Irakleia

All About Irakleia

Irakelia is one of those magical islands tucked away in the Small Cyclades that you may not have heard of, which is one of the reasons why it has retained its authentic charm. Just south of Naxos and northeast of Ios, this tiny destination of 18 square kilometers is a supreme spot for those wishing to find privacy, relaxation, walking, and swimming without all of the tourist trappings. Also known as Heraklia, Irakleia, or Iraklea, here you will find a small population of locals following their traditional lifestyles of fishing, livestock farming, agriculture, and apiculture. Taking a ferry to Irakleia is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.

Of course, there are some fantastic beaches for you to discover, each one a gem of sparkling waters and sand or smooth pebbles. Visit the largest cave in the Cyclades while on the island, as well as the Cyclops’s Cave, which is said to be home to the mythological one-eyed creature and son of Poseidon, Polyphemus. There is also a ruined fortress dating back to the 4th-2nd century BCE, where remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Zeus have been found. Look out for the mysterious ‘Speires’ of Irakleia on your walks; ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock in spiral and bullseye formations that date back to the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE). Irakleia is also part of the Natura 2000 network and home to the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, the Mediterranean monk seal, as well as many sea birds, If, like them, you seek peace and tranquillity in a very traditional Cycladic setting, look no further than this laid-back island paradise.

Routes and Ferries to Irakleia

This is such a small island that many ferries bypass it, but when you book your ferry tickets to Irakleia with Ferryscanner, you will find the right connection from Athens or the nearby islands. Starting at the port of Piraeus, ferry sail to Irakleia in 7 hrs 20 mins several times throughout the week in summer with lines such as Blue Star Ferries. If you are already in the Cyclades, you can easily cross to Irakleia from the other islands. Sailing time from Amorgos can take anywhere from 1.45 hours to about 4 hours with Small Cyclades or Blue Star Ferries while you can reach here from Donousa in 2 hours and Koufonissi in around 50 minutes. In addition, you can sail from Naxos (1.30 hrs), Paros (1hr), Syros (3.30), and Schinoussa in only 10 mins.

As Irakleia has no airport, you can take a half-hour flight from Athens International Airport to the island of Naxos, from where you can catch a connecting ferry. If you want to reach the port of Piraeus after landing in Athens, there is an express bus (X96) that will take you there directly. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Monastiraki station in Athens and change for the Piraeus line or take a 40-minute taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus.

Ports of Irakleia

The charming little port of Agios Georgios is the main port of Irakleia and also the largest village on the island. It serves all inbound and outbound passenger ferries, as well as offering a mooring spot for the small fishing boats. Most of the island’s population (about 110 residents) live here and are either engaged in the tourism industry during the summer or involved in traditional trades such as animal husbandry and fishing. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Irakleia.

Capital & Villages

There are only two settlements on the island: one is Panagia, which is the official capital (or Chora) although with few houses, and the other is the harbor of Agios Georgios, where most of the population reside.

Panagia

Panagia is about 4 kilometers from the harbor on the foothills of Mount Pappas. It is a pretty little hamlet built in pure Cycladic style, with whitewashed houses straddling narrow streets and it boasts several lovely churches, including that of the blue-domed Virgin Mary. The incredible sea views from Panagia make it well worth the visit and you will also find freshly baked bread and wonderful rice pudding made from goat’s milk at the village bakery to fortify you after your walk up. From Panagia, you can reach the cave of Saint John to inspect the intriguing stalactite and stalagmite formations, which are coated in a rare material known as spilaio gala (or cave milk). The chapel of Prophet Elijah is located on the highest peak of Irakleia just further up, at 420 meters.

Agios Georgios

The port of Agios Georgios is named after the chapel of Saint George that sits in the village and all of the cubic, blue-shuttered houses have nice views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It is here that you will find most of the amenities, including rooms to let and taverns serving homegrown delicacies. There is a beautiful sandy beach which, despite being next to the harbor, is immaculately clean, where you can enjoy an excellent swim. You can also take a tour around the island by hopping on one of the small boats that depart from here daily, including stop-offs at various beaches that are inaccessible by road.

Best Beaches

Most of the beaches in Irakleia are totally untouched by tourism and many of them are so remote that they can only be reached on foot via the island’s extensive network of footpaths – or by boat. With sugared sand and transparent waters, each beach offers serenity and calm in unique surroundings.

Agios Georgios Beach

Agios Georgios beach is right next to the port of Irakleia yet it is very long and sandy with crystalline waters. A few trees offer natural shade and it is an adorable spot to sit and admire the small fishing boats bobbing on the shoreline. There are some restaurants and shops nearby, as well as all the necessary amenities for travellers.

Livadi Beach

Livadi beach is really quite stunning. It is Irakleia’s largest and most popular beach and can be found on the northeast side of the island. The sandy coastline and sparkling shallow waters make it a firm favorite with visitors of all ages and it is also popular with campers. Just a five-minute walk from Agios Georgios, at Livadi beach you will enjoy both remoteness and natural beauty, although there are a couple of handy beach bars serving refreshments and snacks for your convenience.

Karvounolakos Beach

Karvounolakos beach is a small isolated beach located in a serene cove on the southern coast of Irakleia. It is only accessible by sea, with one of the small boats leaving the harbor daily but definitely worth a visit if you want to experience pure beach perfection.

Alimia Beach

This is a favorite beach for snorkelers, eager to inspect the sunken WWII seaplane lying just under the water’s surface. Located in a sheltered cove, you can get there via one of the island’s walking trails, although it is easier to go with one of the sea buses that make daily trips there and back.

Tourkopigado Beach

This beach can be reached via the coastal road or on foot and lies just two kilometers southeast of Panagia village in a small bay. The views on the way to Tourkopigado are simply breathtaking while the beach itself will not disappoint you, with fine white pebbles and ultra-clear water. The narrow, wind-free cove is a perfect spot for yachts and catamarans to drop anchor.

Merichas Beach

Located on the south part of Irakleia, this beach is also home to the cave of the same name. The imposing scenery of steep cliffs protects the pebbled bay with its deep waters, inviting you to dive in and enjoy its charm. Here you can totally switch off and forget all of your worries while relishing the sheer peace and quiet. Just after Merichas cove, you can spot sea caves used by the monachus monachus seals; a reminder that the island is a specially protected area (SPA).

Transportation Around Irakleia

On an island of this size, there is no need for a wide public transport network although you will find a minibus to take you from the port of Agios Georgios to Panagia. No taxis or car rentals are available either but you can hire a scooter or motorbike if you prefer. Irakleia has some of the best-preserved hiking paths in the area, with routes clearly marked out for walkers to explore the extent of this alluring island.