Sixteen kms west of Hania, is the coastal village of Maleme, famous for the heroic battle fought there against the German paratroopers in May 1941.
View hotels in Maleme
Maleme today is catering for tourism.
There is a German Cemetery up on the hill side facing the plain of Maleme where 4464 German soldiers who died during the battle of Crete and the years of occupation are buried here. A further five minutes walk brings you to the beach and the wonderful view of Chania Bay, with the deserted Rodopou peninsula to the west, and Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula to the east. Maleme is a large village with many choices of tavernas and quality shops. It has kept its original Cretan flavour unspoilt from the massive tourist trade, offering an excellent base to organise numerous countryside daily excursions to the most photogenic places of the Chania county. Rent a car, take the motorway and discover the most photogenic places of Crete in all directions. Take an all-day boat trip round the Gramvoussa peninsula with the dramatic volcanic scenery, and try the sands and water of Balos Bay where Charles and Diana bathed on their honeymoon.Maleme also offers a good bus link to Chania, should you occasionally wish to leave the car at home. Chania itself is the main town of the county, clearly divided between a modern bustling centre and an intimate atmosphere contained in the old quarter beside the port.
