German Military Cemetery

About

The German War Cemetery in Maleme is a solemn memorial site honoring 4,465 German soldiers who fell during World War II’s Battle of Crete. Located just north of Maleme airport, one kilometre above the village and approximately 20 km west of Chania, the cemetery offers visitors a tranquil setting surrounded by olive orchards, rolling hills, and sweeping views of the deep‑blue Bay of Chania. The site—established in 1974 by former German commander Gericke and maintained by the German Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e.V.)—features neatly arranged graves and memorial plaques that commemorate the sacrifice of the fallen paratroopers and infantrymen. Open all year, the cemetery provides a peaceful place for reflection and historical insight into the pivotal events of the Second World War. Guests can stroll through the grounds, observe the carefully maintained graves, and pause to appreciate the scenic landscape while learning about the broader context of the Battle of Crete and the international cooperation that preserves these graves worldwide.