Agia Varvara is a small town 32 km outside of Heraklion. It was named after the church of St. Barbara, which exists in the area.

The main occupation of the inhabitants are the production of wine and olive oil.  Except the church of Santa Barbara there are some more byzantine churches such as St. George, Prophet Elijah and the monastery of Agia Pelagia.

Its inhabited since the Minoan period and thought to be the middle of Crete. It has all the conveniences that could have a small town as bank, school, high school, etc. and during the year several events organized by the cultural association of the town.