Kea

The island of Kea is also known by the name of Tzia. It is one of the westernmost islands of the Cyclades and also the least populated. It is located south of the city of Lavrion, Attica. It is characterized by important archaeological areas, places of great beauty, wonderful beaches and picturesque towns. È la meta preferita dagli ateniesi e da tutti coloro che non vogliono allontanarsi troppo da Atene, durante i weekend o come destinazione estiva. The island has the largest oak forest of all the Cyclades. In the waters of Kea lies the wreck of the Britannic, sister ship of the Titanic and is a favorite destination for all those who love diving.

The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was known as Hydroussa. It was later called Tzia during the Ottoman occupation. Its current name, Kea, derives from the hero Keo who once occupied the island. According to mythology, the many springs and fountains on the island were the homes of the nymphs. In ancient times Kea was known for the "Keion nomimo", a particular custom according to which all those over the age of 70 committed suicide by drinking hemlock.

Kea was the first of the Cycladic islands to take part in the War of Independence.

The houses on the island were built close together to resist the strong winds. They are cubic in shape, white in color and have a flat roof made from a single piece of slate. They also have the characteristic of being cool in the summer and keeping the heat inside during the winter.

Within the island, public transport is well organised. Two buses connect Ioulida to Korissia and vice versa, while daily buses serve all the main towns of the island and become more frequent during the summer. Another means of transport is the taxi service. Here are some telephone numbers for the taxi service:

Taxi service: + 30 6977575822, +30 6936271522, +30 6977331431, +30 6973012668

Some boats and yachts organize stops on deserted beaches where access on foot is practically impossible.

Kea Island does not have its own airport. The closest one to the island is the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. From the airport you can take a bus or a taxi and reach the port of Lavrion, where regular ferries go to Korissia, the port of Kea. From the port of Lavrion, near Athens, there is also a daily ferry service to Kea, the journey taking approximately 1 hour. Kea is connected to the islands of Kythnos, Syros, Anafi, Thirassia, Ios, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Sikinos. The island is also connected with the port of Piraeus and Rafina.

Kea

There are beautiful places to visit on the island.

Korissia

Also called Livadi, it is the port of the island. It is located in a beautiful bay and is a very picturesque location, built on a natural harbor and on the ruins of the ancient port and ancient coastal city. This natural harbor is considered one of the safest harbors in Greece. The port of Korissia is located just 6 km from Ioulida, the capital of the island.

Both Korissia and Ioulida are built on a hillside, amphitheatrically, and both offer spectacular views of the two-story buildings, with their steep cobbled streets, and well-preserved churches that have interesting icons inside.

Vourkari

8 km northwest of Ioulida, it is a picturesque place with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Many yachts moor in the small port and along the coast road there are taverns with excellent fish dishes.

Karthaia

It was in the past one of the four thriving cities. The fortress of the city, the monumental architecture and the silver coins found show the high cultural level of the inhabitants. The city has an acropolis, temples, a cemetery, a theatre, public buildings and residences.

Makronissos island

It is a small island between Kea and Attica and was used, during the period 1967-74, as a place of exile for the communists. Its landscape is rocky and arid. In the past Makronissos was called "the island of Helen" because it is said that it was the island where the beautiful Helen and the prince Paris stopped for a break on their way to Troy or, according to another legend, where she and her husband Menelaus landed on their return from Troy, after the end of the Trojan War.

Church of Santa Marina

It is located near the remains of a Byzantine tower in the center of the island. It was the main church of a monastery built in the 17th century. The church is located 6 km southwest of Ioulida and in its vicinity there is a source of water.

The Capital of Kea Island

Ioulida

The city reflects the spirit of traditional villages and is very beautiful indeed. There are no cars inside. These are left at the entrance to the city. Local people often use donkeys as a means of transportation. However, there is a bus service from Ioulida to different places on the island such as Mylopotamos, Korissos, Gialiskari, the port of Vourkari, Otsias.

To be seen

Castle area

It is the oldest area of ​​the capital. Here it is possible to see ancient fortifications, the remains of Venetian walls and the acropolis.

St. Paraskevi Church

It is built inside a cave.

Panagia Kastriani Monastery

It is the most important Monastery of Kea, dedicated to Santa Kastriani, the patron saint of the island, and is located on an immense rock from which it is possible to enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. The Monastery dates back to the 18th century. According to legend, an icon of the Virgin Mary was mysteriously found in this area and so it was decided to build a church in her honour. Before the Monastery, in the area, there was a medieval castle, which was demolished to build the church. Panagia Kastrani is currently part of a monastery which includes another church and three cathedrals. Every August 15, a great celebration takes place in memory of the Virgin Mary.

Monastery of Sant'Anna

It is located on a hill overlooking Ioulida and had a prominent role in the development of the island in the past. The Monastery is of Byzantine origin and was built in the 16th century. Today it is abandoned. The best preserved part is the church, renovated several times, while the rest of the Monastery is practically all in ruins. The best preserved part is the church, renovated several times, while the rest of the Monastery is practically all in ruins.

Stone Lion

The impressive stone lion head is built on a rock and dates back to prehistoric times. It is located a very short distance from the capital. From here the statue can be easily reached on foot. The Stone Lion is connected to many traditions and legends of the island.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

It is located in the capital. It exhibits many archaeological objects from excavations that took place on the island: artefacts from the Post Neolithic Age and copper and also a vast collection of objects dating from the 7th to the 2nd century BC. C.

The Museum is open every day, except Mondays, from 08:00 to 15:00.

Ticket price: €3 (reduced €2)

For more information: +30 22880 22079

Kea

Beaches

The island of Kea offers a wide variety of beaches where you can spend wonderful days. The island, unlike the other Greek islands, is not subject to the summer winds of the Meltemi. Most of the beaches have calm waters which are not the best for surfing, except for Otzias beach.

Otzias beach

11 km from the capital, it gives enthusiasts the opportunity to practice surfing. In addition, the resort of Otzias, on the eastern side of the bay, has several excellent places for recreation.

Gialiskari beach

Just a 15-minute walk from the harborside tavernas of Vourkari, as well as the main port of Korrissia, it is a small beach on the northwestern part of the island and is the most popular with the locals. It is located in a cove inside the bay of Korissia and this means that its waters are always quite calm.

Koundouros beach

It is located on the northeastern part of the island. It is 18 km from Ioulis and this makes it very popular indeed. It usually receives many yachts from the mainland during the weekends.

Korissia beach

6 km northwest of the capital, it is a long beach, not far from the port. It is well organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and several hotels are located all around. Mountains overlook the long beach of Korissia. The beach, with its golden sand, is also characterized by small pebbles and rocks that slide into the sea.

Kambi beach

It is located 17 km southwest of Ioulida. It is a calm beach located between Koundouros and Kambi. It gets a bit busy during the summer, although it has no facilities. It is the perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful place where they can relax and get in touch with nature.

Liparo beach

22 km southwest of Ioulida, it is a small golden beach, isolated and not frequented even during the summer.

Mavrambeli beach

8 km southwest of Ioulida, it is a calm beach and can be reached via a path. Due to its rather remote location, it is not frequented at all.

Melissaki beach

It is located 8 km northwest of the capital. It is a small beach, ideal for relaxing. Although close to Korissia, it is not frequented.

Fun

Entertainment on the island is mainly concentrated in the resorts of Vourkari and Korissia. Also in the capital and in other villages such as Otzias and Koundouros there are some places to spend pleasant evenings, but they are essentially cafés and restaurants.

Various festivals take place in the main square of the capital. One of the most important is that of Panagia, on August 15, which is followed by the whole of Greece and includes traditional food, music, dance. The month of August is full of festivals and includes a series of cultural events called Simeonidia: theater and dance performances, children's theater and art exhibitions. Another famous event on the island is the Fairy Festival, which takes place during the summer and features fairy tales. It lasts approximately two weeks.