Hochebenen, Wälder & Parks Geheimtipp

Dia Island

Heraklion, Heraklion · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A nature reserve island off Heraklion.

Dia is an uninhabited island about 12 km north of Heraklion, clearly visible from the city and the airport. It is a protected nature reserve, home to the Cretan wild goat, rare plants and seabirds such as Eleonora's falcons.

The island has several small bays on its southern side where boats anchor, and divers explore the clear water and the remains of ancient ships. Day trips and sailing trips sometimes run from Heraklion in summer. In mythology, Dia is linked with Ariadne, who was left by Theseus on an island after escaping Knossos.

Heraklion is the capital of Crete and its biggest city, with a busy port, the island's main airport and a lively old town inside massive Venetian walls. The Archaeological Museum and Knossos make it the centre of Minoan Crete, and the city's markets, cafes and restaurants are some of the best on the island. Around the city, the coast has long sandy beaches like Ammoudara and Karteros, and the wine villages of Archanes and Peza are a short drive south.

Around Heraklion

Nearest town: Heraklion, about 18 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 16 km by road

Heraklion is the heart of Minoan Crete and the island’s busiest region. Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are the two places almost everyone visits, and they work well together on one day. In the south, the wide Messara plain holds the palace of Phaistos, the Roman ruins of Gortyna and the famous caves above the bay of Matala. More about Heraklion