The 11 essential things to do in Kéa

You go to the Greek Cyclades and especially on the island of Kéa? Here are the 8 best things to do in Kea, visits to bathing sites

The island of Kéa is the nearest island to the capital Athens . With a surface area of just over 130 km2, it is mountainous and arid in the summer. Unlike the majority of other islands in the Cyclades , you can't find typical white houses here. The houses are cubic and local stone.

With its wild places, its montages and beautiful beaches, it is a beautiful place to land and spend a good holiday. Especially since the address is calm and still little known...

1. The capital of the island: Ioulida

The village of Ioulida (also called Chora or Ioulis) is not to be missed. The capital of Kéa represents a beautiful example of cycladic architecture. It is on the mountainside, in the heart of the hills and a lush nature. It displays beautiful white houses with lime and neoclassical constructions. The crooked stairs and narrow alleys give the charm of walks. The cafes and taverns, around the town hall, offer a well-deserved shaded break. The view of the high valleys is admired, with its plantations of oaks and almond trees. Vignobles and vegetable gardens are also well developed. To learn more about Ioulida, visit its archaeological museum. The site offers rooms of the ancient sites of the island. In summer, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

2. The lion of Kéa

Kéa's lion is a lion in the rock at 7 e century BC. With its beautiful smile, the animal preserves the capital. He watches over her. He discovers himself after an easy walking distance of about 15 minutes. Asses sometimes come along the same path. The heat remains the main difficulty. Think about taking what to cover and moisturize you.

The lion of Kéa symbolizes the famous lion at the origin of the departure of the nymphs of the island. Known at the time as Hydroussa, the tree and wet island becomes a site in a state of drought. The island quickly regains its prosperity and the lion becomes the symbol of fertility.

3. North of the island of Kéa

Vourkari is a beautiful fishing village located in a bay. Today, fishermen’s boats are close to the great sailboats and luxury yachts. After a walk in the village streets, enjoy yourself. Restaurants and taverns invite you to taste the products of the sea. Small art galleries are numerous. On the right of the village, a small sandy beach is even present.

In the evening, the sunset shines the archaeological site and the church of Ayia Irini, located on the peninsula in front of it. You can walk to the Aglos Nikolaos lighthouse and then reach Otzlas, starting point for many hikes.

4. South of the island of Kéa: villages and archaeological sites

The difference between the north of the island, green and the south of Kéa, much more arid is impressive. In the village of Kato Meria, south-east of the island of Kéa, there is a hiking trail. It leads to the ancient site of Karthea. It takes 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. to go up. On site, temples and vestiges are visible. For swim enthusiasts, a wild beach is present.

Other very beautiful villages are worth a visit. The valley of Pisses, on the east coast, shows a beautiful beach. Lunch at the seaside in one of the restaurants.

Keep your way to Koundouros. With its beautiful dry stone houses, discover local traditions. We also discover beautifully restored mills and beautiful small coves. Nearby, the pretty village of Kambi is also worth a visit.

5. The site of the old Karthaia

Karthaia was the most important city in Kea in ancient times. It was fortified and had six admissions. The towers were protecting the surroundings. The city operated independently, with its own laws. To get there, go from the village of Ioulida in the morning. Walk towards the village of Chavouna. Just before this village, you will find the direction for Karthaia. Visit the site, before swimming on the beach of Kaliskia.

6. The port of Kéa : Korissia

Korissia is a port in a hilly bay west of the island. It is lined with beautiful white houses, with their red tiles roof. These buildings are traditional.

The statue of Kouros of 6 e century BC was in this place. It is now at the national archaeological museum.

7. The monastery of Panagia Kastriani

North of the island, the monastery of Panayia is 12 km from Ioulida. Legend mentions shepherds seeing a light at the top of the Kastri hill around 1700. They dug at the exact spot of light to find an icon of the Virgin Mary.

Since then, a church dedicated to Mary has been built. The building, in white and blue, has the colors of the Cyclades. The place is serene and offers a breathtaking view. The access route is a bit windy but easily borrowed.

8. The beaches of Kéa

You will be able to choose your swimming place on the island of Kéa. If you want to bet on a more intimate space, go to hard access beaches. Some are accessible by road, others just walking. The must: beaches accessible only by boat.

Before you go, watch the wind. In this case, avoid the beaches of Utzias and Korissa. They're not sheltered.

Here are the most beautiful beaches of Kéa:

• Pipes and clear waters. This beach is very beautiful and remains surrounded by trees.
• Otzias is a large sandy beach built in part. She still has a wild side with her almond trees and typical olive trees. She's very busy on the weekend. This beach is to be avoided in case of wind but remains the largest beach on the island.
• Koundouros is the best beach in Kéa and offers two spaces. If one is free of access, the other is equipped with parasols, sun loungers and the possibility of practicing water sports. It has shower, playground, shade... In case of wind, it is sheltered. With its shallow crystal clear waters, we understand why it is so coveted... A little further on the coast, we discover Kampi beach with its vegetation or Liparo, a pretty isolated beach.
• Glaliskari is surrounded by eucalyptus and pines. It is located between Korissia and Vourkari. Fine sand and trendy bars, everything is there to spend a day of stuffing.
• Spathi is located on the northeast of the island. With its limpid waters, this beach is at the foot of a barren and rocky decor. You don't have to be loaded to get to this beach. The way to access it is complicated...
• Also discover the wild beach of Sikamnia

9. Geological trails and discoveries

Hiking enthusiasts will give themselves to joy. Kéa has many ancient paved trails, continguishing the history and evolution of the island’s relief.

Geology lovers will also enjoy themselves. Many small caves exist in Kea. Discover that of Kálamos or Áyios Timótheos . Four ancient cities are present: Ioulis, Koressia, Karthaia and Poiessa. Patterns are still visible.

10. Scuba diving to the waffles

Huge shipwrecks took place around Kea. Today, some are accessible to the public. The first is the Titanic replica. HMHS Brittanic failed near the port of the island in 1916. Diving is only allowed to professionals.

Amateur divers can turn off is Patris, a Greek ship dating from 1868. It rests near the benches of Koundouros.

11. Bird observation

Bird lovers should not forget their camera. The island of Kéa has the largest oak forest in the Cyclades. There are many birds. Their observation is a real delight, especially at sunrise, when the island is very quiet and nature resumes its rights.

How to get to the island of Kéa?

From France

To reach Kéa, you will first have to take a flight to Athens. At the start of France, many companies offer the trip. Attention, however, the prices rise in high season! To anticipate your departure and find a flight at the best price based on your departure dates, think about jaunting rates on Ulysses .

From Athens

Once on site, and from Athens airport, you have a choice. You can opt for it car rental as soon as you arrive for a self-contained stay, or take a taxi to the port of Lavrio. In any case, count a little over 30 minutes to reach it.

Finally, from Lavrio, take the boat to the island of Kéa. Count a little over an hour of crossing.

Note : you can also go from the port of Pirée to Milos. A stopover is made on the island of Kéa.

Where to stay in Kea?

The island of Kéa is full of multiple addresses to stay. You will find accommodation in front of the sea, more confidential addresses, traditional accommodation... Here again, do not hesitate to browse the offers on a Compare hotels which, whatever your criteria, will offer you a wide selection of accommodations.

Want a more typical experience? Think about local homes. Indeed, Airbnb offers several accommodations at home, in whole or shared accommodation, for an authentic stay!