Malades lies just under 9 km south of Heraklion and very close to the village of Finikia. These two details offer different points of reference: Heraklion locates Malades by direction and distance, while Finikia is another nearby landmark. The main Heraklion–Pretoria road runs through Malades and provides access to the village. Together, the location and road layout offer concrete clues for placing the village on the map.
Malades: location and church
The church of Agioi Anargyroi is located in Malades. This provides a specific place in the village in addition to the geographical details. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Malades, you can compare its location south of Heraklion, its proximity to Finikia and the local road layout with your plans.
Culture in the wider Heraklion destination
The wider Heraklion destination brings together different aspects of culture and history. The Historical Museum of Crete displays two paintings by El Greco from 1569 and 1570—the artist’s only works on Crete. The museum also has its own collection of personal belongings and manuscripts belonging to the Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum focuses on a different subject: it displays representative artefacts from Cretan prehistory, early history and history, from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
The buildings also tell different stories. The Venetians built Koules to protect Heraklion’s pier and harbour. The Loggia is a Venetian building dating from the 16th century. Agios Minas Cathedral is dedicated to Heraklion’s patron saint and is one of the largest churches in Greece. The Basilica of Agia Ekaterini was built in 1555 and was home in the 16th and 17th centuries to a renowned school for Renaissance painters and writers. The Basilica of San Marco now houses the municipal art gallery; art and craft exhibitions are held there, and the programme may vary.
City and landscape in Heraklion
In urban Heraklion, the city walls offer a different perspective: visitors can walk along them and enjoy views over the city. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before visiting. The pedestrianised 25 August Street runs between the Old Port of Heraklion and Lion Square; its access conditions may also change. For natural history, the Natural History Museum of Crete offers, among other things, the Enceladus earthquake simulator, as well as interactive exhibitions and games for children and adults. Exhibition features may vary.
The rural area of the Municipality of Heraklion offers routes for hiking, cycling and driving. There are also opportunities for climbing and caving, as well as forest trails; conditions on individual routes and at specific sites may change. The villages in this rural area preserve features of Cretan architecture and their own distinct historical heritage. Vineyards and olive groves are also part of the landscape. Traditional eateries prepare dishes using fresh local produce; individual eateries and their offerings may change.
Malades can thus be described by its own location and the named local landmark. The wider Heraklion destination adds its own distinct themes, from museums and architectural history to rural trails and regional cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Agios Dimitrios, Tylissos, Lendas, Gouves, Kalo Chorio, Mesi, Vathianos Kampos, Heraklion
Go to the wider travel overview: Heraklion.
