Discover Iraklia: Hiking Trail, Kastro and Coast

Iraklia combines a strong focus on hiking with a history dating back to Hellenistic times and coastal destinations with different access options. From the port of Agios Georgios, a trail leads uphill to Hora; farther around the island are the Kastro, the beaches of Merichas, and Alimia Bay. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Iraklia, you can plan your stay around whether hiking, culture, or trips to the water should take priority.

On foot from the port to Hora

The hiking trail from the port of Agios Georgios uphill to Hora takes about 40 minutes and offers panoramic views along the way. This is an approximate guide: terrain and conditions may vary. The climb gives the route a distinct character. With its named endpoints and approximate duration, it can be planned as a separate activity during your holiday.

The hiking trails across Iraklia are also well marked and equipped with signposts and traditional dry-stone walls. These features shape the experience of hiking on the island; trail conditions and signage may change. Alongside the specific climb from the port to Hora, the island-wide trails are another highlight in their own right.

A Kastro dating back to Hellenistic times

The Kastro, as the island’s residents call it, lies farther inland on Iraklia. It was an acropolis dating back to Hellenistic times and is the most significant and best-preserved archaeological site on Iraklia. For those interested in history, it offers a different focus from the hike uphill to Hora: here, an archaeological site from a clearly identified historical period takes center stage.

Beaches and a bay farther around the island

The coast at Merichas on Iraklia has two small sandy beaches that can only be reached by boat. Access is therefore an important part of planning a trip to these beaches.

Alimia is a sheltered sandy bay on the southwest coast of Iraklia and is mainly accessible by boat. During the summer months, a sea bus runs there daily; check the current timetable before planning your trip. A trail on Iraklia also leads to Alimia Beach. The wreck of a German seaplane from the occupation period can be seen underwater there. Visibility may vary.

Access is a key difference when choosing a coastal destination: Merichas can only be reached by boat; Alimia is mainly reached by boat, although a trail on Iraklia also leads to the beach and the sea bus runs during the summer months. The two small sandy beaches and the sheltered bay also offer different landscapes.

Experiences to guide your accommodation search

When choosing a holiday apartment in Iraklia, you can first consider what you would like your holiday days to focus on: the hike uphill from the port to Hora, the Kastro as an archaeological destination, or coastal visits where access needs to be planned for.

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