EPHESUS TRAVEL - TURKEY EPHESUS

Irakleia, the little island with the primitive beauty, is located to the south of Naxos and is the largest of the Minor Cyclades. It has an area of 19 square kilometres and 120 residents. The charming port of Ai-Giorgis is built on the recess of a narrow bay which is formed by two rocky hills. To the left of the bay is the wharf where the ferryboats dock, and behind them, lined up in a row, are the caiques of many colours. A cement road around 100 m. long leads to the village. There is a small sandy beach in front of the village, and behind this a few houses, clean and well-tended, clamber comfortably up the two low hills. In between them is the central road with the traditional grocery and off-licence and, further up, the church of Ai-Giorgis (from which the port took its name) and the Taxiarches (Archangels). From Livadi the road begins to ascend the slopes of Papas, the island's tallest mountain, at a height of 419 m. On the slopes of the mountain is located Panayia - officially named Iraklia - the island's capital. A small, simple village with the large church of the Panayia and, next to it, a smaller one of Ayios Nektarios. The island produces high quality wine and myzithra cheese. As for the local cuisine, we can mention the pitarida (pasta) and meletinia (sweet cheese pies). The property is on a hill 300m from the beach on the picturesque island of Irakleia. 66acres of fantastic panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. The area is perfect for investment in building hotels, villas or organized camp grounds. Opposite the property are traditional old windmills. Called the Lesser Cyclades due to limited ferry service and very small populations, they offer an alternative to mass tourism, plush resorts, and throbbing nightlife. Of the four islands, Iraklia is growing the fastest with regard to tourist infrastructure. This is interesting, as it was the least populated and most primitive, with only about 120 inhabitants. Most of the tourist services are centered around its small harbor, Ai. Georgios, and the main town of Chora is inland, about 3.5 kilometers from the port. The island is a delight for walkers, as its entire size is only 19 square kilometers (7.33 sq. miles)! Since the island is a bit short on public transport, you will walk just about everywhere. The island has some ruins of an old castle, a walk of about 15 minutes from the port, plus a cave in the southwest, accessible from the main town (and with a guide!). Peace, quiet, and pristine beauty await visitors to this tiny, sweet island paradise.