Stalis (also known as Stalida) is one of the numerous resorts that have sprung up along the coast between the major towns of Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos. In the past decade or so, relentless development has seen what was once a village in its own right become an extension of neighboring Malia, so that the two are now largely indistinguishable and constitute a sprawling mass of hotels, apartments, bars, shops, and other commercial tourist pulls.
This area attracts most sun- and sea-lovers or pool loungers. It’s not a lively resort so only dedicated nightclub ravers may be disappointed. Young, old, couples and families are well catered for, as are all purses. The village also makes a good base from which to explore.
The accommodation is mainly self-catering studios and apartments in small, simple establishments. A selection of modest low- to mid-range hotels and a couple of quality options in the general area. A line of accommodations also runs along the main highway where the bustle of the resort is swapped for traffic noise.
Overall, Stalis is a balanced resort offering reasonable beaches, plenty of shops, bars and eateries, and a modest nightlife, which all combine to satisfy those wishing to avoid the excesses of neighboring Malia and the sprawling town resort of Hersonissos without having to resort to remote, undeveloped areas.
Locality:
Stalis is found on Crete’s long N coast, adjacent to the resort of Malia (3 miles SE of the larger resort of Hersonissos, 18 miles E of Heraklion, and the airport). Stalis is positioned on the NE-facing shore of the narrow coastal plain, with rocky Dikti Mountains rising just inland. The marking boundary between the two is the coastal highway, running along the back of the resort.
