Irakleia island description and photos - Greece: Naxos Island (Topic)

Irakleia island description and photos - Greece: Naxos Island. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Irakleia island.

Photo and description

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 km2, and the coastline is about 30 km. Today, there are only two settlements on the island - the administrative center of Irakleia, Panagia village (located in the central part of the island) and the port of Agios Georgios.

Irakleia is a picturesque natural landscape, many magnificent beaches (Livadi, Agios Georgios, Alimia, Vorini Spilia, Karvunolakos, etc.), the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea, the unique flavor of the local settlements, as well as the enchanting atmosphere of cordiality and hospitality of the inhabitants of the island. Almost untouched by mass tourism, the island of Irakleia is an ideal place for lovers of a quiet secluded holiday far from civilization in complete harmony with nature.

Among the island's attractions, the cave of St. John, one of the largest and most beautiful, certainly deserves special attention caves of 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), Taxiarchis church with a magnificent iconostasis and the Prophet Elijah chapel. 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) , however, in the latter case, it is worth taking care of booking accommodation in advance, since the choice is very limited. You can get to Irakleia from the islands of Naxos and Paros,

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Topic: Irakleia island description and photos - Greece: Naxos Island.