About Kea

Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, yet in close proximity to Athens, Kea is uniquely positioned to accommodate a relaxing family trip or a summit with business partners. The pristine beaches and undiscovered hikes on the island will ensure you enjoy an unforgettable getaway

Kea will be your Circuit Breaker.

Kea (Tzia) is the closest Cycladic island to the mainland. Due to its proximity to Athens, is quite different than other Greek islands. You can access it from the port of Lavrio with a ferry ride that lasts for about an hour.

Kea can also be easily accessible by helicopter from Athens or other islands. Flight time from Athens takes only 20 minutes.

How to arrive

Helicopter

Flight time from Athens takes only 20 minutes.

Ferry

From Lavrio port to Kea in about an hour.

Car Rental

Travel by car from Athens and with a ferry from Lavrio.

Speed Boat

30 minute ride from Lavrio port to Kea.

The History

The island of Kea has been inhabited since the late Neolithic times, known as Hydroussa at that time. However, the history of Kea is mixed with mythology, according to which the vast springs and fountains of this island were home to the nymphs. These nymphs are said to be chased off Kea by a fierce lion sent by the gods, who were jealous of the beauty of this island. To please the lion, the inhabitants carved a lion statue on the rocks and this statue exists till today.

Restaurants in Kea

Aristos Taverna (+30 22880 21475) is one of the most famous restaurants in Tzia, located right on Vourkari’s dock, popular among yachters visiting the island. Try the mouthwatering lobster spaghetti but also the fried baby kalamari, the fried baby shrimps and the Dakos salad with kopanisti cheese (local cycladian cheese). Reservations recommended during high season.

Karthea Taverna (+30 22880 24280) is a place well hidden in Kato Meria, far away from the main Kea Port, accessible only by car or taxi. Excellent local food and wine coupled with lots of salads and oven dishes offer a real food feast. Worth the drive !

9 Kores (+30 22880 21702) in Vourkari serves Mediterrenean cuisine and high quality seafood; a perfect spot for a relaxing dinner while watching the beautiful sunset. Don’t leave without tasting their cheese cake.

Koundouros, Inside «Porto Koundouros» Hotel, (+ 30 22880 31111). Greek cuisine & fish. Stylish setting and nice view from the wooden deck on to the beach. Fine Greek cuisine,  meat and fresh fish on the grill.

Vourkarion (+30 2288022444, +306939037105). Fish tavern. A classic fish tavern, with nice atmosphere and very nice view to the sunset. Seafood appetizers, the famous spaghetti with lobster, fresh fish and meat from the island on the grill.

(+ 30 22880 21680, + 30 22880 21137) in Otzias is a shaded terrace at the edge of the village, with view to the beach. Classic appetizers, delicious pies, a wide variety of cooked dishes and charcoal-grilled fish.

Strofi tou Mimi (+ 30 22880 21480) in Vourkari. A trim family taverna at the edge of the picturesque village. They put emphasis on fish and seafood, but there are some meat dishes too.

Steki  (+ 30 22880 22088) in Ioulis is an atmospheric terrace high up on the main street of the village. Homemade Greek dishes. The must tastes are the rabbit with beer, tsipouro (traditional ouzo), mustard and rosemary and the burger in the roaster with cheese, tomato, and pepper.

Kalofagades  (+2288022118)  is a traditional greek tavern with meat and nice house wine from the island located at the central square of Ioulida.

Exochiko Margaritas (+ 30 22880 31223) in Poisses is a
simple tavern on the street, just before the beach. Try the grilled burger, the moussaka and tourlou (mixed stewed vegetables).

Magazes (+ 30 22880 21104) in Korissia is an attractive new-style tavern on the port’s promenade. Greek dishes with a twist, fresh fish from their boat, meat dishes and pasta.

Rolandos (+ 30 22880 29129) in Korissia is a beautiful small terrace, you will eat authentic “pastitsada” (meat with macaroni), garlicky “soffritto” with cheese and stewed meatballs.

Activities in Kea

Scuba Diving

A new diving center -member of PADI opened in Tzia in 2013; the diving school has modern equipment and offers scuba diving sessions to both experienced and inexperienced divers, children to adults. One and half nautical mile from the northwest point of the island is the wreck of the famous HMS Britannic, sister ship to the famous Titanic. As this wreck is found at 120 metres, it is accessible only to experienced divers.

Also 700 metres west of Korissia, there is the 100 year old wreck of the French cargo ship Burdigala, and next to it a World War II airplane, a German junker 52, also recommended for advanced divers.

Hiking and Trekking

Kea is a beautiful island which offers a mountainous setting ideal for trekking. The trekking paths on Kea vary in difficulty, as they may last from a few minutes to several hours. These paths cross hillsides, valleys, forests and many picturesque villages. They are usually well-signed but a map is also always required, if not a guide.

One of the most popular trekking routes on Kea starts in Agios Symeon village and ends in the remote beach of Agios Filippos. The whole route takes about 2 hours and passes through stonepaths, lovely countryside and small chapels.

Another shorter trekking route (about 30 min in total) starts from Ioulida and ends at the Stone Lion, about 1 km away, an ancient sculpture engraved on a natural rock and closely related to the traditions of the island.

The trekking path from Ioulida to Agios Konstantinos, Milopotamos, Flea and Korissia is also quite popular. The trekking time is about 3 hours in total, not recommended for beginners, but offers the chance to see much of the island’s beautiful landscape.

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