The 11 essential things to do in Iraqlia

Visiting Iraqlia is a moment of calm and serenity in the Cyclades Islands. If you're wondering what you're going to be able to do in these few days, just follow our advice!

Iraklia is an island of the Cyclades that is part of the small Cyclades archipelago. It is a set of six islands in the southeast of Naxos: Iraklia, but also Kéros, Kato Koufonissi, Pano Koufonissi, Schinoussa and Donousa. Its size surprises more than one: it is 18 square kilometers. At present, about 150 people are populating it in the year. They live from agriculture and tourism in the summer.

Maybe you’re wondering if you’re planning to spend a few days in Iraq? You know you're gonna be able, just... enjoy! On this island, no luxury hotel, music until late in the night, nor a souvenir shop. It is a true haven of peace that is particularly appreciated after a stay in Mykonos for example.

You will find the taste of simple things: visiting Iraqlia, walking, swimming in its turquoise waters, admiring the landscape and lush nature. Rest assured: there is enough to do and to see in Iraklia to occupy you a few days. Here's our selection.

1. Agios Georgios

This is the port of the island. If you ask that you do in Iraqlia, know that it concentrates almost all the activity of the island. Enjoy this village to stroll and admire the fishing boats. Don't miss his church Saint Georgious, built in the 19th century.

2. The beach of Livadi

Its white sand and turquoise water delight bathers. But what they like most: space! As the island is very quiet and not touristic, you will not have any difficulty in putting your business where you like. Consider taking your equipment, however, because you will not find rental on site (parasol or transat). If you ask that to do in Iraqlia, know that the beach of Livadi is a must.

3. The cave of Agios Ioannis and Mont Papa

The history of Iraqlia is very little known. However, it was undoubtedly a den for pirates and corsaries who acted in the Cyclades. The most famous cave used for this purpose is that of Agios Ioannis. If you are looking for what to do in Iraqlia, this place is the uncontourable of the island, impossible to visit Iraqlia without making a detour. It would even be the largest cave in the Cyclades (it covers almost two kilometers). It is located north of the island.

You can walk there, after a hike of about two hours. If you want to enter, plan a flashlight: it is not designed to receive tourists. Moreover, it is advisable to pay attention during exploration. It consists of a total of 16 rooms. Its walls are covered with stalactites and stalagmites. Count about two more hours on site for the visit to the cave.

Mont Papa or Pappas when at him, is a culminating point of Iraqlia: it dominates the island from its 419 meters high. Once the ascent is finished, you can then admire the most beautiful panoramic view of the area. There are also natural water sources. Know that Mount Papa is located near the cave of Agios Ioannis, don’t hesitate to plan these two discoveries on the same day.

4. The beach of Tourkopighado

If you like to swim in a pretty bay, surrounded by some fishing boats and without anyone around, the beach of Tourkopighado is for you. Fortunately that the sand and turquoise water are there to confirm that you are in the Cyclades, this tranquility is not common.

5. A boat ride

To make the most of the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat you will enjoy breathtaking views, between cliffs and coves loved in a heavenly setting.

Also, having your own small boat gives you the choice to stop where you like to explore the rich seabed all around the island. An unforgettable experience to live with family or friends!

6. Hiking

If you enjoy the hike and ask that you do in Iraklia, know that there are eight trails on the island. So you can discover it at your own pace.

7. Chora or Panagia

It is Iraq’s second village. It is simply composed of a street and a church, but its architecture is faithful to the islands of the Cyclades. A paved road of about four kilometers connects it to Agios Georgios.

8. The coves of the south of the island

Some beaches in Iraq, like those in the south, are only accessible by boat. This is the occasion of a small sea trip! Find out more about your accommodation or the port of Agios Georgious. If you go to Alimia, maybe you can see a German seaplane at the bottom of the water. This one was shot in the Second World War.

9. Merichas Bay

This beautiful bay is surrounded by cliffs of a hundred meters, which became the paradise of feathered animals. Nesting species, most of which are protected at the global level. If you’re a bird lover and you’re wondering what to do in Iraq, you should know that it’s an ideal spot for ornithologists at all levels.

10. Agios Athanasios

It is a village today abandoned. However, its typical architecture of the Cyclades is worth a visit. It is a nice place to visit Iraqlia and see all the charm.

11. To do and see also around Iraqlia

Once you have taken full advantage of the calm of Iraqlia, don’t hesitate to extend your visit with the other islands of the small Cyclades. They are all suitable for a peaceful stay, with hikes and white sandy beaches.

• **Koufonissi**It comprises three islets (Kato Koufonissi, Pano Koufonissi and Kéros). The latter is untouchable, but the first two offer beautiful beaches, hiking and even camping.
• Schinoussa is particularly known for its party of August 15 in Chora.
• Donoussa: the two pretty churches that it houses are worth a visit to them alone.

How do I go to Iraqlia?

Visiting Iraqlia deserves: the journey to get there is far from being direct. The ideal is to study the possible crossings and dates according to the time of your trip so as not to waste too much time on transport. You can organize your explorations at best.

To get to Iraq, you will have to go to Greece first. The fastest thing is to fly. To find the flight that suits your dates and budget, consider using a flight comparison as Ulysses . Depending on the season and your departure airport, you can land in Athens or directly in Mykonos.

• From Athens : to be able to visit Iraklia, you have two solutions when arriving in Athens. You can embark on a ferry to Iraklia from the port of Athens, La Pirée, for a crossing of 8 to 10 hours. However, if you are subject to sea damage and want to minimize boat rides, you can take another flight to Mykonos (40 minutes) followed by a ferry to Naxos (35 minutes), then a second to Iraklia (1 hour).
• From Mykonos : if you landed in Mykonos, you will simply have to take a ferry to Naxos and then, from Naxos, take a new ferry to Iraklia. The Mykonos-Naxos crossing is daily. In high tourist season, there can be up to 5 departures per day. The one between Naxos and Iraklia takes place three times a week.
• From another Cyclades island : Iraklia is very well connected to the other islands of the small Cyclades. If you are looking for a stay among them, you will be easy to access Iraq, from Donousa, Koufonisi and Schinoussa. These are the inhabited islands of the small Cyclades. You will also find crossings from Amorgos, Paros and Syros.

How to move to Iraq?

• On foot : this small island has a special feature: you can move... on foot. If you want to visit Iraklia at your own pace and according to your wishes, you will have to go back.
• Scooter : in the high season, it is possible to rent a scooter in Agios Georgios even if they are quickly stormed.
• By bus : there is also a bus transport on site, but it is very irregular.

Where to stay in Iraklia?

To stay in Iraklia, there is nothing simpler: the accommodation is all focused on Agios Georgios. However, if you want to go to the high season (on the summer months therefore), think about booking your accommodation before you arrive on a Compare hotels or via the site Airbnb . Indeed, there are few establishments on the island. The rest of the year, you will have no difficulty in hosting and visiting Iraq quietly.

You now know what to do in Iraqlia to spend a stay at your pace while discovering this peaceful island.