Because of its important strategic position in the hills north of Chania,  Galatas is unfortunately most well known as the scene for fierce fighting in 1941 during the German parachute invasion of Crete.  There is a large war memorial in the village where a wreath laying ceremony takes place every year on May 20th. Galatas has 2 tavernas, cafes and 2 mini markets, and is 3 minutes from the National highway and 10 minutes from Chania.