STALIS
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
On Crete's long N coast, adjacent to resort of Malia. 3 miles SE of larger resort of Hersonissos. 18 miles E of Heraklion and the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28970

Position:
On NE-facing shore of narrow coastal plain, with rocky Dikti Mountains rising just inland. Marking boundary between the two is the coastal highway, running along back of resort.

Description:
Stalis (also known as Stalida) is one of 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 neighbouring Malia, so that the two are now largely indistinguishable and constitute a sprawling mass of hotels, apartments, bars, shops and other commercial tourist pulls. The only evidence of traditional Crete is a small church, which also serves as the central reference point in the property reports here. The commercial area typifies most Mediterranean beach resorts with a host of minimarkets and open-sided bar/restaurants lining the beachfront; a small spur of shops midway along links the beach road to the main coastal highway. Apartments and hotels that aren't within the main commercial strip are in narrow side streets or widely scattered around the fringes of the village and surrounded by small crop fields. 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 neighbouring Malia and the sprawling town resort of Hersonissos without having to resort to remote, undeveloped areas.

Suitability:
Most sun- and sea-lovers or pool loungers should be happy here; 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.

Accommodation:
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.

Shopping:
Minimarkets cater for most everyday requirements, and carry beach paraphernalia and some souvenirs. Small arts and crafts shops specialising in locally made items offer less tacky souvenirs, jewellery, clothes and local produce. For more extensive shopping needs, it may be necessary to visit neighbouring Hersonissos or make a trip to Heraklion.

Beach:
Several reasonable sandy beaches divided by small rocky areas _ by Greek standards these are good beaches. Many of the beach access points are small alleys, often incorporated into neighbouring bar and restaurant properties. Sun loungers and shades available.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach life is the usual order of the day. Nightlife: numerous bars and restaurants and a few discos. Most accommodations offer 'Greek nights' or barbecue evenings roughly once a week in high season.

Eating:
Snack food and mid-range taverna-style restaurants are readily available with menus and dishes from several European countries. There are also a few more upmarket restaurants, usually found in the better hotels.

Public-transport:
Frequent buses run along the main highway that links all the N-coast towns between Heraklion and Aghios Nikolaos. Taxis are readily available and cheap. A minitrain also makes circuits of the resort and links to Malia. Car hire is readily available. Motorbikes and mopeds _ considerably more dangerous modes of transport _ are also widely available for hire.

Local-excursions:
Full day: boat trips including neighbouring island of Santorini or Spinalonga Island; trips to archaeological sites, including impressive Minoan palace at Knossos combined with Heraklion Archaeological Museum; Lassithi Plateau, with its picturesque Greek-style windmills and small traditional Cretan villages; general tour of W end of island; jeep safaris, mountain-bike tours, scuba-diving and water parks; walking trips through Samaria Gorge (could stretch to two days).