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Iraklia is a small island belonging to the archipelago of the cloisters or “the small cloaks”, as these very small islands are also called. It is located between Naxos and Ios. Although the island is relatively close to larger islands with some tourism, this small island has managed to keep tourism away. The island has less than 100 inhabitants.
“Iraklia has a beautiful and wild nature and is very suitable to explore on foot”
There are not many places you can hire as a tourist, but enough to provide a reasonable number of visitors. Iraklia has a beautiful and wild nature and is very suitable to explore on foot on the many hiking and walking paths. There are only two cities on the island. The main town of Agios Georgios with the port of the island, and Panagia which is located in the middle of the island.
“There’s not really much else to do on the island than to wander, enjoy the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters.”
Iraklia has several lovely beaches around the coastline, and several of them can only be reached by the many hiking trails. There is also not much else to do on the island than to wander, enjoy the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
You can eat very well in Iraklia and we can strongly recommend the taverna “To Pefko” in the center of Agios Georgios. It has got its name after the huge big pine tree in the middle of the cozy tavern. Two Pefko was one of the very first taverns that opened on the island and they serve really good Greek food. And then there is a nice atmosphere.
On Iraklia we have contact to a great place located on the outskirts of the main city of Agios Georgios. The location is high and overlooks both the port of Agios Georgios and the sea on the other side of the island. There are 4 large en-suite rooms and a fridge, as well as access to shared kitchen facilities. All rooms are located to VERY large terrace area and here is plenty of space to enjoy the sun and the beautiful view. The sunset from this place is wonderfully beautiful and at least in line with the much mentioned one can experience in the city of Oia on Santorini.
It is walking distance to the sea on both sides and only 5 minutes’ walk to the city center.
You wake up in the morning to the sunrise by the sound of the goats’ clocks as the shepherd comes straight past the terrace on his way out into the hinterland with his goat flock. Exactly as they have done it for centuries. Are you looking for this kind of vacation with beautiful nature, sun and man-made beaches, as well as authentic Greek island life, this island is addictive.
“The shepherd comes straight past our terrace on his way into the hinterland with his goat flock. Exactly as it has been done for centuries”
The small coastal islands are very popular for islanders and it is recommended to visit several of these small islands on the same holiday. There are daily ferry service between most of the islands.
View more photos from Iraklia on Instagram #KruseTravel.dk.