Travel Guide Maleme

Located 20 kilometers west of Hania, on the road leading to Kastelli-Kissamos, Maleme is the first place coming from Hania where you might want to stop. Not for its beaches, which are, after all, quite ordinary, but out of curiosity for an event that remains omnipresent in the memory of the Cretans and which took place in May 1941: the Battle of Crete, whose main stake, for the Germans, was the capture of Maleme airport.At the exit of Maleme, coming from Hania, on the left, a small hut marks the entrance to the German cemetery which climbs towards hill 107. A map details the progress of the battle. At the top, a terrace offers a view of the bay and the airstrip, object of the German troops' envy. Even though it is no longer in operation, the airport is still located in a military zone; in principle, photographs are prohibited. There are planes on display on the runway, and you can ask the soldier on duty for permission to go and have a look at them.Near the cemetery, you can also visit a Minoan tomb (3000-1200 BC), discovered in 1966 during archaeological excavations. With its 4 meter high walls, its pyramidal roof and its entrance surmounted by a large lintel, this ancient burial site is impressive.Finally, don't hesitate to leave the coast to discover the small villages of the hinterland. Here, people live to the rhythm of the olive and vine culture. It is a magnificent agricultural region still preserved that offers itself to the curious visitor. Take the country roads, leave the coast and the tourists behind and play hooky, you won't regret it!