Overview
Iraklia is a small island between Naxos and Ios island, however it is the largest island of the Lesser Cyclades. It forms part of the Naxos and Lesser Cyclades municipality. In 2011 census the population was officially 141 inhabitants, 10 less people than the previous census which took place in 2011. The land area of the island is 17.795 square kilometres. The port of the island is called Agios Georgios and the capital is Panagia (Madonna). The biggest caves in the Cyclades can be found on Iraklia. You can reach the island by ferries from Athens, Naxos and Paros.
On the island you can see many mysterious rock paintings dating back 5000 years. It is believed that these paintings were used for orientation on the island.
History
The history of Iraklia started in ancient times but there are little known in the following years, especially during the Medieval times. Ruins in the area of Livadi, on the northeastern side of the island, has evidence from the 3rd millennium BC and a ruined castle of the historic times.
During the Venetian Era, the island belonged to Naxos and it was not permanently inhabited. In the Medieval times, Iraklia was a shelter for pirates and they didn’t allow people to live permanently on the island. It was only after the 19th century when piracy was confronted by the Greek Navy and people started to move to Iraklia. They built settlements, Agios Georgios (port of Iraklia) and Panagia (smaller village).
Interesting Facts
Coordinates: 36°50′N 25°27′E
Iraklia Island Area: 17/795 sq. kms
Coast Length: 29km
Population: 141 inhabitants
Telephone code: +22870
Postal Code: 843 00
Time Zone: GMT +2:00, Summertime: GMT +3:00
Capital: Panagia
Highest Mountain: Papas 418m
