A place that favours silent exploration
With few inhabitants and nature that has remained almost untouched, Iraklia offers one of the most authentic hiking landscapes in the Aegean. It has a network of more than 10 marked trails, covering a total distance of approximately 15km. The routes intersect and compose a natural web that allows you to get to know almost every corner of the largest inhabited island of the Small Cyclades.
Start at Agios Georgios, the port, and ascend towards Hora, a route that takes approximately 40 minutes and offers panoramic views. From there, you can continue towards the Cave of Agios Ioannis, one of the largest and most impressive in the Cyclades. The route takes about one hour and reaches the cave where, according to tradition, Saint John the Baptist lived as an ascetic. The path continues towards Alimia beach, known for the wreck of a German seaplane from the Occupation, which is still visible underwater.
Another notable route is the ascent to Mount Papas, the highest peak of the Small Cyclades (419m), offering views reaching as far as Naxos, Amorgos, and Santorini. The trail starts from Hora and takes approximately 1.5 hours of hiking on a light incline.
The route to the highest point of the island will bring you to the ideal bird-watching spot to observe the birds that nest on the island, such as vultures, eagles, and hawks.
On the way, you will also encounter the picturesque chapel of Profitis Ilias, while if you head towards Livadi, you will see the Castle of Iraklia, dating back to the Hellenistic period. Further along are the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Tyche.
The trails of Iraklia are well-marked, with signs and traditional dry-stone walls. The experience of hiking here is more contemplative than athletic; a call to walk while leaving behind the commotion of the world.
Start at Agios Georgios, the port, and ascend towards Hora, a route that takes approximately 40 minutes and offers panoramic views. From there, you can continue towards the Cave of Agios Ioannis, one of the largest and most impressive in the Cyclades. The route takes about one hour and reaches the cave where, according to tradition, Saint John the Baptist lived as an ascetic. The path continues towards Alimia beach, known for the wreck of a German seaplane from the Occupation, which is still visible underwater.
Another notable route is the ascent to Mount Papas, the highest peak of the Small Cyclades (419m), offering views reaching as far as Naxos, Amorgos, and Santorini. The trail starts from Hora and takes approximately 1.5 hours of hiking on a light incline.
The route to the highest point of the island will bring you to the ideal bird-watching spot to observe the birds that nest on the island, such as vultures, eagles, and hawks.
On the way, you will also encounter the picturesque chapel of Profitis Ilias, while if you head towards Livadi, you will see the Castle of Iraklia, dating back to the Hellenistic period. Further along are the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Tyche.
The trails of Iraklia are well-marked, with signs and traditional dry-stone walls. The experience of hiking here is more contemplative than athletic; a call to walk while leaving behind the commotion of the world.
