Iraklia

Iraklia is the biggest island in the Small Cyclades if you look at the square metre, but it's the least populated with only 115 inhabitants. The majority of the islander's works with fishing or agricultures, a few has its income from tourism. Iraklia is the ultimate island for everyone who wants to experience Greece that it turned out before. It's also an island for those who seeks peace and quite, like to walk along lonely donkey paths and for those who like to spend lazy days on empty beaches and lonesome nights at small cosy tavernas with tasty Greek food. If you like all this you have found the perfect place to spend your vacation.

Getting here
The small car ferry Express Skopelitis sail the same route six to seven days a week during the summer months: Naxos - Iraklia - Schinoussa - Koufonissi - Amorgos (and vice versa). Three four days a week it also goes to Donoussa. Blue Star Ferries big boats go the same rout three to four days a week.

Getting around
By feet. Scooter is to rent during high season.

Villages
Two small villages are what Iraklia can offer: Agios Georgios (the port) and Panagia, also called Chora. The small picturesque port village Agios Georgios lies fantastic beautiful. Here live approximately half of the islands inhabitants. In the village you will find several pensions, three tavernas, one bar, one supermarket and a tourist office that also contain a mishmash of many things, like a post office, a café, a travel agency and a mini market. Don't miss!

In the "capital" Panagia the inhabitants lives a simple farmer life, here is not much for tourists; a mini market with bakery and one tiny taverna is the only thing the village has to offer.

Beaches
Most of the tourists take the short walk to Livadi beach fifteen minutes from the port. It is not only the easiest beach to reach; it is also the best and longest beach on the island. No facilities. One taverna is open during high season. Above the beach is some rests of an old fortress (Kastro) from Hellenistic time. There is also a decent beach at the port.

Sights
The only sight on the island is Agios Ioannis, a cave church just below Iraklias highest mountain (Papas). What does this cave so special, apart from several stalactites, is that it also functions as church. Actually it's two caves located opposite each other. The one that works as church is easy to notice since it hangs a church bell outside. You can walk here from a the port or from Chora.

Accomodation
As on many small islands Iraklia has a limited range of rooms. During high season it is almost impossible to find a place to stay if you haven't reserved in advance. During low- and middle season you will not have any problem. There are no pensions in Chora; all accommodations are in the port and above Livadi beach. Anna's Rooms are one of the best pensions on the island. From here you have a delicate view over the port. Telephone: +30 22850-71145.