Iraklia

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Contents

Iraklia

Background

Iraklia (Ηρακλειά) or Heraklia is the westernmost of the group of small islands S of Naxos known as the Small Cyclades (Μικρές Κυκλάδες - Mikres Kyclades). It has a cave with stalactites but I have never seen it. There are a few remnants of early Cycladic settlements but they are hard to find. Until 15 years ago the island was one of the most remote places in Greece. It was serviced by a caïque once a week bringing the mail. Even today it is not on the well beaten track.

There are two villages on the island: Ayios Georgios the port and the more populated Panayia (about 200 inhabitants) in the middle of the island, about 1 hr uphill walk from the port. It is an attractive village with clean, humble, houses of Cycladic architecture. The easiest way to visit Panayia is to follow the paved road. On the way back you can take a short cut overland but if you do keep to the left at all cross roads, to avoid getting lost.

Charts

BA
1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa
Imray-Tetra
G33 Southern Cyclades (West)
NIMA
54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos
Greek
423 Paros to Astypalia

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
  • Olympia Radio - VHF no signal

Approach and Navigation

All approaches to Iraklia are straightforward.

Small info.png (Click links for more information)
GPS: 36°51.9′N, 25°28.3′E
Gallery: Photo gallery
Chartlet: Local chartlet
Sailblogs:
Map of Mikres Cyclades
Click for larger view
Satellite view of Iraklia
Click for larger view

Anchorages

Ayios Georgios

GPS: 36°51.9′N, 25°28.3′E

Agios Georgios or Ayios Yioryios (Άγιος Γεώργιος) is a fairly secure little port protected from both the meltemi and the southerlies, it is only open to the north-east. The only problem is that it is small. Avoid using the ferryboat quay as ferries can come in the middle of the night. If you have to use it, do ask about the expected ferry arrival. Only one yacht can dock side-to on the south-east side of the quay.

Alternatively you can anchor off at 2-6 m, the bottom is sand with some rocks and provides good holding. Again be aware of the ferries and make sure that you do not swing within their maneuvering radius. If the wind is gusty, either take a line to the north-west shore or set a second anchor to minimize swinging.

Until a few years ago there was Coast Guard (Limenarchio) presence here. But now there is one very bored officer stationed here. He is very eager to collect harbor dues from the not so frequent visiting yacht.

File:Greece Iraklia3.jpg
The harbor of Ayios Georgios
Click for larger view
Chart of Ayios Georgios
Click for larger view

Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach
Click for larger view

GPS: 36°51.2′N, 25°28.5′E
Livadhi Beach (Λιβάδι) is the first cove just to south ofAyios Georgios. It looks like it might be a nice anchorage although there is an underwater power cable and it is very shallow close to the shore.

Pigadhi

GPS: 36°50.1′N, 25°28.8′E
Pigadhi or Pygadhi (Πηγάδι) is a deep inlet near the south-east end of the island. It is open to the east-northeast and has considerable swell when the meltemi blows.

Airplane Cove

GPS: 36°51.4′N, 25°27.2′E
This is a cove also known as Spilia (Σπηλιά) near the north-west end of the island. At about 7 m depth there used to be the remains of a World War II German fighter plane, easily seen with a snorkel.

The cove is exposed to the meltemi and the holding is not very secure. It is however very well protected from the southerlies although with a strong south-west there is some swell.

Anchor near the head of the bay in 7 m. You may need to set a second anchor to avoid swinging. With north winds use only in settled weather.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

  • A walk to Panayia, the village in the middle of the island, about 1 hr uphill walk from the port. It is an attractive village with clean, humble, houses of Cycladic architecture. The easiest way to visit Panayia is to follow the paved road. On the way back you can take a short cut overland but if you do keep to the left at all cross roads, to avoid getting lost.
  • Visit to the caves, the largest in the Cyclades. Ask the locals for directions.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

N/A.

Laundry

N/A.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Limited food shopping.

Eateries

  • The Periyali, near the harbor has very fresh fish since the sister of the proprietor captains her own boat
  • There are two other tavernas

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

N/A.

Marine Stores & Facilities

None.

Repairs

N/A.

Transportation

There is a small ferry to/from Naxos and Amorgos.

References & Publications

See Greece.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

  • June 2003 --Istioploos 19:12, 28 August 2008 (UTC)


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