Phaea Cretan Malia

Phaea_Cretan_Malia
Phaea Cretan Malia

Phaea Cretan Malia

Beautiful, design‑forward low‑rise bungalows wrapped in lush gardens Stunning beachfront setting with views over the Cretan Sea Three outdoor pools and a great range of family‑friendly facilities Calm, relaxing atmosphere despite being close to lively Malia Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC‑recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms 204 | Blocks: 12 | Floors: 2 | Lifts: None
Board options All Inclusive Plus, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast

Overview

 
Create memories that feel a world away from everyday life at Phaea Cretan Malia, a design‑led, 5‑star beachfront resort on Crete’s lively north coast. Think low‑rise whitewashed bungalows nestled in lush gardens, three inviting pools, kids’ clubs open long into the evening, and a tempting line‑up of Greek and Mediterranean dining – including an adult‑only restaurant when you want grown‑up time. Add in a strong sustainability ethos and a generous All Inclusive Plus concept and you have one of the island’s most polished family‑friendly choices.

Soft sands at your feet, olive trees and bougainvillaea all around, and a sleek, modern aesthetic that still feels authentically Cretan – Phaea Cretan Malia is boutique style on a larger, family‑friendly scale. Meander along stone paths between whitewashed bungalows, linger over slow breakfasts by the pool, and end your days with sunset cocktails at the beach shack as the kids enjoy movie nights and activities. For couples and families wanting Crete (Heraklion Area)’s sunshine and sea with a more design‑conscious edge, Phaea Cretan Malia delivers the perfect balance. It’s around 1 hour 30 minutes from the airport. See more Greece holidays.

Map & location


Malia, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Phaea Cretan Malia is set directly on the beachfront on Crete’s north coast, tucked between Malia’s golden sands and the rugged Cretan mountains. You’re close enough to Malia’s action to dip into the bars, restaurants and shops (around 1.2km away), but far enough to feel cocooned within the hotel’s leafy, low‑rise grounds.

By day, wander along the promenade, explore the old town’s traditional tavernas, or head out to nearby attractions like the Palace of Knossos or Aghios Nikolaos. Return to watch the sun sink into the Aegean from the hotel’s beach shack with a glass of local wine in hand.

  • Beach beachfront (direct access)
  • Malia resort centre 1.2km
  • Heraklion city & archaeological museum 35km
  • Palace of Knossos 38km
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 1 hour 30 minutes (from Heraklion – HER)

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


There’s water for every mood at Phaea Cretan Malia. The main outdoor freshwater pool comes with a shallow children’s section, sun loungers and parasols, and is heated during the shoulder seasons (usually mid‑April to end of May and again from October into early November), making spring and autumn dips far more inviting. A second outdoor freshwater pool offers a quieter spot for relaxed swims and sunbathing, with inflatables allowed in both pools.

Complimentary pool towels are provided, so you can travel lighter. Just steps beyond the gardens you’ll find the hotel’s sandy beachfront, where calm, clear waters are ideal for paddling with little ones or heading out for a canoe or snorkelling session, run by the hotel and typically available in season.

Spa, sports & wellness


Wellbeing is taken seriously here. The air‑conditioned gym (usually open 09:00–21:00) features cardio machines, a free weights area and fixed strength equipment. Daily activities can include aerobics, yoga, pilates, basketball, tennis (local charge), table tennis and darts, alongside cooking classes in the on‑site Bostani garden, where you can learn about Cretan produce.

In the spa, therapists offer a menu of massage and beauty treatments for guests aged 16+ (extra charge; typical opening 11:00–19:00).

Evenings bring a gently sociable vibe – expect live music and DJs on selected nights between mid‑April and late October, with a fuller programme during high summer. Around the resort you’ll also find concierge and currency exchange services, pushchair and bottle‑warmer hire (local charge), English‑language newspapers and a well‑organised reception team.

Activities


? Air‑conditioned gym with cardio and strength equipment (approx. 09:00–21:00)
? Basketball, tennis (local charge), table tennis & darts
? Fitness classes including aerobics, yoga and pilates
? Non‑motorised water sports such as canoeing and snorkelling (seasonal; run by hotel)
?‍? Cooking classes at Bostani garden, showcasing Cretan flavours
? Regular evening entertainment with live DJs and live music (programme varies by season)
? Movie nights and themed events at “The Place”

Guest services


?️ 24‑hour reception and concierge services
? Currency exchange and assistance with local excursions
? Luggage storage for early arrivals/late departures
? Family‑friendly extras such as bottle warmers and pushchairs for hire (local charge)
? Access to English‑language newspapers (chargeable)
? On‑site spa with massage treatments for guests 16+ (charges apply)
? Daily housekeeping and towel changes in all room types

Food & drink

Food is a real focus at Phaea Cretan Malia, with a mix of buffet and à la carte options showcasing Greek flavours, locally sourced ingredients and Mediterranean favourites.

Mediterraneo offers generous buffet spreads with live cooking stations at breakfast and dinner, plus an à la carte selection at lunch and dinner. For something more intimate, there’s Mouries – a Cretan a la carte with show cooking at dinner and a traditional Cretan breakfast. Mezze serves Greek and local dishes by the pool and switches to an adult‑only restaurant for dinner in high summer (typically 01 Jun–30 Sept).

Down by the sea, Almyra dishes up Italian classics at lunch and dinner, while Kafenio is your go‑to for Greek snacks. The Crush handles daytime bites by the pool, and Melissi lounge bar and The Beach Shack bar keep drinks flowing from late morning until after midnight, depending on the venue.

All Inclusive Plus guests enjoy a wide selection of meals across these venues (with reservations where required), snacks for at least three hours per day, a range of alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks for a minimum of 12 hours daily, and a daily refilled minibar, plus selected food and drinks during movie nights at “The Place”. Options and opening times can vary by season.
What All Inclusive typically includes.

Rooms
Bungalow with Pool View / Pool Front Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps 2–3 plus an infant. Located around the pool area, with either direct pool‑front position or elevated pool views from a balcony or terrace. Facilities match the garden‑view bungalows, with the pool‑front options additionally featuring sunbeds on the terrace in many cases.

Bungalow with Beach Front Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps 2–3 plus an infant (also available for sole use). These are the bungalows closest to the sand, putting you just moments from the shore. Many include sunbeds on the balcony or terrace, ideal for slow mornings or sunset reading sessions. As standard, you’ll have flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, coffee‑making facilities, fridge, shower bathroom and air‑conditioning.

Bungalow with Side Sea View Sleeps 2–3


Sleeps 2–3 plus an infant. Similar in layout to the pool and garden‑view bungalows, these benefit from partial sea views alongside balcony or terrace access and the full list of in‑room comforts.

Double Room with Garden View


Sleeps up to 2 guests (also available for sole use). A stylish, hotel‑style option within the complex, perfect for couples who don’t need the extra daybed space of a bungalow. Each offers a balcony, shower bathroom, flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, coffee‑making facilities, fridge, air‑conditioning, and daily cleaning with towel change.

Junior Suite Sleeps 2–4


Sleeps 2–4. Ideal for families or friends wanting more space. Junior suites feature an open‑plan or partially divided sleeping and lounge area, with a balcony or terrace, sunbeds in many units, and upgraded touches such as a kettle alongside coffee‑making facilities. Facilities also include flat‑screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, fridge, shower bathroom, and daily housekeeping.

Junior Suite Sea Front Sleeps 2–4


Sleeps 2–4. All the comfort of the standard junior suite, but in prime sea‑front locations with fantastic ocean views from your balcony or terrace. Often include sunbeds for private lounging, plus kettle, coffee‑making facilities, fridge, bathrobes and slippers, and all other amenities listed above.

Most room types are available for sole occupancy on request, making this a good luxury choice for solo travellers seeking space and style.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Malia is well known as Crete’s party hub in summer, but it also offers long, sandy beaches, a charming old town and easy day trips to Aghios Nikolaos and Heraklion. From family tavernas to late‑night clubs, there’s a little bit of everything here.

Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Average flight time from UK: around 4.5 hours
Transfer time to resort: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Heraklion (HER)

Phaea Cretan Malia is flagged as a Certified Sustainable Hotel, meaning it met a GSTC‑recognised standard at the time of the most recent review. Hotel facilities, entertainment and All Inclusive inclusions can change between seasons.

If anyone in your party needs assistance at the airport or on the flight, this should be requested at booking or as early as possible before travel so arrangements can be made.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

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FAQs
Is Phaea Cretan Malia family‑friendly?
Yes. Phaea Cretan Malia is very family‑orientated, with a heated children’s pool section in season, kids’ and teens’ clubs running from morning into the evening, indoor soft play areas, a playground, kids’ menus in several restaurants and spacious bungalow and junior suite options. Child age for pricing is typically up to 11 years.
How close is Phaea Cretan Malia to the beach and Malia centre?
The resort is directly on the beachfront, so you can walk from the gardens onto the sand in moments. Malia resort centre, with its shops, bars and restaurants, is approximately 1.2km away – easily reached on foot or by a short taxi ride.
What does All Inclusive Plus include at Phaea Cretan Malia?
All Inclusive Plus generally covers buffet breakfast at Mediterraneo or Cretan breakfast at Mouries, lunch and dinner across selected buffet and à la carte restaurants (reservations required for some venues), snacks for at least three hours per day, a wide range of local and international alcoholic and soft drinks for a minimum of 12 hours daily, a daily refilled minibar and selected food and drinks during movie nights at The Place. Exact inclusions can change by season, so always check the latest details on arrival.
Is there an adult‑only restaurant or adult‑only areas?
Yes. Mezze restaurant operates as an adult‑only restaurant for dinner between around 01 June and 30 September, while remaining open to all ages at lunchtime. Outside those dates it typically welcomes all guests. Other areas of the hotel are family‑friendly, with quieter corners around the pools and gardens.
Does Phaea Cretan Malia offer spa and fitness facilities?
There is an air‑conditioned gym open daily (usually 09:00–21:00) with cardio and strength equipment, along with group classes such as aerobics, yoga and pilates. The spa offers a selection of massage and wellness treatments for guests aged 16 and over, with services charged locally and opening times typically from late morning to early evening.
What kind of evening entertainment can I expect?
The entertainment schedule varies through the season, but you can expect regular evening entertainment between June and October, including live music and DJ sets. In April and May, entertainment is more occasional, with selected evenings of live music or DJs. There are also family‑friendly movie nights and themed events in resort.
Are there mobility or accessibility considerations?
Phaea Cretan Malia is a low‑rise resort with two‑storey blocks and no lifts, so some rooms are accessed via stairs. Pathways are generally flat through the gardens, but guests with reduced mobility should request ground‑floor accommodation where possible and discuss specific requirements with us before booking to ensure a suitable room can be confirmed.