Malia has a long sandy coastline, but not every stretch has the same mood. The central beach is convenient, organised and close to the bars, which is exactly why some travellers like it and others flee it. Expect sunbeds, music, watersports and a very social summer scene.
Potamos Beach, east toward the Minoan palace, is the more relaxed bet. Development is lighter there, partly because the archaeological zone keeps the coast from turning into an uninterrupted hotel strip. It is still popular, but it feels less trapped inside the resort machine.