This in practice part of an extensive coastal stretch of beaches all along the north shore that are every summer filled to bursting with Greeks and foreigners alike.
Maleme is a well-organized beach, and sandy: you will find here and in the neighbourhood whatever you need: a large number of hotels, rooms to rent, places to eat and drink. The beach itself has sunbeds, umbrellas and a lifeguard.
The part to the west, by the old military airport, is a little quieter - a good place if you wish for more privacy.
Maleme was a very strategic place in the invasion of Crete in World War II (May 1941): it was hotly fought over between the Allies and the German paratroopers. Because of its airfield, its capture was one of the key objectives of the Germans.
For those interested in underwater exploration, the presence of a downed German plane here is of particular interest.
The German military cemetery is here too: over 4,500 of them lie here, killed in the course of the War.
