- Region
- East Heraklion
- Distance
- About 37 km from Heraklion
- Era
- c. 1900–1450 BC
- Visit
- About 1 hour
History
The first palace was built around 1900 BC on a site inhabited since the mid-3rd millennium BC. It was destroyed around 1700 BC, rebuilt around 1650 BC and burned around 1450 BC. Excavation began in 1915 under Iosif Hatzidakis and has been continued by the French Archaeological School.
What to look for
The palace is laid out around a large central court. Look for the round kernos, a stone with small hollows around its edge, probably for offerings, and the rows of storerooms with large jars. Covered areas protect parts of the surrounding town.
Chrysolakkos and the bee pendant
About 500 m north-east is the Chrysolakkos burial complex. The famous gold pendant of two bees was found there; it is now in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Combine it with
Potamos beach is a short walk from the site. Malia town, with its long beach, is 3 km west.
Questions before you go
Is Malia palace worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a quieter Minoan site than Knossos.
Where is the Malia bee pendant?
In the Heraklion Archaeological Museum; it was found at Chrysolakkos.
How far is Malia palace from Heraklion?
About 37 km.
