Iraklia
The village of Agios Georgios, Livadi beach, and the hike to Tourkopigado.
Iraklia is the first stop on the Express Skopelitis ferry south from Naxos — a tiny island of 140 residents with a single port, two small beaches near the village, and a third (one of the finest in the Cyclades) reached only on foot. The Cave of Agios Ioannis is the largest cave in the Cyclades. The island has almost no tourist development: a handful of rooms to let, two or three tavernas, no hotels. For travellers who want the authentic Small Cyclades experience without spending a full week.
Getting there
No airport. Small port on the Small Cyclades line — direct from Piraeus 7–9h, or via Naxos (~50 min). Population under 200, very quiet.
Read full route
Tip: Iraklia is the closest Small Cyclades island to Naxos — easiest to fit into a hopping plan.
When to Visit
Iraklia is the wildest of the Small Cyclades — a single small village, a few empty beaches, and a serious cave (Agios Ioannis cave). Open May-September. June-September are best, August is the only crowd you'll ever see.
1-day itinerary for Iraklia
Day 1: Village, Beach & Cave
- 09:00 · Agios Georgios (Port)
The only village and port — 140 residents, two tavernas, a bakery, a small church. Arrive by Express Skopelitis from Naxos (1.5 hrs) or Amorgos. The village is immediately behind the harbour. - 10:00 · Livadi Beach
The closest beach to the village — a short walk south. Fine sand, crystal clear shallow water, a handful of sunbeds and a simple beach bar. One of the most unaffected family beaches in the Cyclades. - 13:00 · Lunch — Village Taverna
The village tavernas cook what the local fishermen bring in. Simple, excellent, a third of Mykonos prices. The owner probably knows everyone on the island by name. Among these tavernas, Αρακλειά earned ★★ in the FNL Best Restaurant Awards 2026 (Traditional Greek) and was named in the FNL list of ten must-visit restaurants — the only restaurant in its category not in a mainstream tourist destination. - 15:00 · Tourkopigado Beach
The finest beach on Iraklia — a wild south-coast bay with fine pebbles and extraordinary water clarity. Reached by a 40-minute walking path from the village. No facilities, total peace. - 17:00 · Cave of Agios Ioannis
The largest cave in the Cyclades — a two-chamber cave with stalactites, a chapel at the entrance, and remarkable acoustic properties. Access is only on foot from a trailhead near Panagia. Guided visits on August 29 (local feast day). - 18:00 · Departure or 2nd Night
Skopelitis back to Naxos, onward to Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Donousa and Amorgos. A second night is worth it if you've made the journey this far.
Top beaches of Iraklia
Tourkopigado Beach
The finest beach on Iraklia — a remote south-coast bay reached only on foot. Fine pebbles, extraordinary water clarity, and no facilities of any kind. Among the most peaceful beaches in the entire Cyclades.
- Type
- Fine pebble
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Medium — crystal clear water
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- None — bring everything. 40-minute walk from the village.
Livadi Beach
The village beach of Iraklia — fine sand, shallow water, a short walk from Agios Georgios. The easiest beach to combine with a ferry arrival, and better than most beaches on much more famous islands.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Shallow — family-friendly
- Wind protection
- Southeast-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most days, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- Basic: simple beach bar, some sunbeds, short walk from village.