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Iraklia is a charter location in Cyclades, a yacht charter area in Greece.

The anchorages on Iraklia:

Ayios Yeoryios
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Ormos Livadhi
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Ormos Pigadhi
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Irakleia Overview

Iraklia (Irakleia or Heraklia) is an island located to the south-southeast of the larger Naxos and the southwest of Skhinousa. It is roughly three miles from Ay Katomeri, the southern point of Naxos. Its remote and isolated location in the Middle Cyclades has gradually caused a reduction in its population over the years. Although, it is still an island of interest for tourists because of a small hamlet in Ayios Yeoryios and several ancient caves near the Panagiya chora.

Characterized by barren hills that can double up as hiking trails, Iraklia is one of the least popular and least populated islands in the Lesser Cyclades. Naturally, this makes it a humble abode for solo tourists.

Due to the paucity of amenities, inaccessibility, and improper governing, Iraklia is today considered a wild island, distanced from the core Cyclades civilization.

Navigation and Anchoring

Sailing to the Iraklia island from the east is easier than from the north. Even if you don’t travel during the meltemi season, navigating to the Ayios Yeoryios mole can be tricky as it cannot easily be seen from the north. However, due to its excellent cover from the meltemi, it will act as a good resting stop, with enough are to park your private boat.

All three anchorages – Ayios Yeoryios, Ormos Livadhi, and Ormos Pigadhi – are suitable for mooring. Anchor in three to six meters into the sandy and a bit rocky bottom (across the bays) that will provide good holding. A trip-line is recommended to avoid impact from sudden gusts and old debris lying on the bed.

Clean blue water of the Iralkia port | credit: Porouclas via Wikimedia
Iraklia port with boats moored ashore | credit: XristinaMnp07 via Wikimedia
An isolated chapel at Panagia | credit: Zde via Wikimedia
A cave in Iraklia with candles lit inside | credit: Ikrory21 via Flickr

History of Iraklia

Iraklia is the largest island of the Lesser Cyclades. It used to be an active civilization spot, with historical artifacts today dating back to at least the fourth century BCE. According to historical texts, the island was governed by the Hozoviotissa Monastery.

The Second World War drove a majority of its inhabitants northbound, leaving the island at the mercy of nomadic recluses. The village of Livadhi – once an active civilization spot – was abandoned post war and has stayed that way since. However, the ruins of houses built during the Hellenistic and later the Venetian times stand attentive today.

Together with Skhinousa and Koufonisia, Iraklia is administrated by the municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades. As of 2011, the population stood at 141.

Entrance to a cave at Iraklia | credit: Zde via Wikimedia

Places of Interest In and Around Iraklia

Iraklia’s most distinct feature is the small hamlet at Ayios Yeoryios, which has bravely sustained the assault of aimless modern architecture on the island. With small concrete houses lining the village’s boundary, it exists as a marvel in itself, reminding us of the ancient Aegean culture of the islands. A stroll through this hamlet will be a rewarding experience for most.

Some paintings were excavated during the late twentieth century. They are now preserved at the Naxos Museum. There’s also a small chapel at Panagia and another one near the main port.

An active road in Agios Georgios | credit: Zde via Wikimedia
A cafe near the Livadi beach | credit: Zde via Wikimedia

Services

The main port of Ayios Yeoryios will offer sufficient provisions and accommodation. Tavernas and small cafes exist on the shore as well as in the chora. You will also find food stalls and hotels in the village, which make up a part of the dwellers’ livelihood.

Only Ormos Pigadhi does not have a reliable provisioning setup.

A sign board suggesting provisions at Livadhi | credit: Zde via Wikimedia

    Yachts available in Iraklia

    Jacuzzi

    ARCHSEA

    From €39,000/week
    4 cabins
    101 ft
    .
    9 guests
    Built: 2014
    75 Litres/Hr

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    THALYSSA

    From €110,000/week
    5 cabins
    124 ft
    Custom Line
    12 guests
    Built: 2012

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    COOKIE

    From €31,000/week
    4 cabins
    78 ft
    Maiora
    8 guests
    Refit: 2022
    480 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    SAMIRA

    From €300,000/week
    5 cabins
    180 ft
    Amels
    12 guests
    Refit: 2024

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    MIRA

    From €14,000/week
    2 cabins
    55 ft
    Pershing
    4 guests
    Refit: 2023
    550 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski

    FLOW

    From €21,000/week
    4 cabins
    68 ft
    Ferretti
    8 guests
    Built: 2008
    350 Litres/Hr

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    JOURNEY

    From €96,000/week
    4 cabins
    102 ft
    Sanlorenzo
    8 guests
    Built: 2019

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    ARKADIA

    From €275,000/week
    5 cabins
    164 ft
    Heesen
    10 guests
    Built: 2021

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    SCARENA

    From €37,500/week
    4 cabins
    97 ft
    Jongert
    8 guests
    Refit: 2017
    45 Litres/Hr

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    CONTIGO

    From €230,000/week
    5 cabins
    134 ft
    Benetti
    10 guests
    Built: 2024

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    HAKUNA MATATA

    From €105,000/week
    6 cabins
    121 ft
    Couach
    12 guests
    Refit: 2023
    850 Litres/Hr

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    GALAXY

    From €7,420/week
    8 cabins
    46 ft
    Lagoon
    8 guests
    Built: 2022

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    IZABELLA

    From €21,750/week
    4 cabins
    50 ft
    Saba
    8 guests
    Built: 2014

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    Jetski
    Jacuzzi

    MYSTIQUE

    From €15,800/week
    4 cabins
    68 ft
    Caribe Yachts
    8 guests
    Refit: 2018

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    Jacuzzi

    ORIENT STAR

    From €180,000/week
    5 cabins
    154 ft
    CMB Yachts
    10 guests
    Built: 2012

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