On a Malia holiday, energetic holidaymakers can fill their days with all manner of watersports, particularly on the busy Dolphin and Agapi beaches, from banana boat and jet-ski rides to waterskiing and para-sailing, or a gentle pedalo outing. Many beaches have daytime bars with deejays providing music on the sand. Volleyball and football games are also regular features on the Malia beaches. There are two crazy golf courses on the sea front. Various excursions are on offer, from forest hikes to archaeological expeditions. Most visitors hire a quad bike, motor scooter or a car for all or part of their visit in order to explore further afield, or take a jeep safari.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

Although Malia has a long, wide stretch of beach it becomes heavily crowded during the height of the summer holiday season. The resort has been largely taken over by young Brits, from teens to early 20s, whose behaviour is often lewd and bawdy, therefore it is not suitable for a family holiday.

Malia's nightlife has a reputation for being one of the Mediterranean's hottest for young clubbers and pubbers, on a par with Ibiza and Majorca. The main strip along the beach is thick with touts and barkers luring clients into their establishments with promises of free admission and a variety of special offers, such as 'two drinks for the price of one', or free shots. There are a number of popular bars and cafes open late, and you can try karaoke at Premier Bar or drink a cocktail from a melon at the Yiassou Melon Bar. The Malia clubs take their lead from their UK counterparts, boasting names like London, Newcastle and the Corker Club, and are occupied mainly by young Brits. In the early hours many of the revellers end up sleeping off their drinking sprees on the beach before seeking out breakfast and bed.

There is no shortage of restaurants of all sorts in Malia, whether it be for slowly-savoured traditional Greek meal, a quick pasta or take-out burger. The 24-hour McDonald's is probably the lowest-budget option, while the most expensive establishments are those with a sea view and classy ambience. Most of the restaurants offer menus featuring British favourites along with a few Greek specialities, but there are numerous different international cuisine options, particularly Italian, Indian and Mexican. The Red Lion is popular for English breakfasts, while Jasmine House has good Chinese, and for an authentic Greek meal try the Kreta Taverna.

A Malia holiday offers the predictable range of Greek resort shopping, from flip-flops and sun cream to jewellery and leather goods. All the shops are clustered along the strip and open between 9am and 10pm, seven days a week. Good souvenirs to look out for are embroidery and other handcrafts, as well as the delicious local cheeses and wine. Ceramics, leathergoods and jewellery are all popular as well.