š¬ Natural untouched Iraklia
š Iraklia is the largest island of the Lesser Cyclades archipelago and is located south of Naxos.
ā Iraklia is an untouched small island with a serene and calm atmosphere, unspoiled and impressive natural landscapes and beautiful pristine beaches with crystal-clear water.
āŖļø There are ferry connections with Athens and the surrounding islands of the Cyclades, especially Naxos.
āŖļø Inhabited since prehistoric times, and the name Iraklia has been known since Antiquity, the island has only about 80 residents in 2 villages: the port and main tourist area of Agios Georgios and the small capital Panagia.
āŖļø Stunning nature with the impressive Agios Ioannis cave, exceptional richness in flora & fauna, picturesque landscapes with historical sites, traditional appearance with a relaxed and serene ambience, along with local hospitality are the highlights of this wonderful island.
āŖļø As part of the Nature 2000 Network of natural habitats, the enchanting untouched natural environment ensures a tranquil atmosphere in harmony with living alongside nature.Ā
āŖļø An island for a quiet and peaceful vacation, relaxing at a leisurely and slow pace, enjoying in lovely nature and hiking on exceptional trails, swimming on beautiful pristine beaches.
Serene Agios Georgios port
Agios Georgios port is the main tourist spot in the north of the island, located amphitheatrically around a small picturesque port and on the hill above.
Next to the harbor with colorful fishing boats, there is a nice sandy beach with tamarisk trees with plenty of shade.
Agios Georgios is a small settlement, traditional architecture with scattered white houses and plenty of greenery and flowers with a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The village is home to the beautiful Taxiarchon church nestled in greenery.
The charm of this idyllic setting is provided by lovely cafes and taverns where you can try delicious local dishes.
Accommodations located on the hill offer a wonderful view and sunset.
At the top of the hill above the port, there is a picturesque windmill with a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Livadi
The impressive bay is the largest beach in Iraklia, near the Agios Georgios port.
Wonderful beach with fine yellow sand and shallow turquoise transparent water and trees with shade.
Ideal for resting and enjoying, swimming in lovely crystal-clear water.
The beach features volleyball court, as well as a tavern where you can enjoy in local cuisine.
Kastro
On the hill above Livadi beach dominated Kastro fortress. The ruins of a fortress are from the Hellenistic period, which was used during the Middle Ages as a stronghold for pirate attacks.
From the fortress there is an incredible view on Livadi beach and the islands of Shinusa and distant Naxos.
Panagia (Pano Horio)
Panagia is a small village and capital located on a hill in the middle of the island.
In the village there is a beautiful church of Panagia. The calming ambience enhances the beautiful view on the island’s surroundings.
Iraklia beaches
Iraklia is a serene island of stunning nature with beautiful pristine sandy and pebble beaches with crystal-clear water.
The beaches are untouched and secluded and great for lovers of peaceful and natural surroundings!
A few beaches are accessible only by boat, and some on foot via lovely paths with wonderful landscapes.
āŖļø Iraklia beaches. My recommendation! ā¬
1ļøā£ Alimia
2ļøā£ Merichas Bay & Ammoudi
3ļøā£ Livadi
4ļøā£ Vorini Spilia
5ļøā£ Tourkopigado
6ļøā£ Agios Georgios
Hiking
There are 8 marked hiking trails that pass through wild natural scenery, revealing true untouched beauty. These trails will enchant every nature and hiking enthusiast!
The trails lead to the highest peak of Mount Papas at 420m with an incredible view, stunning cliffs that leave you breathless, the impressive Agios Ioannis cave, a natural wonder and the largest cave of the Cyclades, pristine beaches & caves, wonderful locations with exceptional flora & faunaā¦
Merichas Bay
Spectacular location in the south with steep stunning cliffs that take your breath away!
The bay is reached by an exceptional hiking trail that begins in the Panagia village and passes along wonderful landscapes, revealing the true unspoiled beauty of nature.
The trail continues along an impressive cliff with an incredible view of the deep blue and the Ios island s in the distance! The steep cliffs and impressive pristine natural environment are home to numerous birds. I personally enjoyed in the magic of the majestic Eagle flight!šš¦
Mount Papas
The trail continues uphill to the highest peak of Mount Papas at 420m, passing through unreal landscapes of primeval nature with lush greenery.
From the top there is an incredible panoramic view on the surrounding islands of Schinoussa, Koufonisi, Keros and other small islands!
The path returns the same way back to the Panagia village. I took a big risk and on my own went down a very dangerous and steep cliff without a trail to the other west side, all the way to the Agios Ioannis cave!
Agios Ioannis cave
The great trail number 3 starts from the Panagia village, passing through the beautiful landscapes on the west side to the impressive Agios Ioannis cave.
The cave has 2 separate parts and the first smaller one has an easily accessible entrance.
The second main part is more impressive and has a narrow little entrance that requires crawling on your knees for about 3m up to the first chamber where there is an altar and huge stalagmites.
The little-explored cave is a wonder of nature and the largest cave of the Cyclades with many chambers with incredible labyrinths of stalactites and stalagmites!
Staying and exploring the cave is an unforgettable adrenaline adventure! Exposure to pitch black is an astonishing experience! Highly recommended!
Alimia cove
When you take from the cave an the excellent trail number 5 towards the west, you pass through wild natural landscapes and above the Alimia Bay, and return via a great trail by the sea and Vourkaria Bay.
Alimia is a great sandy beach with a pristine landscape and wonderful turquoise clear water. There are few trees on the beach that provide shade. It can be reached mostly by boat, but it is possible to go down outside the trail number 5 and hike down to it.
The beach is exceptional for diving enthusiasts! In the sea at a depth of about 7m, there is a wreck of a German plane from World War II, which entices divers to explore it.
Vorini Spilia
A wonderful bay located about 2 km away on foot on an easy path from the port.
A sandy beach with small pebbles in part of the beach and gorgeous turquoise clear water, perfect for enjoying a serene natural setting.
Nearby there is a small cave after which the beach takes its name.
Tourkopigado
A beautiful pebble beach situated in a picturesque cove surrounded by rocks in the east, about 2.5 km from the Panagia capital.
Connected by an asphalt road that goes from the Agios Georgios port to the capital and ending at this beach.
As you descends towards the beach, there is an extraordinary view on the bay.
