The village formerly belonged to the community of Voni and is located about 30 kilometers from Heraklion. It is mainly a rural village with wine and olive production. Xanthoudidis states that its name is Byzantine and it is derived from the first settler of the village.

It is a very picturesque village with small stone-built houses, several of which appear to be abandoned. Although it has no cafes or restaurants, it offers a wonderful view because of its location and warm hospitality by its polite and kind inhabitants.

Up a hill on the south of Galatas, surrounded by trees, lies the small chapel of St. John, which we suggest you visit. A little further north, the neighboring Minoan palace is not yet accessible to the public.