Kea, the least known island of the Cyclades is a real discovery

It is very close to Athens and is the least known of the Cyclades , from which it also differs in its architectural physiognomy. On the island of Kea you will not find whitewashed cubic houses and churches with blue domes, but houses with terracotta roofs with elegant architecture. There are many attractions to discover, including historical sites, beaches for all tastes and a network of paths perfect for trekking enthusiasts. Let's find out together what this unusual destination in Greece has to offer to those who decide to explore it.

What to see in Kea

Although it is still not very well known among international tourists, Kea (also called Tzia or Cheo ) is well known to the inhabitants of Athens , who, when the summer heat arrives, spend regenerating weekends at the seaside, taking advantage of the island's proximity to the mainland . In an hour by ferry, you can leave behind the frenzy of city life and recharge in this corner of tranquility and beauty.

The territory is mostly arid and barren, which gives it a certain wild charm. In this small paradise bathed by crystalline waters, life flows slowly and placidly, between the pretty town of Ioulida, the villages lost in the hinterland, ancient ruins, temples and churches. To be pleasantly explored by land and sea.

Ioulida, the capital of Kea

Ioulis or Ioulida (locally called Chora or Hora ), about 5 km from the port of Kea, reflects the spirit of traditional villages, revealing itself as very picturesque, with its red roofs and narrow paved streets. There are no cars here, as visitors must leave them at the entrance of the village. Locals occasionally travel on donkeys, although these animals are mainly used to transport building materials used in the construction sites on the island. A bus service also departs from Ioulida, connecting various areas.

The town is divided into two parts, one that extends along the mountain ridge, the other that descends from the hill, dominated by the Kastro , the oldest part that preserves the fortifications of the past, the remains of a wall and an acropolis. Further down you come across the church of Agia Paraskevi , built inside a cave. In Ioulida you can also find the Archaeological Museum of Kea , which houses numerous finds from excavations carried out on the island, including artifacts from the post-Neolithic, Early, Middle and Late Copper Ages.

For entertainment, you will find bars and taverns where you can taste Greek cuisine, but you will especially love the main square, where the most important events take place, such as the Panagia Kastriani festival, which takes place on August 15th.

The beaches

Kea is a very popular island especially on summer weekends, as a place for Athenians to escape from the city, while it is definitely quieter during the week. Some of the 19 beaches on the island are equipped and have tourist facilities, while others are smaller and more secluded, ideal for enjoying privacy and all the relaxation you desire. However, it should be noted that many can only be reached by boat or with long walks.

The most famous beach, as well as the longest at 700 meters, is Otzias , on the northern tip of the island. A long sandy beach nestled in a bay whose shape from above resembles a jellyfish, with a portion delimited by a row of tamarisks that shelter from the sun during the hottest hours, and another part equipped and equipped with numerous services, including umbrellas, sunbeds, a bar and a play area for the entertainment of the little ones.

Very popular among the inhabitants of Ioulida is Gialiskari , a small beach on the northwest coast, with a beach bar that invites you to take a refreshing break overlooking the sea. Due to its sheltered location, it is ideal for those who want to swim in calm waters and for families with children. The sunset is unmissable, which can be admired from here in all its fantastic colors.

For lovers of golden sand there is also Koundouros , the only beach in Kea to have obtained the Blue Flag recognition. It is among the most popular on the island, with a popular restaurant overlooking the sea. Numerous uncontaminated and hidden beaches are ideal for those who want privacy and tranquility. Among these, Xyla, Orkos, Liparo and Lygia.

Monuments and historical sites

On the south-eastern side of the island, just above the bay of Poles, is the archaeological site of Karthea , the most important on the island of Kea. The ancient city was founded in the 12th century and lasted until the beginning of the Byzantine period. The site is located about 23 km from Ioulida, and can be reached by following the scenic route of Vathipotamos . The journey is long and tiring at times, but you are rewarded with wonderful views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. Another more comfortable way to reach it is by boat. Once there, you can admire the remains of the Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena (late 6th century BC) and the temple dedicated to Apollo (530 BC), overlooking the sea. In the valley of Vathipotamos, the remains of the Temple of Demeter and an ancient theater dating back to the 1st century BC were also discovered. Some remains found in the excavations of Karthea are now visible at the Archaeological Museum of Kea, in Ioulida.

Among the must-see attractions of the least known of the Cyclades Islands is the Monastery of Panagia Kastriani , about 12 km from the capital, in the region of Kastri (hence the name). According to local tradition, around 1700 AD some shepherds saw a light at the top of the hill. When they climbed, they dug and found an icon of the Virgin Mary. They then built a small church there that still exists today. In 1912, a larger church was also built, which constitutes the katholikon of the monastery. The building enjoys a privileged position, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the island of Andros.

Also not to be missed is the fascinating Lion of Ioulis , less than 2 km from the city. A 6x3 metre feline sculpture in granite rock. Its origins are uncertain, but it is thought that this work dates back to 600 BC. With its sly and enigmatic smile, it is considered the island's lucky charm and, of course, has inspired many legends.

What to do in Kea

Kea is perfect for lovers of diving , boat trips and trekking . Here, in addition to the crystal clear waters, you will find numerous paths - for a total of over 81 km - well marked with information signs that will guide you along the way, many of which are paved in stone. They were part of an ancient road network that, between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, connected the city-states. They are different from each other, due to the shape of the island, in some areas mountainous, in others with a flatter profile, some easy and suitable for everyone, others more challenging, recommended for more expert walkers.

The paths

One of the most interesting ways to discover Kea is on foot. The island's well-preserved network of trails includes 12 routes that offer unforgettable experiences. You can walk among the green streams of the hinterland, explore the most isolated bays, the most picturesque chapels, the imposing ruins of an ancient tower.

The paths of Kea:

1. Route Leon (5 km): Ioulis – stone lion – Dosonari – Diaselli – Otzias
2. Route Elixos (3 km): Ioulis – Roukounas – Komi – Agios Konstantinos – Mylopotamos – Flea – Korissia
3. Route Aristeos (12 km): Ioulis – Messaria – Profitis Ilias – Astra – Ellinika – Agios Symeon – Karthai
4. Route Drys (3 km): Moni Episkopis – Sotira – Perameria – Tria Maderika – Sykamia
5. Route Karthaia , variant 1 (3 km): Katomeria – Kalodouka – source of Vathypotamos
6. Route Karthaia , variant 2 (3 km): Stavroudaki – Vathypotamos Spring – Karthaia
7. Route Karthaia, variant 3 (2 km): Chavouna – Aghios Taxiarchis -Pigadaki – Kaliskia – Karthaia
8. Route Seirios (4.5 km): Ellinika – Choucli – Vryses – Aghios Filippos – Aghios Symeon
9. Route Artemis (5.5 km): Ioulis – Myloi – Tholos – Kalogerados – Amarathia – Ellinika – Aghios Panteleimonas – Panagia Loutriani
10. Route Hydroussa (5 km): source of Benjamin Spring – Aghios Dimitrios – Spathi
11. Route Poiessa (5.5 km): Sklavonikolas – Panachra – Aghia Marina – Pisses – Pisses beach
12. Route Orkos : Profitis Ilias – Laoudi – Kampouri – Orkos

Diving to see famous wrecks

Kea is also considered one of the best scuba diving areas in the Mediterranean . What makes it unique for those who love to dive into the depths is the famous Kea Underwater Historic Site – “KUHS” , which includes three famous historical wrecks: the HMHS Britannic , known as the sister ship of the Titanic – sunk not by an iceberg but by a German mine that sank at a depth of 100 meters in 1916; the ship S/S Burdigala and the steamship Patris , probably sunk in 1860.

Since June 2022, the wrecks are fully accessible. The surrounding areas are protected, fishing is prohibited, so you can enjoy the extraordinary marine life in peace. A German Junkers 52 aircraft from World War II, which ditched off the port of Kea in 1943, will soon be the next wreck to be added to the Site.

How to get to Kea

The island of Kea can be reached in about an hour by ferry from the port of Lavrio , located 40 minutes away from Athens airport . The port, in addition to being the least known, is the furthest from the center and the airport (about 30km) of the three ports of the capital. Furthermore, there is no direct public transport between Athens airport and Lavrio. You can therefore take the bus, changing lines, or opt for a taxi.

Ferries Lavrio – Kea depart 2 to 7 times a day, depending on the season and whether you take the ferry on a weekend or not. Generally, the last ferry leaves at 20:30. A couple of days a week, you can also get to Kea from Paros , Naxos and Folegandros (but the latter takes a good 12 hours) with the slow ships of SAOS Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.