Dia is an uninhabited island with 5 km maximum length and 3 km maximum width surrounded by small rocky inlets. It is located 14 kilometres north of Gouves municipality and belongs to the municipal district of Elea. It is one of NATURA's protected areas due to its status as a biotope for endemic plants and for plants with low dispersal within the Southern Aegean.

Dia played an important role in navigation during antiquity, particularly in Minoan and Medieval times. For the precocious seamen that sailed in the open Cretan Seas, it constituted the best possible natural "signal", indicating the approach of the Cretan coast with its natural harbours, while at the same time it helped in the anchoring of the ships, effectively blocking the strong northern winds. During Minoan times the island was populated and, near the bay of Agios Georgios, a harbour settlement was established.

Today the approach to the island is only allowed for organised hunting and tourist expeditions. The island constitutes a very important biotope for endemic plants and animals. It is a vital breeding site for seabirds and species associated with coastal cliffs. The island also represents one of the most important nesting areas for Eleonora's Falcon in the Southern Aegean. Monk seals are also often seen by local fishermen around the shores.

The Undersea discoveries of Jacques Yves Cousteau in 1974-5, with a special bathyscape, are of great ecological and archeological interest. Exploration of the undersea floor in 1975-6 in the isle of Dia provided evidence to suggest that there stood one of the biggest and most important ports in the whole island of Crete.

The harbour appears to have sunk due to the destruction caused in the 1450 bc volcano of Santorini . Detailed aerial photos also pointed out traces of settlements, confirming the hypothesis that the island was previously inhabited. However, more archeological research in the area is deemed vital for further establishing the evidence found so far.

There are daily boat trips to the island throughout the season, with tickets easily available.

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