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Iraklia
Iraklia is a small island of the Cyclades which is situated between Amorgos and Naxos. With Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Donousa and the uninhabited Keros form the famous Small Cyclades. Its land area is 18 sq.kms and its permanent habitants do not exceed 100 people.
Iraklia is an island where the visitor has the chance to enjoy authentic vacations full of calm and tranquility. The sun, the clear blue sea, the true hospitality and the quality food will charm even the most discerning visitor.
It is famous for its excellent thyme honey, fava and its livestock products.
History
Iraklia seems to be constantly inhabited since prehistoric times and up to the modern era. During the Medieval times and Ottoman rule the island had become a pirate nest and base due to its caves and small bays. A lot of percussive spirals (petroglyphs), characteristic symbols of the Early Bronze Age, have been found in Iraklia. Most of them have been craved on stable rocks. Unknown number of figurines has also been found in Iraklia and the surrounding islands and at present they are hosted not only in museums in Greece but also in museums abroad, as well as in private collections.
During German occupation it served as a hiding place and field of action for Greek and allied resistance fighters who were assisting mainly with communications and harbouring fighters towards the Middle East. All along there was a special relationship with the neighbouring Amorgos and the monastery of Hozoviotissa. Since the 19th century the habitants of Iraklia come from Amorgos.
As the lyrics of a song say:
“I came by Iraklia – I also went to Schinoussa
I beheld Koufonisia – and I anchored at Donousa
Our nice islands – are in our hearts “
Sights
Cave of Agios Ioannis
The cave of Agios Ioannis is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Greece. It is located in the west side of the island, near the bay of Vourkaria. The path is quite interesting and it takes an hour walking to reach it.
Although the cave is unexploited, visitors can admire the impressive stalagmites and stalactites that have been created over the years.
Castle
In the east side of the island, above the Livadi beach, there are the ruins of the old fortress of the Hellenistic Period.
The “castle” is easily accessible from the asphalted road of Panagia – Agios Georgios.
From up there, the visitor can admire the superb view.
Old seaplane in Alimia
In the Alimia bay and at a depth of almost 9 meters is the “carcass” of a German seaplane ARADO AR196 which was shot down in the sea between Irakleia and Ios during the 2nd World War. A buoy points the spot so that the visitor can easily find it. In case of fair weather, the seaplane can be seen from the surface of the sea. Over the years, a special habitat has been formed around it.
Photo: Naxos Diving Center
Merichas
It’s a bay on the southeast side of the island which is surrounded by impressive cliffs of over 100 meters high.
It’s a natural attraction where wild birds nest. At the base of the cliffs there are two beautiful beaches.
Paths
Iraklia has an excellent network of paths which is consisted of 8 main maped paths of total length 16 kilometres. It’s the best way for the visitor to get to know. It’s worth hiking along them and admire the great view.
- 1. Village of Panagia – Peak of Mount Papas
- 2. Village of Panagia – West Merichas Cove
- 3. Village of Panagia – Cave of Agios Ioannis
- 4. Agios Athanasios – Seladi
- 5. Cave of Agios Ioannis – Alimia Cove
- 6. Alimia Cove, at Averou – Agios Athanasios
- 7. Agios Athanasios – Agios Ioannis
- 8. Agios Ioannis – Vorini Spilia
Settlements
Iraklia has three main settlements: Agios Georgios where the port of the island is, Panagia (Chora) and the almost abandoned settlement of Agios Athanasios.
Agios Georgios
It is the biggest and the most growing settlement of the island. That’s where the port is, as well as the homonymous beach with the large tamarisk trees which offer great shadow to the visitors of the island throughout the day.
Panagia
Panagia is the traditional capital of Iraklia. It is built in the centre of the island and in the midway between the port and the quiet beach of Tourkopigado on the other side of the island. The traditional stone built houses of this settlement as well as the beautiful view towards the endless blue and the surrounding islands stimulate the visitor.
Agios Athanasios
Whoever visits this settlement takes a trip into time and tradition. It is located on the northwest side of the island and it has almost been abandoned. This traditional village with the old stone houses, sample of the traditional Cycladic architecture, has magnificent view.
Beaches
On this small island there are beaches with sparkling, blue-green waters in which the visitor can enjoy swimming and relax. In summer regular boat trips are organized during which someone can sail around the island or visit those beaches that are not accessible by car or on foot.
Visitors can choose among sandy beaches such as Agios Georgios, Livadi, Tourkopigado, Vorini Spilia and Alimia or pebble beaches, as for example Karvounolakos and Ammoudi of Merichas. The coasts of the island are rocky, such as Xilobatis kai Agriomelissa but also steep and craggy as for instance Merichas and Vala.
