Tip of the day – Plan your summer 2025 in Small Cyclades: Irakleia | According Mirror (UK)

• July 2, 2025

Pretty little EU island untouched by tourists with just 148 locals

Just an hour from Naxos, this Aegean escape allows adventurous travellers to escape the summer crowds and immerse themselves in the slow pace of rural Greek life

British tourists looking to enjoy the Cyclade island groups at a slower pace should keep this one destination in mind. The picturesque Cyclades have become a notorious tourist hotspot in recent years—with pictures of whitewashed villas and domed-churches taking over social media each summer—destinations like Santorini, Paros and Mykonos have taken the brunt of the tourist influx.

But beyond the flashy tourist cities, the Aegean archipelago has a quieter side that is best represented by the island of Irakleia. Despite being the largest island in the Minor Cyclades group, a 2021 census revealed Irakleia’s population to be a minuscule 148. The island’s small population has enabled the natural landscape to retain its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. But don’t be fooled, this under-the-radar island has plenty to offer curious travellers.

Irakleia is made up of two tiny villages. Agios Georgios is on the north side of the island, a small harbour where most tourists stay. Travellers have the option to rent some of the few houses or rooms built around the harbour, or can head toward Irakleai’s other village of Panagia.

Located on the hills in the centre of the island, Panagia is considered the ‘capital’ village. While sparsely populated, the area makes for a stunning vantage point to take in the rural landscape and surrounding sea. Panagia also marks the beginning of a scenic one-hour hike to the Agios Ioannis Cave, the biggest cave on all the Cycladic islands filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Every August 28, locals light candles in the first room of the cave for a traditional Christian Orthodox ceremony. Papas Hill is another must-visit landmark, as the highest point on Irakleai.

The manmade landscape is also up to par with the rest of the Greek islands. The architecture of both villages is typical Cycladic, featuring maze-like streets dotted with whitewashed houses, tiny well-preserved churches and signature blue-painted doors and roofs. However, Irakleai is set apart by the traditional rural charm that permeates the island and the local pace of life.

Finally, one of the key draws of the island are its bounty of beaches, which travellers can enjoy in relative isolation. The main—and longest—beach on the island is Livadi Beach. In addition to the soft sand and privacy, the beach has many small coves for beachgoers to explore. During the summer months, tourists can also tour the island on small excursion boats departing from Agios Georgios, stopping at several beaches along the way.

Keep in mind the island’s tiny population and traditional nature mean there are no big shops or pharmacies or banks that you would find on other Greek islands. The island is also only one hour away from the more bustling islands of Naxos and Paros, if you need to restock on any essentials.

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