Minoan Period but also about the everyday and commercial activities of the Minoan people.
An interesting fact about Minoan seals is that they were used to stamp objects on their openings to help check if the wrong people had opened these objects.
Another fact that proves the historical significance of Malia Palace is that this Minoan city minted its own coins.
Is The Malia Palace Archaeological Site Worth Visiting?
The Malia Archaeological Site is worth a visit not only for its glorious palace. What stands out compared to other Minoan Palaces is the well-preserved Quarter M near the Palace. Quarter M features functions and structures typical of Minoan Palaces.
However, the lack of on-site informative signs is disheartening. The only place where you can find information is the Visitor’s Center. Therefore, make sure you don’t skip it before or after wandering around the archaeological site.
But, since you’re here, worry not. The detailed guide you’re reading will help you navigate the Malia Palace Archaeological Site in a breeze.
The Myth Behind Malia Palace
According to Greek Mythology, the King of Malia Palace was Sarpedon, the third son of Zeus and Europe. His brothers were Minos, King of Knossos Palace, and Rhadamanthus, King of Phaistos Palace.
After a clash with Minos, Sarpedon left Crete and reigned in Asia Minor. Another version of the myth refers to Sarpedon as a Trojan hero in Homer’s Iliad.
FAQs About Visiting Malia Palace
How long does it take to visit the Malia Palace Archaeological Site?
It takes about an hour to explore the entire archaeological site of Malia.
Is The Malia Palace Archaeological Site accessible?
The archaeological site of Malia is easy to walk around without steep inclines. The designated Visitor’s Path is a mix of dirt and pebbled walkways, parts of which can be unfriendly to wheelchair users.
Is there a parking lot at the Malia Palace Archaeological Site?
Yes, there is ample parking space near the archaeological site’s main entrance.
Are there any toilets or other facilities at the Malia Palace Archaeological Site?
Yes, there are toilets and a café with drinks, snacks, and a small outdoor seating area.
Are there any restaurants near the Malia Archaeological Site?
There are a couple of restaurants within walking distance from the Malia Palace Archaeological Site. For more options, the seaside towns of Malia and Stalida are both a 10-minute drive from Malia Palace.
What is the best time to visit Malia Palace?
Malia Palace is a year-round archaeological site. Similar to the Minoan Palace of Zakros, it doesn’t get packed, not even in the peak season.
The sheltered Hypostyle Crypt and Quarter M are protected from rain and sun. However, bring a hat and wear sunscreen in the summer as there’s no shade at the Palace.
What To See at The Minoan Palace of Malia – Walking Route
We love archaeological sites in Greece but, sadly, not all of them are easy to navigate. First of all, there isn’t always a clear route to follow. Moreover, not all areas have informative signs and, when they do, sometimes these signs use difficult terminology.
Also, on-site maps often include monuments or points of interest that are no longer visible – because they’re either destroyed or covered by the modern city.
This section is meant to help you navigate any ancient site in Greece by providing a tested-by-us walking route of the most important monuments that you can actually see – rather than just imagine.
Furthermore, we replace the original scientific terms (here in brackets) with simple translations in English when necessary and provide context in cases where informative signs are scarce or non-existent.
Although Minoan Malia was an entire town featuring a Palace complex, several quarters, and the Chrysolakkos Cemetery near the shore, the walking route of the archaeological site includes only the Palace complex, the nearby Hypostyle Crypt, and Quarter M.
The excavations in the surrounding area are still in progress. Hopefully, more areas will open to the public in the future.
Malia Palace Archaeological Site Map
Grain Silos – West Wing
Once inside the archaeological site, walk past the small Information Center – it’s best to visit it at the end of this walking route – and head towards the designated Visitor’s Path at the back of the Palace’s West Wing.
The first thing you’ll see at the southwestern corner of the Palace are the ruins of eight round Silos.
These Silos were certainly taller and probably used for grain storage in the past. What remains today are the cylindrical foundation walls, some with rectangular pillars in the middle, probably used to support the roofs of the Silos.
South Wing
Walk along the monumental South Entrance that leads to the Palace’s Central Court. The South Wing ruins on your right-hand side used to be residences and guesthouses.
Central Court
Similar to all Minoan Palaces, the Central Court was a large open space where the heart of Malia Palace used to beat. A wing with different functions was built on each side of the rectangular court. In the middle of the Central Courtyard, there was an altar.
Storage Rooms (East Magazines) – East Wing
The ruins you’ll see protected by a roof were Storage Rooms where Pithoi were stored. A Pithos (plural: Pithoi) was a storage vessel in the Minoan Era, decorated with ornate motifs. Its capacity was huge and it was used to store wine, olive oil, or solid foods.
Walk to the other side of the Storerooms, and don’t miss the underground vases. These were used to collect liquids leaking from Pithoi via drainage channels. Minoan sustainability 101!
West Wing Facade
The two-floored West Wing was the most important part of the Palace as it was home to the Royal Rooms. Hence, the monumental facade.
Coming from the South Entrance, a Grand Staircase with only four surviving steps might have been used as a seating area during Palace events.
At this spot, you will see the famous Kernos, a circular offering table with small holes along its perimeter.
Next to it, there was a pillared hall for religious rites and then a large staircase with eleven steps surviving to this day. This staircase probably led to the upper floors. Right next to the staircase, the Loggia was the most important room for ceremonies.
North Court – North Wing
The Visitor’s Path continues through the Northern Wing of the Palace. The North Wing housed storerooms and workshops.
The column bases at the North Wing’s facade are evidence of a collonade in front of the Hypostyle Hall, which supported the Banquet Room on the upper floor.
At the North Court, the so-called Oblique Building dates back to a point in history after the final destruction of the Palace in 1450 BC.
A few steps from the Oblique Building, a still-standing Pithos seems to be defying the relentless passing of time.
Near Pithos, at the Northwestern Sector, almost nothing is left of the Old Palace. From there, you can see the remains of walls with doors belonging to the West Wing of the Palace. The King’s Audience Hall and the hidden Lustral Basin are also there.
Hypostyle Crypt & The Agora
Leaving the Palace complex behind, head to the area you’ll see under a massive roof. These are some of the most impressive ruins of Malia Palace.
The first thing you’ll see are the ruins of five Storerooms with storage vessels and drainage channels on the floor, like the ones you saw at the Palace’s Eastern Magazines.
Next to the Storerooms, the Pillar Crypt, or Hypostyle Crypt as it’s called, is partially built underground. Its use remains a mystery up to this day.
At the western end, a large staircase leads to an underground room with benches and column bases. On the east side, part of a wall with a window has survived. You can still see the wooden posts on the door frame.
The Hypostyle Crypt was connected to the Agora. However, there isn’t anything to see on its grounds.
Quarter M
Occupying a little less than one acre, Quarter M dates back to the First Palace Period. It was destroyed at the same time as the First Palace in 1700 BC. Quarter M consists of two large buildings, A and B, and the Workshops.
Coming from the Hypostyle Crypt, take the path on your right-hand side, and the first thing you’ll see are the Quarter’s Workshops and Craftsmen’s Houses. Among them was the Sealing Workshop, where valuable seals and stamps of that period were produced.
The path continues around Building Complex B, where you can see well-preserved remains of walls, door frames, beams, and staircases. The latter is evidence that the buildings had upper floors.
After Building Complex B, a footbridge allows you to cross over to Building Complex A. The Sanctuary, Lightwell, Lustral Basin, and other rooms found in Building Complex A indicate an architectural concept typical of Minoan Palaces.
Information Center
On your way to the exit, have a look at the small Information Center with its various scale models of the Palace, the Quarters, and the archaeological site.
Apart from these, you can also find plenty of information about Minoan Malia and the precious archaeological findings from the excavation site, such as the famous Gold Bee Pendant. The latter is displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Malia Palace Archaeological Site Opening Hours
During the winter period:
November 1st to March 31st: 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
During the summer period:
April 1st to October 31st: 8 AM to 8 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
During Greek Easter:
Good Friday: Noon to 5 PM
Holy Saturday: 8.30 AM to 4 PM
On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Greek Easter Sunday, December 25th, and December 26th, the Archaeological Site of Malia Palace is closed.
Malia Palace Archaeological Site Entrance Fees
The full ticket price is 6 EUR. From November 1st to March 31st, the ticket costs 3 EUR instead.
Free admission days: March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend of September, October 28th, and the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
How To Get To The Malia Palace Archaeological Site
By Car
The most hassle-free way to get to Malia Palace is by car. If you plan to visit Crete on a road trip, pick up your rental car from Heraklion Airport to start exploring Crete’s ancient sites. Malia Palace is less than an hour’s drive from Heraklion and 30 minutes from Agios Nikolaos.
By KTEL Bus
There are bus connections from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos to Malia Palace. Not every bus stops at Malia Palace, so check out bus routes and timetables on the KTEL Bus Heraklio Lasithi website.
Where To Stay Near The Minoan Palace of Malia
The nearby towns of Malia and Stalida on the north coast of Crete are home to many hotels and guesthouses.
Both towns are great options to stay if you plan to explore the whole area between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. However, be aware that these towns are nightlife-oriented.
Alternatively, you can choose your accommodation in Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. It’s easy to reach Malia Minoan Palace from either city.
Things To Do Near The Malia Palace Archaeological Site
The seaside towns of Stalida and Malia are ideal for a quick lunch or swim. You can also visit the renowned Knossos Palace in Heraklion, a one-hour drive from Malia Palace.
Other places of interest include Spinalonga, a tiny fortified island in the Gulf of Elounda, and the Lasithi Plateau. For more Greek Mythology, you can also get into the depths of Diktaion Antron Cave, the birthplace of Zeus.
We hope this guide inspires you to visit and helps you navigate the spectacular Malia Palace Archaeological Site.
If you’d like to share your experience of the Minoan Palace of Malia with fellow Ancient Greek history lovers, join our Ancient Greece-themed Facebook Group here.
