Iraklia
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Iraklia
(Click links for more information) | |
| 36°51.9′N, 25°28.3′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Map of Mikres Cyclades - Click for larger view |
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
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - VHF no signal
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
See Aegean Sea.
All approaches to Iraklia are straightforward.
Berthing Options
Ports
Ayios Georgios
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. One yacht can moor alongside the outer end of the jetty and a second on the south-east side of the quay (or 2-3 on an anchor moor).
Alternatively there is room for probably no more than one or two yachts to anchor off in 3-5m. 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 no 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.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Livadhi Beach
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.
The bottom in the south corner of the bay is sand with good holding. The power cable occupies the centre of the bay, which is rocky. Excellent shelter from west and south westerlies. June 2014 --Straitshooter
Pigadhi
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
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.
Offshore Islands
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
None.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- N/A (Not Available)
- Water
- N/A
- Electricity
- N/A
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
- 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
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?
Laundry
N/A.
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbor.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
N/A.
Transportation
There is a small ferry to/from Naxos and Amorgos.
Routes/Passages To/From
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 partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Iraklia (Wikipedia)
References & Publications
See Greece.
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
- May 2009 --Athene of Lymington
- June 2014 --Straitshooter
Contributors to this page |
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Names: Istioploos, Athene of Lymington |
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| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Aegean Sea | Greece | Cyclades | Iraklia | |