Heraklion Cyclades, Day Cruises – Settlements – Beaches – Food

OR Iraklia is a small island of the Cyclades, to the south of Naxos. rocky, with pristine beaches, hiking trails and untouched nature is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday.

Agios Georgios - port

OR Heraklion belongs to Municipality of Naxos & Small Cyclades (Iraklia, Schinousa Koufonisia, Donousa). THE Saint George it is the main port and the largest settlement of the island.

Agios Georgios - port

HERACLEIA – DAY CRUISES

daily cruises are mainly performed by Naxos, Paro and Amorgos, to all of them Small Cyclades, with a stop for swimming - food at St. George Heraklion (port - settlement).

• From Naxos and Paro :

indicatively the Alexander boat (ή Cyclades Cruises) which runs the excursion from Naxos Country and Piso Livadi Paros to Small Cyclades with a stay of 1.45' in Ag. George Heraklion (early May – early October, usually every Thursday), the Once Cruises from Naxos Country and Agia Anna Naxos (Every Wednesday), with a stop at Iraklia (from 1/5 – 30/9). From Naxos to Iraklia and Small Cyclades by ship 'EXPESS SCOPELITIS».

• From Amorgos :

the ship "EXPESS SCOPELITIS», of the company "MICRES KYKLADES" http://www.smallcycladeslines.gr, based in Amorgos. The ship joins her Amorgos (Aegiali and Katapola) with the Naxos and Small Cyclades, with a stop at Iraklia. Possibility to rent a sailing boat from Amorgos at Small Cyclades (private cruise).

• From Schinoussa :

indicatively with the boat Aeolia (Aeolia) (tel. : 6982 002427), which runs day trips and private cruises to Iraklia (tour of the island).

HERAKLIA - BEACHES - SOUNDS

Most of the beaches of Heraklion are only accessible from the sea, γι’ this and there are boats and caiques that perform Daily trips towards the southern beaches of the island (May – October, target price 30 € per person).

Boats depart from Ag. George and from beach Turkopigado (easy access by local bus as well).

• Agios Georgios Beach - Settlement - Port, NE of the island

THE Ag. George (Ai George for the locals) has a large sandy beach, crystal clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. Constitutes popular tourist destination and here you will find most accommodation, taverns and cafes - bars of the island. In the sights church of Ag. Georgiou (1834), that gave the name to the settlement. By the AG. George you will get it communal bus for settlements and beaches (period of operation 20/6 – 10/9).

Saint George (port) – "Fani Gavala" square

in central square of Ag. Georgiou, "Fani Gavala", it takes place every year for three days Festival "FANI GAVALA" (27-29 August). Fanis Gavalas has been mayor of Iraklia for many years.

• Meadow beach, E of the island and S of Ag. Georgiou

The Meadow It is 1,5 km from the port of Ag. Georgiou and you can go on foot, by car, by motorbike or by the community bus (information about itineraries, Community, tel. : 22850 71545, Citizen Service : tel. 22850 77004).

The Meadow has a large sandy beach, shallow, few accommodations and taverns - cafes - bars.

In the Livadiou hill you will see residue castle, Hellenistic period (path access).

Its open Ormos Livadiou is the Venetian islet and in the background the island Schinoussa.

Ormos Livadiou – Venetian islet – Schinoussa

• Northern Cave, N of the island, W of St. Georgiou (port)

Beautiful beach, with sand and two caves (who gave the name to the beach). Ideal for isolation only affected by the north. Access from the sea or from the path that starts from Agios. George (1,3 km, 15’).

• Agios Athanasios, mountain settlement

Abandoned settlement, with half-demolished houses, the small church of Ag. Athanasiou and a nice view. Access by path from Ag. George (3 km, 1 time).

• Virgin or Country, 4,5 km from Ag. George (port).

Church of Panagia – small church of Agios Nektarios

The settlement took its name from the great one Church of Our Lady. It is dedicated to the Entrances of the Virgin (21/11) but the main festival takes place on 15/8, in the church yard, with a feast and free food. At 9/11 celebrates it too small church of St. Nektariou, which is located next to Panagia.

THE Panagia settlement has few houses, some churches and the community clinic.

The biggest religious pilgrimage of Heraklia is on 28/8, eve of his feast day Saint John's (29/8), which also coincides with the three days Festival «FANIS GAVALAS» (27-29 August). The Festival takes place every year in the courtyard of the church of Panagia and in the square of Ag. Georgiou (port). Includes music, theatrically, games and a traditional feast with food (free).

From Virgin most start hiking trails (with marking). The highest peak of Heraklia is the mountain Priest (about 419 m.), in the south of the island, near Panagia settlement. From here starts the hiking trail to Cave of St. John (1,5 hour from Panagia). On the feast of St (29/8) the inhabitants start on foot from the Virgin for Cave (where the image was found). From Panagia you can walk to the hill of the Prophet Elias, to the Pope, the chapel, for photos from above. in Virgin you can reach on foot, by car, by motorbike and by the community bus.

• Turkopigado, A of the island, 2 km from Panagia

Beautiful beach in a closed bay, fjord, is a safe mooring for boats. Sandy, shallow waters and a small port from which they leave boats for trips to beaches (Captain Antonis). Easy access from Virgin, by foot, by car, by motorbike and by the community bus.

• Mericha Bay

Famous for its rock formations, As the Feather of Mericha, the much-photographed rock standing vertically 100 m. above sea level. Access only from the sea and with the excursion boats from Ag. George or Turkopigado. Seabirds, vultures, eagles, migratory birds, sea ​​turtles, seals find refuge in the rocks and caves of Heraklia, belonging to the Natura network 2000.

• Ammoudi, Mericha Bay

Small beach with pebbles and its impressive rocks above Mericha Bay. Accessible only from the sea, with the excursion boats from Ag. George or Turkopigado.

• Coal paste, N. Island's,

Beautiful beach with coarse pebbles, clear blue-green waters and dark rocks. Access only from the sea and with the excursion boats from Ag. George or Turkopigado.

• Alimia, ND. Island's,

THE Alimia Bay has a sandy beach, blue-green waters and a sunken German seaplane of the B.P.P., visible from the surface of the sea (about 9 m.).

Access from the sea and with the boats that make day trips from Ag. George and Turkopigado.

HARKLEIA – FOOD, FUN

We mention the following companies as examples :

• «Bee», Ag. George, wine grocer with local products such as Heraklion fava beans, thyme honey Heraklion, local cheeses, necessities and coffee tables, refreshment, drink.

• «Perigiali», Ag. George, for super market items and local products.
• «In White", A. George, coffee bar above the super market.

• «Wire», Ag. George, for coffee, breakfast, ouzo appetizers etc.

• «Aeolus», Ag. George, pizzeria-cafeteria on the hill overlooking the port.
• «The passing», Ag. George, for coffee, sandwich , crepes, waffles.

• «Araklia», Ag. George, the restaurant of chef Yiannis Gavalas, for local goat, Heraklion fava beans and dishes with local products from the Cyclades.
• «He doesn't say», Ag. George, Akathis restaurant, fresh fish.
• «The Submarine», Ag. George, fish restaurant, ouzo appetizers.

• «The Pine», Ag. George, tavern with courtyard and tables under the big pine tree, on the main road.

• "Maistrali», Ag. George, for coffee, breakfast (on the road to Livadi).
• «The Javri» St. Georgios steakhouse for skewers (central Road).
• «Pera Article Restaurant Cafe Cocktail Bar Iraklia», Meadow, in the morning for coffee, at noon for food and in the evening for drinks.
• «Thymari», Meadow.
• «The Dew», Virgin, tavern – steakhouse, for traditional food.

HERACLEIA – ACCESS

OR Iraklia is located S of Naxos, in the cluster of islands named Small Cyclades and you will arrive by liner from its port Piraeus, after passing the Naxos or by ship "EXPESS SCOPELITIS», of the company "MICRES KYKLADES", http://www.smallcycladeslines.gr, running the route Naxos – Iraklia.