Iraklia Island (Small Cyclades), Greece: Agios Georgios, Beaches & the Cave
Iraklia, also spelled Herakleia, is one of the Small Cyclades around Naxos, a quiet island of 17.5 square kilometres with about 110 residents. The ferries arrive at the port village of Agios Georgios in the north, the mountain village of Panagia sits inland, and the island keeps a relaxed, authentic feel that the residents like to protect. It is a place for walkers: many spots are reached only on foot, and the largest cave in the Cyclades lies below its highest hill.
- Group
- Small Cyclades
- Size
- 17.5 km²
- Population
- ~110
- Port
- Agios Georgios
The island of Iraklia
Iraklia is one of the Small Cyclades that surround the much larger island of Naxos. It measures 17.5 square kilometres and has around 110 inhabitants, and it is served by ferries as well as by excursion boats on day trips from Naxos Town. Compared with other islands it is very quiet, authentic and picturesque, with few facilities and a wild, mountainous, rugged landscape; the highest hill, Papas, rises to 419 metres. It is green and full of flowers in spring and dry and barren in summer, and it suits walkers, since most places are reached on foot.
Agios Georgios (the port)
Agios Georgios is the port village in the north of Iraklia and the main place to stay. It has a sandy beach with trees and benches for shade, a handful of accommodations, a few tavernas, a snack bar and two mini-markets, one of which also sells ferry tickets; there is a supermarket, a cafe, a town hall and churches. Since 2009 there has also been an ATM in the village. Most of the accommodation is on the edge of the village, on the way towards Livadi, the best beach on the island.
Panagia (the mountain village)
Panagia is a small village in the mountains, reached from Livadi in about 25 to 30 minutes on foot, or about 45 minutes from the port. It is one long street where mainly older people live, though in recent years families with roots on Iraklia have been moving back. Panagia has a supermarket, a bakery, a restaurant and a church, a wide view over several islands, and paths leading on to more beautiful places. A path from Panagia towards the west reaches a cave with stalactites near Voukaria Bay.
Beaches of Iraklia
The two easiest beaches to reach are the small beach at the port and Livadi, the main beach. Livadi is a large sandy beach about 200 metres long, shallow and safe for small children, set in a bay with calm water, tavernas and trees with stone benches at the back; it has no sunbeds or parasols, and a section at its far end allows naturism. It is a 20-minute walk over a small hill from the harbour. Other beaches include Tourkopigado and Merichas, reached on foot or by asphalt road, and the boat-only coves of Karvounolakos and Alimia, where a German plane from the Second World War lies off the coast and divers come for the special blue water. See more on the Iraklia beaches guide.
The cave & sights
The cave church of Agios Ioannis, with its stalactites just below the island's highest mountain, Papas, is the most important sight on Iraklia and the largest cave in the Cyclades. There are two caves opposite each other, one with a church bell hanging outside, and you can walk to them from the harbour of Agios Georgios or from Panagia, about an hour from Panagia. Bring a torch, as there are no lights inside. Papas Hill itself gives spectacular views across the sea and the surrounding islands, and there are remains of castles in the Bay of Meriha, at Livadi and on Papas Hill.
Where to stay on Iraklia
Almost all of the accommodation on Iraklia is in and around Agios Georgios, within walking distance of the port and Livadi beach, in simple rooms, studios and small guesthouses run by local families. See all of them on the Iraklia accommodations page.
Getting to Iraklia
The small car ferry Express Skopelitis links Naxos with all the Small Cyclades and on to Amorgos; Iraklia is its first stop, about 1 hour 35 minutes from Naxos, and it runs several times a week, daily from 15 June to 15 September. A faster, more comfortable car ferry run by NEL-Lesvos Maritime reaches Iraklia from Naxos in about an hour, and the Blue Star ferry runs from Piraeus (Athens) via Paros and Naxos in about 6.5 hours, four times a week in high season. A daily boat also connects Iraklia with Naxos. Ferry schedules change with the season, so always check before you travel.
