Malia Mare

Right in the middle of Malia, this hotel couldn’t get much more central if it tried – making it popular with the younger crowd in the summer months. Restaurants, bars and clubs are all on the doorstep, while Malia’s sandy beach is just a ten-minute walk away.

In terms of looks, it’s typically Greek. A mix of exposed stonework and whitewash comes wrapped in vines that cling to walls and hang from verandas. And for a small hotel, the pool is pretty impressive. Set into a roomy sun terrace, it’s got a whirlpool bath and a swim-up bar, and there are plenty of sunbeds, too.

As for the hotel itself, it’s a small affair with just over 30 bedrooms to its name. Inside, meanwhile, you’ll find good-sized rooms done out in a pared-down style. It’s all about whitewashed walls, simple wooden furniture and terracotta floor tiles. You get your own balcony, too.

As for food, you can get a buffet breakfast at the snack bar and for evening meals, you’ve got all the town centre restaurants just a few steps away. What’s more, to add to the holiday vibe, the owners put on a weekly barbecue night.