Agia Varvara village: Beaches, Stays, Things to do

Heraklion, Crete

Agia Varvára is a picturesque town located at the highest point (580 m) on the road connecting the Messara plain and the Malevizi region. The town’s cool climate and breathtaking view of the Malevizi region make it a popular destination during the scorching summer months. The town is famous for its high-quality fruits and vegetables, which are grown in the fertile soil of the region. However, the town’s strategic location on the main north-south axis has made it vulnerable to fierce battles throughout history. Mathiou Kapitakis or Mathioudakis, one of the town’s most famous warriors, fought alongside Karaiskakis and was killed at Faliro. Another hero of the town, Logios, was celebrated for his bravery during the Battle of Aghios Thomas.

As visitors approach the town, they will notice a rock on the north side with a chapel dedicated to Profitis Ilias. This rock, which used to be twice as large, was home to an ancient temple that has since fallen apart. Today, the town offers a range of modern amenities and facilities to visitors. The Cultural Association of the town organizes a special ‘tsikoudia’ feast in the summer and a carnival feast in early spring. The town also has two churches, one old and one new, both dedicated to the patron saint, Aghia Varvara. Additionally, three Byzantine churches, including Profitis Ilias, Aghios Giorgos, and Aghios Ioannis, are well worth a visit. History buffs must visit the old monastery of Aghia Pelagia by the cemetery.

In summary, Agia Varvára is a charming town with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the town’s delicious fruits and vegetables, explore its ancient ruins and churches, and participate in its cultural events.

Agia Varvara village Map

Explore Agia Varvara village is located at Agia Varvara town, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Agia Varvara located?Agia Varvara is a town built along the road between the Messara plain and the Malevizi region at the highest point (580 m).
What is the unique feature of Agia Varvara?The town enjoys a unique location with a splendid view into the Malevizi region, and a cool climate, particularly pleasant during the hot summer months.
What is Agia Varvara known for producing?Agia Varvara produces first-rate fruit and vegetables.
Why was Agia Varvara often exposed to fierce battles?Because of its strategic location on the main north-south axis, the town was often exposed to fierce battles.
Who was Mathiou Kapitakis or Mathioudakis?Mathiou Kapitakis or Mathioudakis was a famous warrior who was born in Agia Varvara. He fought side to side with Karaiskakis and was killed at Faliro.
What is the significance of the rock with a chapel dedicated to Profitis Ilias?As you reach the village, on the north side there is a rock with a chapel dedicated to Profitis Ilias. On this rock -which used to be twice as large but part of it fell off at the beginning of the 19th century- there used to be an ancient temple.
What kind of facilities can visitors find in Agia Varvara?Nowadays, the visitor can find every kind of commodity and facility on hand at the modern town of Aghia Varvara.
What kind of feasts are organized by the Cultural Association of the town?In summer a special 'tsikoudia' feast, and in early spring a carnival feast are organized by the Cultural Association of the town.
What churches are located in the center of Agia Varvara?At the centre of the town, there are two churches - one old and one new - both dedicated to the patron saint, Aghia Varvara. Three Byzantine churches are also well worth a visit: Profitis Ilias, Aghios Giorgos and Aghios Ioannis, and of course the old monastery of Aghia Pelagia by the cemetery.
What is the average temperature in Agia Varvara town?The average temperature in Agia Varvara town ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Where is Agia Varvara town located in Crete?Agia Varvara town is located in the Heraklion region of Crete, Greece.
Which is the nearest airport to Agia Varvara town?The nearest airport to Agia Varvara town is Heraklion International Airport, which is approximately 25 km away.
What are some popular attractions in Agia Varvara town?Some popular attractions in Agia Varvara town include the Agia Varvara Monastery, the Agia Varvara Gorge, and the Agia Varvara Beach.
Are there any beaches near Agia Varvara town?Yes, there are several beaches near Agia Varvara town, including Agia Varvara Beach, Karteros Beach, and Ammoudara Beach.
What are some other nearby towns or cities worth visiting?Some nearby towns or cities worth visiting include Heraklion, Knossos, and Hersonissos.

Our Selection of Best Accommodations in Agia Varvara village

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Beaches near Agia Varvara village

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Salamias beach

Salamias beach · 23 km away

The Salamia(s) Bay, situated 74km south of Heraklion and between Agios Ioannis and Tripiti, is one…

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Agios Antonios beach

Agios Antonios beach · 23 km away

St. Anthony, also known as Agios Antonios, is situated 71 kilometers south of Heraklion, nestled between…

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Vourlidia beach

Vourlidia beach · 23 km away

The petite stone-strewn beach, Vourlidia, situates at the termination point of the Flomias gorge, on the…

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Tripiti beach

Tripiti beach - Heraklion · 23 km away

Tripiti, also known as Trypiti, lies 73km south of Heraklion and 12km east of Lendas, nestled…

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Leprias beach

Leprias beach · 23 km away

Located in the Kalokambos region, approximately 73km south of the city of Heraklion, Leprias, also known…

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Katarti beach

Katarti beach · 23 km away

Katarti, a small beach nestled at the mouth of a narrow gorge, is situated 73km south…

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Ellinoperamata beach

Ellinoperamata beach · 23 km away

Situated 8km west of Heraklion city, Linoperamata, also known as Ellinoperamata, is a scenic sandy beach…

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Places near Agia Varvara village

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Ancient Rizinia

Ancient Rizinia · 3.5 km away

Atop the hill of Patella, near the village of Prinias in the Malevizi province, you’ll find…

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Uncover Megali Vrissi

Megali Vrissi · 1.6 km away

Megali Vrissi, a picturesque village situated in the southern part of Heraklion, Greece, has a fascinating…

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Prinias village · 2.4 km away

Prinias, a village located in the Heraklion prefecture of Crete, is not only archaeologically significant but…

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