Destinations in Kea Island
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Kea, also called Tzia, is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, about an hour by ferry from the port of Lavrio, which makes it a favourite weekend escape for Athenians. It is greener and more rural than the classic Cyclades, with oak forests, terraced hillsides and stone farmhouses, and it has kept a calm, authentic character. The capital, Ioulida, is an attractive village of red-tiled houses climbing a hillside, with narrow lanes, a small archaeological museum and, a short walk away, the famous Lion of Kea, a huge archaic lion carved into the rock more than 2,500 years ago. The island is crossed by a well-kept network of ancient footpaths linking villages, chapels and the four city-states of antiquity, including Karthaia, where the remains of a temple of Apollo overlook the sea. Ferries arrive at Korissia, the main port, close to the fishing village of Vourkari, a small marina lined with fish tavernas and bars. Beaches such as Koundouros, Pisses, Otzias and Gialiskari are sandy and sheltered. Kea is also known for diving, with the wreck of the Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic, lying off its coast. It suits families, walkers and weekenders.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Cyclades Islands
KNOWN FOR
Weekend escape from Athens
BEST FOR
Hiking, Quiet & relaxing, Families, Diving & snorkelling, Green & nature
Beaches
Koundouros Beach
Otzias Beach
Pisses Beach
Gialiskari Beach
Spathi Beach
Entertainment
Vourkari Marina
Museums & History
Lion of Kea
Archaeological Site of Karthaia
Archaeological Site of Agia Irini (Kea)
Archaeological Museum of Kea
Other
Ioulida Village
Transportation
Port of Korissia
By air
Kea has no airport, but it is very close to Athens. From Athens International Airport, Lavrio port is about 40 minutes by road, and the ferry to Korissia takes about an hour, making Kea one of the easiest islands to reach.
By ferry
Korissia is the port, with several ferries a day from Lavrio, about one hour. Some ferries continue to Kythnos and the western Cyclades, but island hopping from Kea is limited and mostly seasonal.
Getting around
Recommended. Kea is hilly, with villages, beaches and walking trails spread around the island, and many visitors bring their car on the short ferry from Lavrio.
Cyclades Islands
