Stalis beach

Look for Crete holiday deals and treat your family and friends to a getaway in this beautiful island in Greece. This place has become a popular destination for people seeking a place where they can have a relaxing and peaceful vacation. If you want to experience a fun beach getaway, you should definitely visit the stunning Stalis beach. Here, you and your loved ones can enjoy a great time under the sun.

The name Stalis is taken after the Greek verb stalizo, that means stop for resting. Here, the locals shepherds stopped with their flocks so as to rest or getting the sheep stalled. Note that the English word stall has the same Greek origin.

Stalis (or Stalida) is located 30km east of Heraklion, in the midway of Malia and Hersonissos. From a small seaside village set up by the residents of Mohos, Stalis is today a popular tourist resort, which is united with Malia town. The only difference with Malia is that Stalis attracts mainly families and things here are more peaceful. The resort is very well organized, with large and small hotels, restaurants, bars and taverns. You will also find an ATM and a pharmacy.

The heart of Stalis pounds in the 5km long coastal road, which has the most shops in the area. A walk along the beach in the afternoon is a must! Beside the seaside road lies a vast sandy beach with shallow waters, which extends to the east till Malia. The beach is broken into two parts by a rocky coast. Nearby there is the Byzantine Church of Agios Ioannis, dating back in 1600.

The beach of Stalis is very well organized with umbrellas, lifeguard, beach volley courts, showers, beach bars, water sports, changing rooms, and generally anything that a well organized beach must have. It is generally crowded and wavy. There is also a small colony of Cretan Date palms, one of the few of north Heraklion prefecture.

Stalis can be accessed from Heraklion by the bus running to Malia, but you will stop on the old National Road, just 500m from the beach.

The Bulgarian path to Mohos

For lovers of hiking, there is the Bulgarian path that leads to Mohos and starts from the village. It is named so after the Bulgarian captives that built it during in the Second World War. The distance from Mohos is 5km but the trail is long, ascending and without shade. On the road you will pass a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway and after a while you will find the modern monastery of Panagia Theogenitor (Virgin Mary). In Mohos you can walk in the small streets and drink your coffee in the big square, accompanied by the hospitable locals. If you prefer, you can walk the trail in reverse, a much easier option!

Photos

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