Crete Fly Drive from North to South: Malia and Aghia Galini

See more and do as you please on this unique fly drive holiday between Malia and Aghia Galini on Crete.

Crete rewards those who explore, and this fly-drive puts the whole island within reach. Fly from the UK to Heraklion, collect your compact hire car with tax, insurance and unlimited mileage, and head east along the coast to Malia. Five nights bed and breakfast at the 3-star Malia Holidays Hotel give you a pool, gardens and an easy walk to the sand, with the Minoan palace of Knossos, the Lasithi Plateau and the tavernas of Malia old town all a short drive or stroll away.

Then drive south across the mountainous heart of the island, through olive groves and hill villages, to Aghia Galini on the Libyan Sea. Here the 4-star Palazzo Greco Hotel is your base for five more nights bed and breakfast, with a sea-view pool, Cretan breakfast and the harbour a short walk away. Spend your days at the ancient site of Phaistos, the caves and cliffs of Matala or the quiet coves of the south coast, stopping wherever and whenever you please.

Fly from the UK to Heraklion on Crete and collect your compact hire car at the airport. Drive east along the north coast to Malia and check in to the 3-star Malia Holidays Hotel, your home for the next 5 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Malia Holidays

Enjoy a relaxing stay at Malia Holidays Hotel in Hersonissos, near the beach. Take a refreshing dip in the seasonal outdoor pool, unwind on the terrace or in the garden, and savor delicious meals at the restaurant or snacks at the coffee shop/cafe. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and a bar/lounge. Each of the 106 air-conditioned rooms features a Smart TV, a private furnished balcony or patio, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Malia Beach is a short drive away, and Star Beach Water Park is easily accessible.

Settle in with a swim in the hotel pool or a walk to the beach, then explore the tavernas and lanes of Malia old town in the evening.

Malia (Crete)

Malia, located just 35 km east of Heraklion on Crete’s northern coast, is a dynamic destination that balances culture, history, and high-energy nightlife. Its vibrant old town invites exploration, with charming tavernas, traditional architecture, and narrow, winding streets full of authentic Cretan character. By day, the legendary beach road stretches down to golden sands and clear waters, perfect for relaxing or water sports. As the sun sets, the same strip transforms into one of Crete’s most famous nightlife scenes, with buzzing bars and late-night venues creating an electric atmosphere that draws visitors from across Europe.

Drive to the Minoan palace of Knossos, then continue into Heraklion for the archaeological museum, the Venetian harbour and lunch before returning to Malia.

Climb into the mountains to the Lasithi Plateau, with its windmills, farming villages and the Dikteon Cave, or stay local for a lazy day by the pool and sea.

A final full day on the north coast: visit the Minoan site of Malia, swim at the beach and have a long lunch before tomorrow's drive south.

After breakfast, drive south across the island through olive groves and mountain villages to Aghia Galini on the Libyan Sea. Check in to the 4-star Palazzo Greco Hotel, your home for the next 5 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Palazzo Greco

This elegant hotel is beautifully situated in Agia Gallini, lying in close proximity to a host of attractions. The hotel is set overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean Sea and the Mountain. The hotel enjoys a stunning architectural style, featuring soothing, blue tones and traditional Greek design. The guest rooms are elegantly appointed, with each one enjoying an individual style. This upscale hotel offers guests a number of exemplary facilities, ensuring a truly memorable stay. Guests can enjoy a leisurely swim in the pool, or simply lie back and revel in the splendour of the surroundings. The dedication and hospitality of the owners and the staff has created a warm and chic environment, making Palazzo Greco the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation for couples, groups and families.

Explore the harbour village, swim from the local beach and relax by the hotel's sea-view pool.

Aghia Galini (Crete)

Agia Galini is a charming seaside village on Crete’s south coast, nestled on the shores of the Libyan Sea between Heraklion and Rethymno. Located around 72 km (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) from Heraklion Airport, it combines traditional Cretan character with a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
The picturesque harbour is lined with welcoming tavernas serving fresh seafood and authentic Cretan cuisine, while waterfront bars and cafés create a lively yet laid-back nightlife scene perfect for evening drinks and sunset views.
Agia Galini is an ideal base for exploring southern Crete, with easy access to nearby attractions including the famous palm-fringed beach of Preveli, the resort of Plakias, the legendary hippie village of Matala, historic Frangokastello, the traditional mountain village of Spili, and the world-renowned Samaria Gorge. Whether you're seeking beautiful beaches, local culture, great dining, or unforgettable day trips, Agia Galini offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Drive to the Minoan palace of Phaistos and the nearby site of Agia Triada, set above the Messara Plain, then return to Aghia Galini for dinner by the water.

Head west to Matala for its sandy bay and famous cliff caves, or follow quiet roads to small south coast coves for a swim.

Spend a last full day by the Libyan Sea with pool time, a harbour walk and a long Cretan lunch.

After breakfast, drive back across the island to Heraklion airport, drop off your hire car and fly home to the UK.

Origin Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
Gatwick 01/05/27 Saturday 11/05/27 Tuesday £699 View
Gatwick 05/05/27 Wednesday 15/05/27 Saturday £699 View
Gatwick 07/05/27 Friday 17/05/27 Monday £679 View
Gatwick 08/05/27 Saturday 18/05/27 Tuesday £699 View
Gatwick 12/05/27 Wednesday 22/05/27 Saturday £669 View
Gatwick 14/05/27 Friday 24/05/27 Monday £769 View
Gatwick 15/05/27 Saturday 25/05/27 Tuesday £759 View
Gatwick 19/05/27 Wednesday 29/05/27 Saturday £769 View
Gatwick 21/05/27 Friday 31/05/27 Monday £739 View
Gatwick 22/05/27 Saturday 01/06/27 Tuesday £779 View
All monies paid are covered under the ATOL with number 3550.