Malia is one of the most well-known and vibrant coastal destinations in the Heraklion prefecture, located at the eastern end of the prefecture's northern coastline.

The settlement is built on a fertile plain stretching between the Dikti Mountains and the Cretan Sea, and it is traversed by the Old National Road of Heraklion-Agios Nikolaos, which serves as the region's main commercial axis.

The most noteworthy site to visit in Malia is the Archaeological Site of the Minoan Palace, located a short distance east of the modern settlement in the Kaminia area. It is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete, offering a unique look into the island's ancient civilization. Additionally, the area is famous for its extensive coastal front, with Potamos Beach to the east standing out for its natural beauty and clear waters.

A tour of Malia reveals a place of strong contrasts, where the modern tourist character of the coastal zone coexists with the historical heritage and rural traditions of the hinterland. Its strategic location near Stalida and Agia Marina, along with direct access to the main highway (VOAK), makes Malia an ideal point for exploring the entirety of eastern Crete.