Description of the attraction
Irakleia (Iraklia) is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is located between the islands of Naxos and Ios. Irakleia is the westernmost island of the Lesser Cyclades group. The area of the island is 18 sq. Km, and the coastline is about 30 km. Today there are only two settlements on the island - the administrative center of Irakleia, the village of Panagia (located in the central part of the island) and the port of Agios Georgios.
Irakleia is picturesque natural landscapes, many magnificent beaches (Livadi, Agios Georgios, Alimia, Vorini Spilia, Karvunolakos, etc.), crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, the unique flavor of local settlements, as well as the enchanting atmosphere of cordiality and hospitality of the inhabitants of the island … Almost untouched by mass tourism, the Iraklea island is an ideal place for lovers of a quiet secluded vacation far from civilization in complete harmony with nature.
Among the sights of the island, the cave of St. John certainly deserves special attention - one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Greece with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You should definitely climb Mount Papas (420 m above sea level), from the top of which you can enjoy amazing panoramic views, as well as visit one of the most beautiful places on the island - Merihas Bay, surrounded by picturesque rocks, the height of which sometimes exceeds 100 m. Among the most interesting temples of Irakleia it is worth noting the Church of the Virgin Mary (perhaps the most impressive structure of the island), the Church of St. George (1834), the Church of Taxiarchis with a magnificent iconostasis and the Chapel of the Prophet Elijah. Also of interest are the remains of a fortified settlement of the Hellenistic period (second half of the 4th century BC), built on the ruins of the temple of Zeus and the sanctuary of the goddess Tyche (Tyche), and the abandoned village of St. Athanasius - a fine example of Cycladic architecture.
Iraklea Island is a real paradise for bird watchers. In 2010, 175 bird species were recorded on the island, including quite rare and endangered species.
You can visit the island of Irakleia as a one-day visit, or spend your vacation here (or part of it), although in the latter case, you should take care of booking accommodation in advance, since the choice is very limited. You can get to Irakleia from the islands of Naxos and Paros, as well as from the Athenian port of Piraeus.
