Dia

Dia, also pronounced locally Ntia, is an uninhabited island off the northern coast of the Greek island of Crete. The island is 5 km long, 3 km wide and is located approximately 13 km north of Heraklion. Administratively, Dia is part of the community of Elia within the municipal unit of Gouves, Hersonissos municipality in Heraklion. In the south coast of Dia there are four coves, from west to east Agios Georgios, Kapari, Panagia (Madonna) and Agrielia. One more cove, Aginara, is to the east. History The island was formerly known as Standia, by juncture loss in the phrase (Greek for 'on Dia'). It was the principal port of Crete for centuries. Its four south coves have been used as anchorages since the Minoan period.