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Kea

Kea

The island of Kea, also referred to as Tzia, is a well kept Greek secret. Even though Kea is located very close to Athens – just a 45 minute ferry from the port of Lavrio – and is a popular destination among high society Athenians, it has not yet been well discovered by international travellers. This untouched charm is what makes Kea stand out from the rest of the Cyclades islands; Kea is unique, authentic, and embodies quintessential Greek island living!

As you approach the port of Korissia, the first impression is that Kea has the typical barren Cycladic landscape. Behind this exterior, however, is a verdant cultivated island, home to some rare species of flora, and an even more unusual, for the Cyclades islands, forest of royal oak trees. Rugged rocky slopes interspersed with almond groves, farms, vineyards, and vegetable gardens complete the island's surprisingly unique and varied landscape. Scattered throughout Kea are kathikies, the characteristic farmhouses built from local stone.

The capital of Kea is Ioulida, a lovely traditional village built on a hill with the remnants of a Venetian castle on top. Maze-like cobbled streets with arches, large whitewashed houses with red roofs, stairway paths, huge fig trees, small covered alleys and courtyards filled with Mediterranean herbs, all add to Kea's distinctive charm. Ioulida is undoubtedly a hiker's delight, an ideal location to explore and wander around, as well as a great spot to enjoy a cup of Greek coffee with the locals. Vourkari is a picturesque fishing village with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, very popular among the yachting community. Koundouros is another favoured seaside spot boasting a lovely beach with crystal clear waters, great hotels, cafes, restaurants, mini-golf, and tennis courts as well as night clubs.

Things To Do

• Go Hiking
Ever since the ancient mule tracks have been restored, Kea offers about 12 different hiking routes (with varying levels of difficulty) around ancient ruins, beautiful springs, quaint chapels, and forests. With approximately 70km of marked paths in a breathtaking unspoiled terrain, this is a hiker's paradise! The trails to ancient Karthea and the Monastery of Kastriani are particularly popular among connoisseurs.

• Watch the Sunset from the Venetian Castle
Take in the incredible views from the Venetian Castle and watch as the sky turns into a blazing red-orange swirl. There is no better way to end a day on this unique island!

• See the Stone Statue of the Lion of Kea
Lounging near a hilltop, the ancient stone Lion of Kea is remarkable not only for its excellent condition but also for its oddly cheerful demeanour. Built during the 6th century BC, the lion is the local landmark and represents a mythical lion that almost destroyed the island.

• Visit the Archaeological Museum in Ioulida
The Archaeological Museum houses many significant ancient artefacts discovered in excavations around the island, giving visitors great insight into Kea's rich history. Here you will see some impressive objects dating back to the Neolithic Age.

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