The blue of the sky and the sea, the colors from the flowers in bloom... this is Stalis, a pandemonium of colors that fascinates the mind and soothes the soul while a scent of flowers and salt accompanies you everywhere. Situated on the cove of a large bay, Stalis is a dreamlike place for a vacation, with its people's hospitality, the cosmopolitan atmosphere and the unique beach. It's not that long since this was a tranquil little hamlet … But Stalis couldn't stay undiscovered. When your village is set by one of the best beaches on Crete island, just like Topsy, it grows and grows. So holidays in Stalis today can be pretty lively affairs.

The gorgeous golden sands start here and stretch to Malia and beyond, so barefoot strolls could take you all the way to neon nights at your nearest neighbour. Backing the beach is an unbroken line of hotels, restaurants, bars and tavernas, and just behind these are … more hotels, restaurants, bars and tavernas – with a couple of discos added for good measure. Another advantage to this friendly, laid back resort. It's only when you tear yourself away that you realise how well positioned Stalis holidays are. The local buses go east to Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda, and west to the water's edge eateries of Hersonissos and the bustling streets of Heraklion, the island's capital. A change of scene is effortless. The Royal Heights Resort in Malia Crete is a charming hotel built on a hill side with amazing view to the Cretan Sea. It is also 5 minutes drive from the Crete Golf Club in Hersonnisos and Stalis.

Apart from the stunning Stalis Beach, the surrounding area also possesses wonderful beaches such as Sissi, Malia, Milatos, Kato Gouves and Hersonissos. We also recommend going to the beaches of Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikitas, Amoudara, Chani Kokkini, Gournes, Karteros, Keratokambos, Lygaria, Mononaftis, Ostria, Psili Ammos, Tsoutsouros. In Stalis (Stalida), Heraklion visitors have the opportunity to dine at one of the many small seaside taverns and ouzeries and try local delicacies of Crete, such as chochlious (traditionally cooked escargot), dakos (Cretan barley rusks with chopped tomato and feta cheese, soaked in olive oil and a little water), rabbit stew, dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), fresh seafood, kaltsounia (sweet cheese pastries) and the “raki”, the famous Cretan drink.