Danelis Hotel
Malia | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bit of a no-frills, all-chills holidaymaker? Danelis Hotel in Malia is a friendly, great-value aparthotel that puts you walking distance from both the strip and the beach. This small, family-run spot is all about laid-back days by the pool, sociable evenings at the bar and simple but practical studios and apartments that give you the freedom of self-catering with the option of Bed and Breakfast. Ideal for groups of mates who want a lively base without losing that personal touch.
Picture lazy mornings by the pool, afternoons wandering down to Malia’s sandy beach, and nights that can be as chilled or as lively as you like. Danelis Hotel keeps everything effortless: a compact complex wrapped around a freshwater pool with a bar that stays buzzing, simple self-catering accommodation and that friendly, everyone-knows-your-name feel that big resorts just can’t match.
For couples and groups seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s fun-loving side, Danelis Hotel delivers exactly what you need: a sociable base close to the action, without the price tag of a large resort. It’s around 1 hour 30 minutes by road from Heraklion Airport (HER), with Malia’s centre roughly 500m away and the beach about 600m from your sunbed. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Danelis Hotel
Highlights
👥 Great for groups of friends thanks to apartments sleeping up to four
🎉 Lively, sociable atmosphere around the pool and bar
📍 Handy location close to Malia resort centre and nightlife
🌊 Walkable distance to Malia’s sandy beach for lazy days and water sports
💼 Certified sustainable hotel, with simple, great-value facilities
📶 Free Wi-Fi in communal areas
Rating and Board
Official rating: 2 keys (Greek apartment rating)
Travelisto rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (great-value, lively aparthotel)
Board options: Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering
Child age guideline: Up to 11 years
15 rooms | 3 floors | No lifts
Location | Danelis Hotel
Location
Danelis Hotel sits in Malia on Crete’s north coast, in that sweet spot where you can walk to the nightlife yet still enjoy relaxed pool days. You’re roughly 500m from the resort centre with its bars, restaurants and clubs, and around 600m from the long sandy beach where sunbeds, watersports and beach bars line the shore.
Malia makes a great base for exploring: the charming old town is perfect for a hungover wander, while day trips to Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion put culture, marinas and the ancient Palace of Knossos within reach.
Distances and Transfers
Malia resort centre: approx. 500m
Beach: approx. 600m
Malia Old Town: within walking distance
Heraklion (capital & archaeological museum): approx. 35km
Palace of Knossos: approx. 38km
Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 30 minutes from Heraklion Airport (HER)
Map
Malia, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Danelis Hotel
Restaurants and Bars
The heart of Danelis is the pool bar – that’s where days blend into evenings. You can grab local and international drinks, plus a selection of snacks and simple meals to keep you going between pool sessions and nights out in town. Expect an easy-going, social vibe with music and chatter rather than formal dining.
A smart-casual dress code may apply in the evening and facilities or menus can vary by season. Reservations or supplements may be required depending on your chosen board basis; check the latest details on arrival.
Pool Areas and Beach
The main draw at Danelis Hotel is its outdoor freshwater pool, framed by sunbeds and parasols where you can lounge away the late start after a big night. There’s also a separate children’s section, making it possible to bring younger ones, though the atmosphere can be lively in peak season. Pool towels are available with a refundable deposit.
When you’re ready for sand between your toes, Malia’s beach is around 600m away. Here you’ll find a long stretch of sand, shallow water for swimming, and plenty of watersports and beach bars to keep the group entertained.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
This is a simple, social aparthotel rather than a full-scale resort, but there are a few extra touches to keep you entertained:
• Pool table* and darts* for friendly competitions
• Reception for local info, taxi bookings and excursion ideas
• Free Wi-Fi in communal areas, handy for planning nights out or streaming playlists
There’s no full spa or gym on site, but nearby Malia and the wider Heraklion area offer beach activities, watersports and day trips if you’d like a break from the pool scene.
Rooms
Studios
Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 2
Compact, practical studios ideal for solo travellers or couples who want a budget-friendly base. Each studio includes:
• Twin or double beds
• Balcony or terrace for that morning coffee or pre-night-out drink
• Bathroom with shower
• Kitchenette with double cooking rings, toaster, fridge-freezer and kettle
• Wi-Fi
• Flat screen TV
• Hairdryer
• Safety deposit box*
• Air conditioning*
Housekeeping is every second day, with towels changed every two days and bed linen every three days – just enough to keep things fresh while still feeling like your own place.
One Bedroom Apartments
Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 4
Great for groups of friends or small families wanting more space. Layouts typically feature a separate bedroom plus a living/sleeping area with extra beds or sofa-beds. Facilities include:
• Bedroom with twin or double beds
• Lounge area with further sleeping space
• Balcony or terrace
• Bathroom with shower
• Kitchenette with double cooking rings, toaster, fridge-freezer and kettle
• Wi-Fi
• TV
• Hairdryer
• Safety deposit box*
• Air conditioning*
These apartments are made for shared trips – cook breakfasts together, pre-drink on the balcony and wander out as a group into Malia’s nightlife.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
*Local charges apply for selected amenities such as air conditioning and safety deposit boxes.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🎱 Pool table competitions*
🎯 Casual darts* by the bar
🏊 Pool days with a lively soundtrack
🌊 Easy access to beach watersports along Malia’s shoreline (run by local operators)
🚶 Explore Malia Old Town, beach bars and the strip on foot
While there’s no formal entertainment programme, the atmosphere naturally gets lively in high season, especially around the pool bar as day turns into night.
Guest Services
🛎️ Reception for local information and assistance
📶 Free Wi-Fi in communal areas
🧺 Housekeeping every second day (towels every two days, bed linen every three days)
🧴 Pool towels available with refundable deposit
🚕 Help arranging taxis and local excursions
Facilities are straightforward, but the family-run style means you’ll usually find someone happy to share local tips – from the best gyros spot to quieter beach sections if you fancy a slower day.
Practical Info
Local area snapshot – Malia, Crete
Malia is famous for its party credentials from May to October, but there’s more here than clubs. You’ve got long white-sand beaches, shallow clear sea that’s perfect for swimming, and a big choice of bars, tavernas and international restaurants – from meze and moussaka to full English breakfasts.
Day trips are easy: head west to Heraklion for the Palace of Knossos and the city’s archaeological museum, or east to Agios Nikolaos for harbourside cafés and small-town charm. Families and animal lovers might like a trip inland to Amazonas Park, where you can see unusual and endangered species up close.
Good to know
• Country: Greece
• Region: Crete (Heraklion Area)
• Resort: Malia
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 (typically +2 hours from the UK)
• Average flight time from UK: Approx. 4.5 hours
• Typical prices (approx.): Local beer ~£4.20, three-course meal for two ~£42.00
*Information is based on previous seasons and local guidance and may change. Always check the latest details before you travel. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Danelis Hotel
Danelis Hotel Prices & Book
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FAQs | Danelis Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far is Danelis Hotel from Malia centre and the beach?
Danelis Hotel is around 500m from Malia resort centre, where you’ll find bars, restaurants, shops and the nightlife strip. The main sandy beach is approximately 600m away, so you can walk it in 10–15 minutes depending on your pace.
2. Is Danelis Hotel good for groups of friends?
Yes – that’s one of its main strengths. The apartments sleep up to four guests, there’s a lively pool bar, and the atmosphere is social, particularly in high season. If you’re after a quiet, ultra-relaxed retreat this might not be your best match, but for groups wanting a fun and friendly base it works very well.
3. What board options does Danelis Hotel offer?
You can book Danelis Hotel on Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering. All studios and apartments come with a kitchenette (double cooking rings, toaster, fridge-freezer and kettle), so it’s easy to do basics like breakfasts or snacks. The pool bar serves drinks and food during the day, and you’re close to plenty of places to eat out in Malia.
4. What facilities are in the rooms at Danelis Hotel?
Studios and apartments at Danelis include Wi-Fi, TV, balcony or terrace, shower room, hairdryer, kitchenette with cooking rings, toaster, fridge-freezer and kettle. You can also use a safety deposit box and air conditioning for a local charge. Housekeeping is every second day, towels are changed every two days and bed linen every three days.
5. Does Danelis Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Yes. There is free Wi-Fi in the communal areas, including around the pool and bar. Wi-Fi is also listed as a room facility, although speeds and coverage can vary – especially with lots of people streaming at the same time.
6. Is Danelis Hotel family-friendly?
Children are welcome and there is a children’s section in the main pool, with a child age guideline of up to 11 years. However, because Malia is known for its nightlife and Danelis attracts groups of friends, the atmosphere can be lively, particularly in summer. Families who prioritise a very quiet environment might prefer a different resort or part of Crete.
7. Is there entertainment at Danelis Hotel?
There isn’t a formal organised entertainment programme, but the pool bar and games like pool table and darts create a naturally social environment. In peak season the vibe is more upbeat, with music and plenty of chat around the pool.
8. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Danelis Hotel?
The transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Danelis Hotel typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by coach, depending on traffic and the number of drop-offs. A private transfer or taxi can be a little quicker.










