IRAKLIA

Iraklia is the westernmost island of the Lesser (Eastern) Cyclades. The island has only recently become widely known, and as such maintains much of its pristine, unspoiled natural beauty. It is for this reason that the island is popular with visitors in search of peace and quiet.

According to mythology, the island was named after Herakles, who encountered it during his adventures. In addition, some of its landscapes are associated with the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, whom Odysseus blinded on his journey back to Ithaca from Troy.

The island’s main settlement is the charming Cycladic-style town known as Panagia or Chora, and its port and second largest settlement is Agios Georgios. Iraklia’s unspoiled nature, stony landscape and azure waters are the very distillation of authentic Aegean beauty.

The most significant landmark on the island is the impressive cave of Agios Ioannis, the largest in the Cyclades. It is this cave that has been associated with the mythical Polyphemus. The cave is not easily accessible, but is nevertheless well worth the visit, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

But what sets Iraklia apart is its beaches. The island offers crystal-clear blue waters and strikingly beautiful landscapes untouched by the masses, even during the summer months. Livadi, the island’s best-known beach, is easily accessible, with golden sands and shallow azure waters. Other beaches include Agios Georgios, Tourkopigado, Alimia, and Ammoudi at Merichas.

Gastronomy

Visitors to the Lesser Cyclades are in for a truly authentic culinary island experience: simplicity and the masterful use of top-quality home-grown ingredients. Indeed, simplicity and passion are at the heart of the ingredients used on Iraklia. Foods prepared here have no need of embellishments, and complex cooking techniques give way to the grandeur of effortless flavour.

The island’s honey is truly exceptional, standing out for its flavour and aromas. Cheeses are produced at home by locals, exclusively from the milk of their own sheep and goats, the fish trawled from the sea burst with flavour and the little meat produced on the island is invariably excellent. Each home has a vegetable garden, where home-grown produce is cultivated, offering any who sample them unfiltered and authentic flavours.

Fava, myzithropitakia and rustic bread, freshly kneaded and baked, are some of the island’s delicacies, while as far as sweets go, visitors should not miss the opportunity to sample the local melitini and pasteli.

How to get there

Iraklia is an island in the Lesser Cyclades and is serviced by ferry from the port of Piraeus.