KeaCyclades · Greece

All About Kea

Kea, or Tzia, is the closest Cycladic island to Athens although upon arrival, you will feel that you are far away from city life. Athenians favor this charming island for a weekend escape and it has also seen vigorous interest recently by upscale hotel chains and luxury property developers. Despite that, the island remains traditional at heart and is known for its verdant landscape and rich wildlife. Taking a ferry to Kea is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Kea is also distinct from the other Cyclades in that its architecture is more earthy, with stone dwellings blending in perfectly with the rocky terrain. As with most islands in Greece, while on Kea you will find ancient archaeological remains, Medieval landmarks, and picturesque villages, as well as unspoiled beaches and sizzling sunsets. It is also the site of Ancient Karthea, once one of the most important of the four city-states of Kea in antiquity.

For an island so close to the capital, you will be amazed at how simple life has remained, making it a great destination if you want to totally unwind. It is also perfect for nature lovers, boasting 40 kilometers of relaxing walking trails through woodlands, oak tree forests, and almond groves. Scuba diving enthusiasts also have the chance to explore its underwater treasures of sunken shipwrecks scattered around the coastline.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kea

 Ferries to Kea from Athens leave from the port of Lavrio, which sits on the southeastern tip of Attica. When you book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner, you can depart from Lavrio with Hellenic Seaways and be in Kea in 1 hour, which is only 22 nautical miles away from the port.

In order to reach Lavrio from Athens International Airport, you can take a 30 minutes taxi ride or hire a car rental and drive there yourself. Alternatively, a bus leaves the airport every 60 minutes for Markopoulos, from where you will need to change for Lavrio.

If you are already in Athens, you can reach Lavrio by taxi in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. A bus also leaves for Lavrio every 30 minutes from Pedion Tou Areos or you can take the Suburban Railway to Koropi and then catch the bus for a 40-minute ride to the port.

Kea is also easily reached from several of the other islands in the Cyclades so you can book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail to Kea with Blue Star Ferries from Andros (7.10 hrs), Folegandros (5.40 hrs), Ios (6.35 hrs), and Kimolos (12.30 hrs). You can also sail with Hellenic Seaways from Kythnos in 1.20 hrs or from Milos (13.40 hrs), Naxos (7.15 hrs), Paros (5.50 hrs), Syros (4 hrs), and also from Tinos in 3.20 hrs with Seajets.
 

Ports of Kea

Kea has one main port known as Korissia, which caters to visitors arriving from Athens and the Cyclades Islands. Also called Livadi, the picturesque port was built on the ruins of an ancient coastal town and is located in a large protected bay known as St. Nikolaos.

Approaching the port, you will spot the lighthouse of the same name, constructed in 1831 by the French Lighthouse Company. One of the oldest in Greece, it stands to this day as a proud landmark and a testament to Kea being the gateway to the Cyclades. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Kea.
 

Capital & Villages

 There are several villages scattered around the island, each one showcasing the authentic heritage of the island in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings, beginning with the capital Ioulida.

Ioulida

The Chora of Kea or capital town, Ioulida can be spotted from afar and is spread across three hills. Just 5 kilometers from the port, it is the hub of the island and a delightful place to spend the day. The traditional whitewashed houses with their red-tiled roofs and arched porches are best explored on foot. Due to the narrow stone-paved alleys, cars are not practical in the village center but you will see the odd donkey used by locals.

Notice the Kastro area, built on ancient fortifications and rebuilt by the Venetians in 1210. Visit the church of Agia Paraskevi found within a cave and ascend to the monastery of Panagia Kastriani, from where you can enjoy wonderful sea views. Check out the artifacts at the Archaeological Museum dating back to the post-Neolithic Age, before walking up an old road to the mysterious Stone Lion of Ioulis – one of the most famous sights on the island.

Head back down to the main square to admire the impressive neoclassical Town Hall with its façade of clay statues of Hermes and Apollo while sipping on an iced frappe.

Korissia

The port town is not just a stop-off point for ferries – it has a long history and is famous for being the place where an ancient Kouros statue was found. Amongst the charming architecture of colorful little houses built in an amphitheatrical style, you will discover the remains of ancient houses and a cemetery.

As well as the shops, restaurants, and bars on the harborfront, take some time to walk through the village to discover its many charming nooks and crannies, including some well-preserved churches like Agios Savvas. The tower of an old enamel factory of significant cultural importance can be spotted from the harbor and there is also a sandy beach near the picturesque church of Agios Giorgos.

Otzias

Otzias is a small village that has seen rapid growth over the past few years due to tourism and sits in a lovely sandy bay, just perfect for families. Only 10 km from Ioulida, there are no more than 80 permanent residents and the village is still a peaceful place to relax and enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest fish on the island. A series of walking paths allow you to explore the area on foot if you wish, while remnants of the ancient harbor are still visible.

A visit to the exquisite Monastery of Panagia Kastriani should not be missed, which has an interesting story. Tradition claims that in 1710, some shepherds were led by a light in the sky to an icon of the Virgin Mary buried in the ground and a small chapel was built on that spot, now enclosed within the monastery walls.

Vourkari

Just 2 km along the coastal road from Korissia, you will come across Vourkari: a tiny fishing hamlet that has recently developed into a more upscale resort. It has also become a favorite mooring spot for sailboats and offers a range of welcoming taverns serving fresh fish and seafood.

There are also lively coffee shops and attractive art galleries for you to enjoy, as well as glimpses into the past, beginning with the church of Agia Eirini on the peninsula of the same name.

Excavations in 1960 revealed a prehistoric settlement and the site of the Temple of Dionysus (2000 BCE), as well as the ruins of a luxurious mansion built in the 16th-15th century BCE. Further on, you can see the old industrial docking area of Kokka, once an important coal loading bay for ships. Nearby, the strait of Lambros Katsonis was the location of a significant sea battle during the Russian-Turkish war and named after a Greek hero of the time.

Koundouros

 The once insignificant coastal hamlet of Koundouros has now become a beacon of high-end tourism on the island, with a spectacular blue bay to match. Surrounded by verdant scenery, the village has everything that you could wish for, from watersports to mini-golf greens and tennis courts.

Kambi, in the south part of Kondouros, offers protection from the wind, and there is a range of bars, restaurants, and swimming pools found in the hotels lining the coast. You can also check out the restored stone windmills that add a traditional touch to this cosmopolitan resort.

Pisses

 Pisses is a truly splendid beauty spot, sitting in a fertile valley about 11 km from Ioulida, with a fantastic clean beach and long sandy coast. On your way there, you will have the opportunity to admire the island’s enchanting landscape of cypress trees, orchards, and rustic farms.

Dive straight into the crystalline waters before savoring excellent local cuisine on the beachfront taverna. Pisses is also the site of an ancient city and remains of that era are still visible, including marble structures housed within the church of Agia Sotiria, which was built over a temple once dedicated to Apollo.

Pera Meria and Kato Meria

Pera Meria is the region to the east of Ioulida and the location of several beaches. There isn’t really one village but a smattering of homes scattered across the mountain. However, it is well worth a drive through this area to enjoy the abundant oak and chestnut trees dotted around.

Each hamlet has a charm of its own, with many offering views across the sea to distant islands. You will also come across many small churches, such as Agios Symeon, where you can stop to enjoy panoramic Aegean views from its hilltop location.

Kato Meria can be found in the southern half of the island. Here again, you won’t find any real villages but small traditional farming communities that continue to be involved in agriculture and animal husbandry and offer a unique insight into the island’s culture.
 

Best Beaches

Kea offers visitors a great range of idyllic beaches, some of which are large and organized while others are smaller and more secluded. Although rather busy during weekends as Athenians descend for a spot of swimming and sunbathing, most of the beaches are half-empty during the week, offering peace and serenity in fabulous surroundings.

 Koundouros Beach

Koundouros Beach sits 18 km from Ioulida and is a popular destination for yachts and sunseekers. The large bay is dotted with restored stone mills and there are a few taverns as well as accommodation for visitors. The beach itself has crystalline waters and is a tranquil escape for those seeking total peace and quiet.

Otzias Beach

Otzias Beach is 11 km from the capital and due to its length, has become popular with wind and kite surfers. It is probably the only beach on the island where you will feel the Meltemi winds that occur in summer all over the Cyclades and so this is a great place to enjoy watersports.

From the beach, you can spot the ruins of the ancient harbor and the remnants of old mines, while there is easy access to the monastery of Panagia Kastriani. Taverns and cafes are aplenty, offering great local cuisine and spectacular sunset views.

Korissia Beach

The beach of Korissia is a long sandy bay about 5 km away from the capital and offers pure relaxation amongst beautiful scenery.

Apart from the mix of sand & pebbles, you can also spread out on the smooth rocks that sink into the water’s edge and embrace the wonderful sea views. This is a charming beach that will instill you with a sense of total contentment.

Kambi Beach

Another delightful beach in a small sheltered bay, Kambi is also surrounded by majestic mountains, offering a peaceful haven for those seeking to escape. Approximately 18 km away from Ioulida, the beach features a backdrop of steps carved into the hillside that leads to a line of verdant trees providing shade at the water’s edge.

A less-frequented beach, at Kambi you will find nothing but sheer serenity.

Orkos Beach

 Although a large sandy beach, you won’t find many people at Orkos, which sits on the northeastern side of the island. A handful of summer houses can be found here, but that’s about it. So, you will need to take all of the necessary supplies along with you.

Well worth a visit for its picturesque setting, the water here is absolutely pristine, making it ideal for both swimming and snorkeling.
 

Transportation Around Kea

Public transportation is very organized in Kea, with buses running frequently to every tourist location from Ioulida, which is the central bus station. Additionally, you can make use of the taxis that are available to take you to your preferred destination.

Another sound option is to rent a car or motorcycle so that you can follow your own itinerary and explore the full extent of the island. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Kea.