“Your entrance to the Cyclades”
Although KEA could be one of the fanciest and popular islands of the Cyclades, she has quietly decided to remain silent and mysteriously out of the competition of beach bars and touristic setup. Although she is the closest island to Athens, where someone would expect that the island would live out of the tourists, this seems not to be the case.
The island on its own has unlimited sandy beaches with crystal clear green and blue water, romantic picturesque little houses perched on the top of the mountain (Ioulis-Chora), a big variety of gastronomic pleasures lovely to taste along with the famous local red wine, while the hiking trails and the archaeological sites are considered to be a trademark of the island and worth visiting if you would like to understand the feeling of the island and the story behind what KEA is today.
KEA has kept her traditional qualities that go back into ancient times, she is like a queen of the past that will not bother to advertise 5-star hotels or swimming pools in order to attract visitors. Ancient Karthaia, the only area on an island along with Delos, that was allowed to host the ancient Olympic games, the temple of Apollo going back to 530 BC.
Τhe breathtaking Lion statue of chasing away the Nymphs of the island along with the 45m tall chimney of the biggest Enamel factory ever existed in the Mediterranean proof of the glory of the past, are some of the reasons why KEA is a true Greek island and you need to look a bit closer to feel her vibe and smell the beauty of the ‘Meltemi flying above you.
Complex of islands:
Cyclades islands
Capital:
‘Ioulis’
Location:
Western Cyclades
Distance from Athens:
35 miles
Famous heritage:
Kea Stone Lion
Interesting info:
Quite mild and dry
KEA GREEK ISLAND
Included in our 1 week route for the Cyclades
A dive into tradition. Ioulida, the only town that built inland, laid out amphitheatrically on the slope. A village of old mansions and town houses, vaulted alleys, fountains, traditional architecture and urbanism and a castle which still partially preserved.
Spend some time in the neoclassical Town Hall building, a work of architect' Ernst Ziller and definitely visit the archaeological museum, which is considered one of the most important of the Cyclades. You will find remainings of the temple of god Apollo among others dated back to 530 BC.
Walk past the town hall, all the way to the monastery, above of which you can relax and enjoy a great meal on the roof of the restaurant looking the imaginary view of the horizon.
KEA is considered one of the islands with the most interesting, underwater treasures. If you are experienced you will have the chance to visit ship wrecks going back to world war I with the help and guidance of KEA diving center. For those of you that are not experienced you can get familiarized with the diving procedure and tryout a dive safely into shallow waters.
Are you ready to explore the shipwreck of a French cargo ship or more better a World War II plane?
Kea is the home to the underwater wreck of a German Junkers 52 aircraft from WWII and two famous shipwrecks – the Kea is the home to the underwater wreck of a German Junkers 52 aircraft from WWII and two famous shipwrecks – the HMHS Britannic, the sister of the Titanic.
Ancient Karthaia was one of the major cities of KEA into the ancient times. Successful findings prove the high cultural level and prosperity along with economic growth. The city hosted a temple of Apollo along with the temple of Athena and is the only area in an island that was allowed to host the primary Olympic games.
Ancient Karthaia had its own coins and was considered to be one of the most prestigious and powerful cities of the past. Praised by great poets as the “Dazzling star of the classic culture”, she can be proven a great excursion-especially if we organize a private donkey ride down to the ruins of this wonderful ancient place. The rocks and graves of Karthea will remind you how time flies but still magical places built in front of the beach will always wake up emotions of tranquility, peace and joy.
PROSClose to Athens
Numerous magnificent beaches to visit with a yacht
Turquise waters
Chora (Ioulis) is close to the port (5min with Taxi)
Very nice food
Easy taxi service – Simple and easy to reach via phone
CONSCrowdie during weekends by Athenians that visit on Friday
Not so well organized to attract foreign guests
Long distances to cover if you chose to drive from Vourkari to Koundouros
Only 6 taxis available-might be a problem in rush hours
We spent 5 days in the Aegean and Saronic with George, our captain. From planning all the way in early winter though the actual vacation in July everything was seamless with Eugene. He was so responsive and quick, very informative and not pushy at all! Very knowledgable while always taking our needs and wish list into account.
We had a magnificent 2 week sail on Inspiration, a 54ft Oceanis, in the Cyclades. Skippering a bareboat charter can always be a challenge but Eugene sorted out every problem we had with the effortless ease of a master problem solver. It was the dedication of Eugene and his crew that made the whole holiday such a success as well as the beautiful, warm and welcoming sea, islands and tavernas. Yachtsailing are definitely my choice of charterer for the Western Aegean and we look forward to repeating our experience.
Koundouros photo by Kostas K. 08/08/2016
Kea "Chora" by Kostas K. 08/08/2016
Walk at Ioulis Kea photo by Ioanna S. 05/08/2016
Korissia photo by Kostas K. 08/08/2016
Crystal Waters at Koundouros photo by Ioanna 07/08/2016
KEA Poisses photo by Eugene 09/08/2016
Kea Vourkari photo by Kostas k. 08/08/2016
Koudouros (drone view) photo by Kostas K. 08/08/2016
KEA Vourkari photo by Eugene 07/08/2016
Vourkari Kea photo by Eugene 07/07/2016
Kea Vourkari view of the south side by Eugene 07/07/2016
Koudouros photo by Kostas K 08/08/2016
Capital of Kea - Ioulis square photo by Ioanna S 10/08/2016
our sailing yacht at Koudouros beach by Eugene 07/08/2016
ioulis alleys walk photo by Ioanna S. 07/08/2016
Kea Chora photo by our drone 08/08/2016
Located in the corner of Vourkari bay, here a charming lighthouse will provide moments of fun, peace, and relaxation. All especially exceptional when able to take the chance to watch the sun disappearing into the horizon in this magnificent location!
The Lion of Kea was carved in ancient times prior to 600 BC. It is a massive rock around 6 meters long created by an unidentified artist as well as undefined time of creation. The lion stone with its peculiar smile is meant to represent a mythical lion said to have almost demolished the island of Kea in favor of the Gods.
One of the most significant of the Cyclades museums as many of the findings of ancient KEA are still located here. Definitely worth paying visiting!!
Located in the South-West part of KEA. Considered to be very protected from the Northern Winds. Sandy bottom and very clear water, perfect for swimming, especially if you are visiting with a yacht. There are 2 restaurants available and we would propose it to overnight without concerns.
Poises is in the South West of Kea with turquoise waters and lovely scenery, however not very sheltered from Northern winds if you decide to stay the night and sometimes can be a little over crowded during peak season.
Located to the East side of KEA, with great scenery and a small tavern available for lunch or dinner. Not too crowded, and considered a nice yacht destination when the weather permits it.
Isolated, very beautiful, blue-green waters, and lovely sandy beaches with ideal scenery for relaxing. There is no tavern available but you will have the chance to enjoy nature and pleasant underwater dives.
KEA is one of the most popular areas for Athenians arriving on the weekend to enjoy local seafood and other delicious dishes.
Koundouros is considered a very beautiful bay with 2 nice restaurant options, located on the beach with delicious local dishes and refined Greek salads.
You will find Sausages and Loza in many Cycladic islands that consider it as their own speciality. Sausages are made following a recipy that has been passed from one generation to the other, mainly from families that were stockbreeders. We are talking of salted pork that is steamed for weeks, imagine it is the Greek version of prosciutto that will leave you a salty aftertaste.
Famous for her variety of cheese don’t forget to taste "kopanisti" and "ksino", for all cheese lovers it will be an unforgettable experience.
Small but very tasty KEA’s tomatoes are considered one of the best type available in Greece. Try to have a typical Greek salad ‘Choriatiki’ and you can let us know your opinion when you return!
"We encourage you to visit the main chora Ioulis. We also suggest you to try a cooking class provided by locals individualy, ask one of our captains to guide you accordingly - it is fun and a nice experience".
-Eugene suggests