Cyclades
Iraklia
A cave, a beach, and 150 people who are genuinely pleased you found them.
Getting around
Walkable
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
8.5h ferry
In pictures
Iraklia
Iraklia is the smallest and most visited of the Small Cyclades and is a lovely place to spend 2–3 days doing very little. The main attraction is the Cave of Agios Ioannis — an impressive stalactite cave above a beach — and the walk down to the beautiful Livadi beach. The local population is tiny but the island has enough tavernas and rooms to feel hospitable rather than challenging.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Small enough that the same 30 tourists can feel like a crowd. Best as part of a Small Cyclades island hop.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Iraklia — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Iraklia? +
- The best months to visit Iraklia are June to September. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Iraklia from Athens? +
- Iraklia has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 8.5 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Iraklia good for couples? +
- Iraklia is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Iraklia good for families with kids? +
- Iraklia is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Iraklia expensive? +
- Iraklia is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Iraklia? +
- Iraklia is small and walkable — you don't need a car or scooter for most stays.
- What's the catch with Iraklia? +
- Small enough that the same 30 tourists can feel like a crowd. Best as part of a Small Cyclades island hop.