Stalis Best in Crete
Enjoy Crete
Walk in Crete
STALIS CRETE GREECE - GREAT PLACE FOR HOLIDAYS
Stalis or Stalida is one of the best tourist resorts in Crete, lies between Malia and Hersonissos on the north coast of Crete, Greece. Starting from Horizon hotel (west part of Stalis) to Cactus Royal hotel (east part of Stalis). It is a lovely resort, attracting tourists from many European countries. It has a long, sandy beach and a variety of bars and tavernas. Popular with families, it is only 30 km away from Nikos Kazantsakis airport in Heraklion. Quieter than Malia and Hersonissos, Stalis or Stalida has a more relaxed atmosphere and still has a big choise of bars, restaurants, hotels, appartments, carrentals and travel offices. The resort is popular with a mix of nationalities.
Stalida (Stalis) is on Crete’s northern coast. It’s located on the main road just 30 km from Heraklion’s international airport or seaport, between Hersonissos and Malia.
There are many restaurants and tavernas in Stalis, as well as tourist shops, travel agencies for daytrips, car and motorbike hire agencies and, of course, minimarkets.
Fantastic, Exotic, Romantic, The Best Tourist Resort In Crete
STALIS. “A gift of Gods to man” is a justifiable characterization of the modern tourist resort, Stalida.
This popular beach resort is easily reached. If you are arriving by air, you will find our car hire depot at Heraklion International airport. If you arrive by boat, a Heraklion Port rental car can be brought to you.
You can also book a car rental in Stalis and have it delivered directly to your hotel, apt or villa.
Alternatively, you can take the public bus KTEL. There are frequent busses throughout the day and it takes about 20 minutes.
History of stalis or Stalida
The biggest part of Stalis starting west, somewhere between Nana beach and
Horizon hotel and ending east to Cactus Royale, (former Sunny beach)
belonged to Mochos village which is located 9kms up the mountains to the south.
This part of empty land, no houses, no hotels just fields and beaches was called
Stalida Mochou which means Stalida of Mochos.
The part of Stalis eastern from where is now Aggelo hotel (former Sofocles hotel)
to about Kernos hotel was part of Malia village and was called stalida Malion
which means Stalida of Malia and there was nothing there but fields and beaches.
In the late 60’s the beach road Stalis to Malia constructed and the first historical hotels
of Crete were built and open for business, like Anthoussa hotel (now Aktia), Blue Sea hotel,
Alexander beach, Kernos beach, and later Cactus beach, Ikaros Village, Nana beach,
Horizon beach, Ariadne beach and many more smaller or bigger hotels, and Appartments
that could easily be over 100 today.
This fantastic area from Nana beach hotel to Kernos beach hotel with 4,5kms of
beautiful beaches we call it Stalis Tourist Resort, and it is one of the best
holiday areas in Crete and Mediterranean.
Stalis is just over 30km from the palace of Knossos, the largest of Crete’s Minoan Palaces. The Minoans were a culture and civilization that flourished in Bronze Age Greece, from about 2700 BCE to 1450 BCE. The nearby capital of Crete – Heraklion – also has a fascinating history. Like much of Crete, after the decline of the Minoans there was little development, with some Roman building, then much piracy during the Byzantine era. Then the Arabs arrived, building a castle in the 9th century and making the city the capital of the Emirate of Crete. Piracy against the Byzantine Empire’s ships continues, until the victory of the Byzantines in the 10th century. They held the city for over two centuries, then the Venetians came, leaving much of the architecture that gives Heraklion its romantic charm.
Nestled between the bustling towns of Malia and Hersonissos, the charming village of Stalis beckons travelers with its peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Just 30 kilometers east of Heraklion, this popular tourist resort is home to a wide array of hotels, restaurants, bars, and taverns, as well as convenient amenities like ATMs and pharmacies. The beating heart of Stalis can be found along its 5-kilometer coastal road, which is lined with a variety of shops and businesses. A leisurely afternoon stroll along the beach is a must, as this stretch of sandy shore boasts shallow waters, beach volleyball courts, showers, beach bars, and plenty of water sports to enjoy. The beach is also well-equipped with umbrellas and lifeguards, making it a safe and enjoyable place to soak up the sun. Nestled among the Cretan Date palms that line the beach, you'll find the ancient Byzantine Church of Agios Ioannis, dating back to 1600. This beautiful and historic building is just one of the many cultural attractions that Stalis has to offer. For those who enjoy hiking, the Bulgarian trail is a must-see. This scenic path ascends to the village of Mohos, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape along the way. The trail was named for the Bulgarian captives who built it during World War II, and it's a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach, or an adventure in the great outdoors, Stalis has something for everyone. So why wait? Come and discover this charming village for yourself – you won't be disappointed.
St. John Church, located in the village of Stalis in Crete, Greece, is a beautiful and historic place of worship that has stood for centuries. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is known for its unique architecture and rich history. The origins of the church can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was first built by the Venetians, who ruled over Crete at the time. The church was built using a combination of Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles, and features a bell tower, arched windows, and intricate stone carvings. Inside, the church is just as impressive, with beautifully painted ceiling and there are several icons and frescoes that adorn the walls. One of the most notable features of the church is icon of St. John the Baptist, which is said to have been painted by a famous Cretan artist. The church has undergone several renovations over the years, but has managed to retain its original character and charm. Today, it remains an important place of worship for the local community, and is also a popular destination for tourists visiting the area. In addition to its religious significance, St. John Church is also of great historical importance. It serves as a reminder of the island's past under Venetian rule, and its unique architecture is a testament to the skill and creativity of the builders of the time. Overall, St. John Church in Stalis is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Crete. Its beautiful architecture, rich history, and religious significance make it a truly unique and special place. Please note that the name of the village is Stalis and not stalida. Stalis itself was, until the 1960’s, prized primarily as excellent farmland. In the 1960’s the first large hotel was built, and the area became more popular with tourists in the 1980’s. Many accommodations, tavernas and other tourist facilities were developed over the next decades and now the area is extremely popular.
Stalis itself is a popular beach, with soft silky sands and clean waters. There are sunbeds and umbrellas and snack bars and it’s a perfect beach for families. Long beach in Stalis The north coast of Crete can be sometimes windy, but at Hersonissos, the beach west of Cape Sarandaris is often protected from the wind and offers calmer seas for a swim. Malia, to the east of Stalis, is one of Crete’s more popular beaches for young people. It offers plenty of diversion, with nearby bars and a vibrant nightlife. Some of Crete’s world-famous beaches are also worth the gorgeous drive: Matala, made famous in the 1970’s by the hippies who camped in the caves on the cliffs, is a gorgeous beach on the south coast. A drive of an hour and a half brings you there, via charming villages and views. Agia Galini, also on the south coast, an hour and a half from Stalis (Stalida) and a little over a half an hour from Matala, is anther popular beach. It is a pebbled beach with cool waters, thanks to the nearby river Platys. The dock in Matala While you are here on the south coast, you can also wither hike through a gorge to Agiofarago beach (it takes 30 – 50 minutes)- a fantastic hike. Or this lovely remote beach can be reached by boat from Matala or Agia Gallini.
This central location is ideal for exploring the beaches, landscape, and pleasurable and cultural diversions of the island. We hope that our guide to Stalida, Crete will inspire you to book your next holiday to Crete.
