General Information & Reviews

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Iraklia island is a tiny island that belongs to the Cyclades complex. It is geographically located between Naxos and Ios, two of the most popular Greek islands, but still, Iraklia preserves its calm and traditional style. Due to its small size, Iraklia hasn't developed much its tourism facilities, however, its natural beauty and pure atmosphere are much attractive to visitors.

Around Iraklia, there are many other tiny islands, like Schinoussa and Koufonisia. Only a few people live permanently in Iraklia and its number doesn't overpass 150 residents. However, in summer, the island gets more population who has summer houses there or deal with tourism businesses.

The main port of Iraklia is Agios (Saint) Georgios, a picturesque small harbor that owes its name to a small chapel that is found close by. Some houses and rooms to rent have been built around this port. The other village of Iraklia is Panagia, located in the center of the island with fewer inhabitants. In summer, small excursion boats leave from Agios Georgios and make the tour of the island, stopping at several beaches.

The most famous beach in Iraklia is Livadi, an impressive sandy beach with crystal water. There are also many other beaches and small coves in Iraklia to enjoy privacy and calmness.

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Reviews

4/5.0
2 Reviews
  • olivrre 28 Nov 2009
    Lovely memories
    Our holidays in Iraklia didn't last more than a day. We went there with Skopelitis ferry from Naxos, the legendary ship that makes trips between Amorgos, Naxos and the small Cyclades. So convenient when the large ships do not have itineraries.

    It strikked me with surprise that Irakliais so sparcely populated. A few houses are seen here and there, and many of them are not actually residences but rooms to let. Iraklia is a place with traditional colours and lovely people. The locals were old and could speak only few English, but they were nice to everyone. They welcomed you with a big smile and delicious dishes.

    I loved walking in the streets and see fishermen undoing their nets in the port. Smells from cooking food was all around and you could see old people drinking coffee in their yard. How lovely memories! We went swimming only in the beach close to the port and it was great. Clean water, sand and few visitors. What else to ask from your Greek holidays?

    Ferry from Naxos to Iraklia takes less than an hour, but ask the day before for the schedules because they may switch from one day to the other.
  • 1234ttr 05 Jul 2009
    Fix water supply
    We spent the last two days of our holidays in Iraklia last year. After ten days in Naxos, we took the ferry and went to Iraklia (only 1 hour away). We hadn't booked a room but it was easy to find when we got there. Of course, it was early June which made things easier. To tell the truth, I don't know if we could book a hotel from the Internet (I don't even know if Irakliahas internet connection, even phone calls were bad!).

    Not many visitors had arrived when we were there. It was obvious not only from the hotel but also from the beaches... The first day evening, we were the only people to swim in the beach! Our room was close to the port. Didn't see anything from the island than the port and the beach of Livadi, where we went on foot. We stayed only for two days and didn't have much time, prefered to relax than walk under the burning sun.

    One thing impressed me on Iraklia: the hotel onwer told us to use water wisely because it could run out and then we wouldn't have water for two days!! Can you imagine that? We understood that this is the usual practice with the small Greek islands: tankers come in summer and fill in cisterns with water. Can't you find another solution for this? It seems unworking for me. Maybe, you should built underwater pipes from Athens to provide islands with water.

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