A few kilometers from Hersonissos and 33 km from Heraklion lies the seaside town of Stalida. Stalida (meaning a break for a rest .. how appropriate!) is a tourist resort whose boundaries merge with those of the two noisier ones of Hersonissos and Malia.
With its huge strand (2 km in length) of sand, clear waters and rocky formations at the edges, it is yet again open to the strong northerlies that can kick up strong waves. There is also a stand of the native Theophrastus palms here.
Well-organized, it has umbrellas, sunbeds and many sorts of water-sports and a beach volley-ball court. Above the beach, and on every side, are plenty of large hotel complexes of all grades, apartments and rooms to rent, tavernas, restaurants, cafeterias, bars and beach-bars and a host of other shops for all the needs a visitor might think about.
After Stalida is the major tourist centre of Malia – especially popular with the young (say no more!) and largely foreign tourists. One of its best beaches is called Potamos.
