Spending a few days of vacation on the Greek island of Iraklia is a real pleasure! This island looks like a paradise. The atmosphere is soft and time seems suspended. We spend quiet days and we are satisfied with simple pleasures: walking, swimming in turquoise waters, admiring the landscape. It’s a no-frills island: no luxury hotels, no trendy bars, no souvenir stores, no lively nightlife.
Iraklia is therefore a perfect island for those looking for a simple, quiet and relaxing vacation.
- What to do in Iraklia? Beaches, hiking, villages, caves, boat trips
- Good addresses of restaurants in Iraklia
- Practical information: how to get to the island, where to sleep in Iraklia, how to get around…
Iraklia, a haven of peace in the Cyclades
With Koufonissia, Donoussa and Schinoussa, Iraklia is part of the archipelago of the Lesser Cyclades, located between Naxos and Amorgos.
You can reach it by ferry from Naxos (about 1 hour crossing) or from the other islands of the Lesser Cyclades. You can book your ferry tickets online on the website of our partner Ferry Hopper. This online platform allows you to compare the rates of different companies very easily. And most importantly, this site does not charge any commission or extra fees.
The island is small (18 km2) and has only 150 year-round inhabitants. Outside the months of July and August, it is extremely peaceful. And even in the middle of summer, the atmosphere remains very calm. The inhabitants live mainly from agriculture and cattle breeding as well as from tourism during the summer.
What to see and do in Iraklia?
The beaches
The beaches of Iraklia are certainly less spectacular than those of Koufounisia. But they are less frequented and the water is clear.
Two beaches are easily accessible by foot:
- Livadi beach: one kilometer from the port, a beautiful beach of white sand with a turquoise sea. It is very pleasant. This is our favorite beach in Iraklia. On the other hand, there is little shade, so it is necessary to bring something to protect yourself from the sun.
- And the beach of Agios Georgios: a small sandy beach along the port, ideal for a swim at any time of the day (and even just before taking the ferry)
Also, if you have a car (or if you are a good walker), don’t miss the beach of Tourkopighado, 6 km after Panagia. A small bay with transparent waters, with a few fishermen’s boats, very little frequented and therefore very calm (in the middle of August, we were alone there).
Other beaches are accessible by boat: the beaches of Karvounolakos and Alimia.
The caves
Iraklia has many caves that were once used as shelters by pirates and smugglers.
The cave of Agios Ioannis is the main cave of the island. It is worth a detour. It is reached by a path from Agios Georgios (2h walk). So it is imperative to have a flashlight, otherwise you won’t see anything at all.
The hikes
There are eight hiking trails in Iraklia.
- Among others, from Agios Georgios, a path leads to the cave of Agios Ioannis (2h).
- We also recommend you to walk to Mount Pappas, the highest point of the island (419m), where there are natural springs. A path leads to it from Panagia (2km). From there, we have a beautiful panoramic view of the whole island.
The villages
- Agios Georgios, the port: this is where all the activity of Iraklia is concentrated. Take a look at La Chapelle dedicated to St. George (hence the name of the village).
- Chora also called Panagia is the second village of the island. It is located 5km south of Agios Georgios (a little less than an hour walk). It is a small and quiet village with only one street, a church with a blue dome and some whitewashed houses.
The boat trip
In summer, the boat Anemos (tel: 0030 6977 31 04 27) offers excursions to the two southern beaches of the island (Karvounolakos and Alimia). Departure at 11am and return at 3:30pm. Tickets can be purchased the day before departure at the Perigiali supermarket on the port. Before leaving, it is better to bring a parasol, water and picnic.
Our best places to eat in Iraklia
- Surfin Bird, on a path above the beach of Livadi: the setting is really nice because the tavern overlooks the beach of Livadi. We have a nice view and the atmosphere is calm. On the kitchen side, local ingredients, well cooked, in a modern way with interesting associations of flavors. You can also find traditional Greek dishes and international classics (pizzas, pastas, burgers). Our favorite address in Iraklia
- In Agios Georgios: the tavern Syrma serves good traditional food.
- And to have a drink: In Lefko, in Agios Georgios, a pleasant address, with a terrace on the floor from where you can enjoy a nice view of the sea.
Practical information
How to get to Iraklia?
- from Athens: there are connections between the port of Piraeus and Iraklia. It is necessary to count 6h30 to 8h of crossing by ferry. Information and reservations here.
- From Naxos: in summer, there are daily crossings between Naxos and Iraklia. The crossing takes 1h-1h30.
- From the other islands of the Cyclades: Iraklia is also connected to the islands of Amorgos, Paros and the other islands of the Lesser Cyclades.
You will find all the information and schedules on the Ferry Hopper website . Depending on the boat and the route taken, the crossing times may vary (and the prices too).
Where to sleep in Iraklia?
It is best to make a reservation as there is little accommodation available in Iraklia.
All accommodations are concentrated in Agios Georgios.
- We had chosen the Speires hotel on the heights of Agios Georgios: recent, friendly, comfortable and beautiful view of the port.
- Another good address : the villa Zografos a little bit out of the way, 1,5km from the port (free shuttle). A small hotel complex, in a pleasant and very quiet environment, not far from the beach of Livadi, and which offers a superb view of the sea.
- We also recommend Anna’s Place, just across the street from the Speires Hotel. Very good quality-price ratio
- You will also find rooms in the homes of local people.
- Do not hesitate to visit the following websites Airbnb and Booking . There are interesting offers.
- Finally, free camping is tolerated on the beach of Livadi.
How to get around Iraklia?
- It is not necessary to rent a car. The island can be discovered on foot
- There is a bus service.
- However, no cab on the island.
- Finally, you can rent scooters. For this, contact the café To Perasma.
How many days can I stay in Iraklia?
Two days are enough to discover the island.
We wish you an excellent stay in Iraklia!
Laure M.
