The archaeological site of Malia is located east of Malia, 37 km from Heraklion. Here was the third largest palace of Minoan era.

The story starts from Protopalatial era, around 1900 BC, where here was a small significant settlement which was converted into a palace, constituting, according to mythology, the kingdom of Sarpedon, brother of Minos.

It had two floors, covering an area of 8,800 sq.m.. At the end of Protopalatial period, 1700 BC destroyed but rebuilt again in 1650 BC with the architectural influences of Neopalatial period but copying the basic design of the old palace. Finally completely destroyed in 1450 BC.

The name of this ancient city is not known, although thera are assumptions for the names Tarmaros or Milatos. This city minted its own coins that represented on both sides the goddess Athena and two dolphins. Findings from the excavations exhibit in the Archaeological Museums of Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

You can visit the archaeological site of Malia through our tours Tour 7 and Tour 8, and discover one of the greatest monuments of the island antiquity.