IRAKLIA

(Pocket Guide )
IRAKLEIA

Irakleia is the westernmost island of the Small Eastern Cyclades group. The island's surface area is 18.078 square kilometers and it's located south of
Naxos, about 18 nautical miles from Naxos Town (1 hour and 15 minutes by ferry) and 2.5 nautical miles from Naxos's southern capes, Gaitani and
Katomeri. Irakleia has a population of 150 who inhabit two settlements: Panayia or Hora (the main village) and Ayios Georgios, the port.

Irakleia is a good destination for travelers wanting to get away from all. There's little nightlife on the island, but it's an ideal setting for leisurely strolls or
underwater exploration. The port has water supply facilities for boats. The island also has a heliport. There is neither bank nor gas station, however.

Islanders make a living from livestock keeping and farming. The island is famous for its cheeses, meats (goat, lamb, and pork), its fava and its fine
thyme honey. In summer, locals also work in tourism-related services.

HISTORY

Irakleia — also known as Arakleia and, in the Middle Ages, as Irakleitsa — preserves its ancient name. Important archaeological finds, now exhibited in
museums, suggest Irakleia flourished from 3200 B.C. through 1000 B.C., when Cycladic civilization reached its peak.

For long periods, however, the island was abandoned as inhabitants took flight to escape pirate raids. From the late 18th century through 1826, most of
the island was infertile and only a few lots (metohia, or dependencies) were cultivated or used for grazing animals for Panayia Hozoviotissa’s monks on
Amorgos, as the island was one of the monastery’s assets.

In 1826, small illegal colonies began being formed on the island by migrants from Aegiali, a village on Amorgos. In 1831, the monastery formally allowed
migrants from Aegiali to settle on the island, granting them ten -year licenses to occupy and exploit their products in return for a fifty percent share.

SIGHTS

Ayios Ioannis Cave, the largest in the Cyclades and among the most interesting in Greece, boasts impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. In
mythology, the cave was inhabited by Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant of The Odyssey; the Avelonisia, two rocky outcrops off the island's coast, are the
rocks Cyclops hurled at Odysseus.

Merihas, a small bay, is framed by sheer cliffs that rise more than 100 meters above the water. Wild pigeons and buzzards nest in its crevices, making
Merihas ideal for bird-watching.

Kastro at Livadi is a fortified defensive tower dating from the Hellenistic period.

The peak of Pappas Hill is the perfect spot for surveying the sea area around Irakleia, offering views to Ios, Paros, Antiparos, Naxos, Donoussa, Ikaria,
Makares, Koufonissia, Schoinoussa, Keros, Antikeri, Fidou, Agrilou, Amorgos, Anydros, Anafi, Santorini, Venetiko, and Avelonisia.

Ayios Athanasios an abandoned settlement features fine samples of Cycladic architecture and traditional island town planning.

At Almia Bay, a German hydroplane shot down during the second world war lies on the seabed, about seven meters from the surface. The wreckage is
visible from the surface, but also attracts divers and underwater photographers.

BEACHES

Irakleia’s beaches are unspoilt, with sparkling, pristine waters.

● Sand beaches: Livadi, Vorini, Spilia, Alpsia
● Pebble or shingle: Karvounolakos
● Rocky: Xylobatis
● Deep or secluded: Merihas, Vala

In summer, boats offer tours of the island and transport to beaches inaccessible by car or on foot.

EVENTS

A paniyiri is a traditional festival, often held as part of the observance of the feast of a saint or other religious celebration.

On August 15, in the forecourt of Panayia church in Panayia.

On the feast of Ayios Georgios, in the forecourt of Ayios Georgios church at Ayios Georgios.

On November 8, feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

On November 9, feast of Ayios Nektarios, in the courtyard of Ayios Nektarios church.

On August 28, eve of the beheading of Ayios Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Baptist), an evening service is held in the main chamber of the Ayios
Ioannis Cave, with pilgrims from surrounding islands arriving to take part in the poignant service.

Also, throughout the summer, the local administration and the Union of Irakleiotes in Athens organize various cultural events, including theatrical
performances and concerts.

USEFUL PHONES

COMMUNITY OF IRAKLEIA 22850 71545

CITIZENS SERVICE BUREAU (KEP) 22850 77004
MEDICAL CENTRE PANAGIAS 22850 71388
MEDICAL CENTRE AGIOU GEORGIOU 22850 71177

ORGANIZATIONS CATALOGUE

ACCOMMODATION

MAISTRALI ROOMS SPEIRES HOTEL ALEXANDRA

AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071807, 6974456662 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285077015, 6973027104 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071482, 6979038316

VILLA ZOGRAFOS NIRIIDES SUNSET

LIVADI,2285071946, 6977632066 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285074186, 6972755850 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071569, 6973637409

AGNANTEMA SOHORO STUDIOS MARIA PRASINOU

AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071484, 6978048789 IRAKLIA,2285071484, 6977189903 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071991, 6972430163

AGGELOS GIALIRIS MARIA

AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071486, 6973637409 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071488 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071485, 6978348401

ANNA'S PLACE VENETIKO STUDIOS AGNANTEMA

AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285074234, 6974724777 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285074282, 6977273127 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071484, 6978048789

MELTEMI
IRAKLIA,2285077024, 6973877936

RESTAURANTS

TO STEKI AIOLOS TO SYRMA

PANAGIA,2285071579, 6978278651 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071233, 6932632050 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071649, 6979873376

TAVERNA TO PERIGIALI MAISTRALI TO PERASMA

AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071118, 6978704475 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071807, 6974456662 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071569

GIALIRIS
AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071488

ENTERTAINMENT

MAKUBA BARAKI
LIVADI,6976383306, 6976383306 AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071487, 6972710572

TRAVEL AGENCIES - RENTALS

THE AEGEAN
AGIOS GEORGIOS,2285071561, 6974537981