Seaside village of the island with the beach and the whitewasahed houses in the background and a fishing boat in the blue sea

Irakleia

NOW 16 °C

Next 5 days

  • SUN 18 °C
  • MON 19 °C
  • TUES 20 °C
  • WED 18 °C
  • THURS 16 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

A rising destination in the Cyclades

Irakleia is the largest and westernmost island in the Minor Cyclades island group, a charming destination in the heart of the Aegean Archipelago, which you must absolutely add to your travelling experiences.

If holidays for you mean a chance to live in pristine natural surroundings, enjoy a slow pace of life, and relaxation, then we’d like to recommend this peaceful location and give you a couple of suggestions to try when you get there.
View of a stone-built house and the church of Panagia with the light blue dome is shown in the background

Unique Experiences

Irakleia Island is charming, beautiful, serene and tranquil. It may be the untouched Greek island you're looking for!

Explore the Ιsland

There are two villages on Irakleia, namely Chora or Panagia, and Agios Georgios where the island harbour is. This is where you’ll find a mini market, tavernas, a grocery, bars, cafés, a bank ATM and the local consulting room (just in case…). Enjoy a walk in Chora, stroll along its stone-paved alleys and pass by the traditional stone-built houses where the Cycladic architecture’s white and blue colours reign supreme. Agios Athanasios village is also worth visiting; it is now deserted but you will be impressed by the beautiful architecture of its buildings and the interesting town planning.

Follow any (or all) of the eight paths that stretch and wind in the hinterland and discover the island’s unspoilt beauty which has secured it a place in the Natura 2000 Network. One of these tracks starts from Panagia and will take you, after a one hour hike, to Agios Ioannis Cave – the biggest cave in the Cyclades with multiple chambers and amazing stalactites and stalagmites. All tracks will offer you breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the other Minor Cyclades Islands. However, the spot offering the finest view is the top of Papas Hill, south of Panagia. This is the highest location on Irakleia, where you will drink in the panoramic view of its winding shores and coves, as well as of all the neighbouring islands dotting the deep blue Aegean Sea waters.

On the east part, south of the harbour, visit Kastro (meaning fortress) which dominates Livadi Beach (the longest on the island) from its elevated position. You will see the ruins of a fort dating to the Hellenistic period (4th – 1st century BC), which was also used as a stronghold during the Middle Ages when the island suffered pirate attacks. This spot also offers a great view of Schinousa Island and Venetiko Islet.

Merichas Cove is part of the island’s south shores; it is a rugged and impressive landscape, as you will see two small beaches located against a backdrop of crags that surpass 100 metres in height. If you enjoy bird watching this is the place for you to be, as the weathered cliffs offer cracks and openings for wild birds to nest.

Those of you who enjoy diving will love Alimia Cove on the southwest coast. Seven metres below the water surface lies the wreck of a German World War II aeroplane, beckoning scuba divers to explore its secrets. So, grab your gear and maybe get a couple of underwater snapshots that will impress your friends back home.

Take part in the local fairs which take place on religious feast days such as that of the Dormition of the Mother of God (on August 15th); St. George’s feast which takes place in Agios Georgios (Greek for St. George) village; and St. John the Forerunner feast on August 28th – 29th. You can also watch theatre performances and music events which take place during the summer on the island.

Whatever dishes you taste on Irakleia, one thing’s for sure: they’re bound to be fresh, tasty, and fragrant! Try fish cooked fresh off the sea, local meat (lamb, goat, pork), traditional cheeses (ksinomyzithra and anthotyro among others), and the one and only fava, a well-famed flavourful dish made with local split peas, onions, capers and extra virgin olive oil. Last but not least, taste the famous local thyme honey; you’ll probably want to buy some for home before you leave.
BY SEA
Irakleia is connected to Piraeus and other Aegean ports. The conventional ferries "Piraeus - Irakleia" take around 6.5 hours to reach their destination.

Other destinations

VIEW CYCLADES
Arrive by Sea
There’s a ferry connection with Piraeus Port three times a week, and the ferry trip from Irakleia to nearby Naxos Island takes about one hour. It’s a 2.5 nautical miles distance from Irakleia to Naxos’ southernmost capes, Gaitani and Katomeri.

Ferry routes