The wind mills that in old time were pumping water, today stand every where deserted, being replaced by modern electric powered pumping systems.
The water of Malia is considered to be one of the best in Crete. There are several firms which bottle and sell this water of excellent quality, to the markets of Crete and abroad .

Although Malia is a popular tourist resort, and the main occupation of people is tourism related servives, there is still a remarkable agriculrural production. This is focused in olive oil and horticulture. The temperate weather of the area supports greenhouse cultivation .The bananas and potatoes of Malia are famous in Crete, and their is a large quantity of them produced every year.

Malia is also one of the few places where the art of pottery still survives. There are several worksops which make pottery products of any shape.