Walking trails · a sea cave · the quietest of the Small Cyclades
Enter your ports, date and passengers to see live sailings and fares.
Iraklia is the largest of the Small Cyclades and one of the most peaceful islands in Greece. Marked paths cross the island between the port village of Agios Georgios and the old Chora (Panagia), and lead to the Cave of Agios Ioannis, one of the largest in the Cyclades. The sandy bay of Livadi is a short walk from the port.
Blue Star sails from Piraeus overnight in about 7 h 20 m, from €43. The local ferry links Iraklia with Naxos (1 h 30 m, €7), Schinoussa and Koufonisia.
The port village, with rooms, tavernas and the beach right there.
The old Chora inland, about an hour on foot, and the start of the path to the cave.
Iraklia is the first stop of the Small Cyclades on Blue Star’s overnight line from Piraeus via Naxos. The local ferry of Small Cyclades Lines links it with Naxos and the other small islands almost every day.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus | Blue Star Ferries | 7 h 20 m | €43 | Most days |
| Naxos | Small Cyclades Lines | 1 h 30 m | €7 | Almost daily |
| Schinoussa | Small Cyclades Lines | 10 min | €4.50 | Almost daily |
| Koufonisia | Small Cyclades Lines | 50 min | €5 | Almost daily |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Cyclades islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
Local ferry fares, October 2026.
Ferries arrive at Agios Georgios, the small port village on the north coast, where most rooms and tavernas are.
Blue Star shows your gate when you check in (online or at the port). Seajets usually leaves from gate E9 or E7 and sends you an SMS with the gate. Some sailings use E1 or E2, at the other end of the port, so always check and allow extra time.
At least an hour before departure with a vehicle, and 30–45 minutes on foot. The metro and the suburban train stop right by the Cyclades gates.
Leave at least 4 hours between your flight’s landing and the ferry’s departure. Choosing an Athens port.
Everything in Agios Georgios is a few minutes’ walk from the quay; Livadi beach is 15 minutes away.
Marked paths cross the whole island; take water and good shoes.
There are only a couple of small shops: bring cash and anything special you need.
No airport. Fly to Naxos and take the local ferry.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Iraklia? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
A long sandy beach near the port.
A large cave reached on foot from Panagia.
A bay with a sunken wartime seaplane, reached by path.
The old Chora, with a taverna and views.
A small cove close to the port.
Iraklia is for quiet evenings: a couple of tavernas and a café in Agios Georgios and one in Panagia.
Blue Star from Piraeus (about 7 h 20 m, from €43), or via Naxos and the local ferry (1 h 30 m, €7).
From €43 from Piraeus and €7 from Naxos, one way for 1 adult (October 2026).
Yes, it is one of the best islands in the Cyclades for walking, with marked paths across the island.
No. Most visitors walk.
