Kea island
Kea or Tzia is a beautiful Cyclades island and one of the most popular destinations because of its proximity to the eastern coast of Attica. It has an area of 130.5 sq. km., a coastline of 81.5 km and a population of 2,420. The island has a unique ever-changing scenery: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, ravines, picturesque coves and enchanting beaches.
1. Chora Keas (Ioulida)
The capital of Kea, Ioulida, is in the centre of the island, built on the site of the ancient town by the same name. It is a picturesque town of traditional houses with ceramic tile roofs, al- leys paved with cobblestones, small squares, stegadia (arcaded alleys) and lots of steps along the narrow streets.
2. Korissia
Korissia, also called Livadi, is the port of Kea, on the west side of the island. It is particularly picturesque and cosmopolitan, with many shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and wonderful sandy beaches. Distance from Ioulida: 5.5 km NW.
3. Vourkari
Vourkari is a seaside village, built in an amphitheatrical formation, offering a lovely sea view. It is near Korissia and it is a cosmopolitan town with its pier full of yachts in the summer. There are famous galleries and fish restaurants in the area. Vourkari is the centre of Kea’s nightlife. Distance from Ioulida: 7.5 km NW.
4. Otzias
Otzias is a coastal village in the northern part of the island, stretching along the sandy beachfront with tamarisks. In the area of Cape Kefalas there is a settlement and cemetery which is dating back to the Late Neolithic period (3300-3200 BC). Distance from Ioulida: 10 km N.
5. Pisses
Pisses is a picturesque seaside village built in a cove with its lovely sandy beach facing a plain with vegetable gardens. This is the location of Poiiessa, an ancient town dating back to the 6th c. BC, the ruins of which can be seen in the area. Distance from Ioulida: 11.5 km SW.
6. Koundouros
Koundouros is located on the west side of the island, with beautiful bays and small sandy beaches. Many old windmills have been renovated and turned into residences. Distance from Ioulida: 15 km. SW.
Quick must see – The particularly significant prehistoric settlement of Agia Eirini and its promontory on the northern side of Agios Nikolaos bay, where there is a great number of statues dating back to the 15th c. BC.
Activities in Kea
1. Water sports. You can find a lot of water sports in Kea island. It makes sense in an island.
2. Fishing. If you have the itch to fish, you’ll enjoy targeting Bluefin Tuna, Dogtooth Grouper
3. Diving. Kea is ideal for diving, the sea is amazing and there are a lot of things to discover.
4. Dirt bike riding. For any extreme sport lovers it is a must. There are a lot of mountain paths in Kea that serve the purpose
5. Camping in Pisses. If you enjoy living in nature, then camping is kindly suggested as well
6. Hiking (there are hiking trails on the island with a total length of 36 km 65% of which are paved).
7. Swimming in Koundouros, Pisses, Gialiskari and Otzias. Sykamia, Spathi, Xyla, Kefala, Treis Ammoudies, Melissaki, Mavrabeli, Kalogiros and Vroskopos are fairly secluded beaches.
Useful phone numbers in Kea
Kea Municipal office: 22883-60.000, Police station: 22880-21.100, Rural Medical Clinic: 22880-22.200, Port Authority: 22880-21.344, Archaeological Museum: 22880-22.079
Country code: +30
What to visit in Kea island
1. Ancient Korissia, built on two hills, with significant finds in the lower and upper acropolis. The famous Kouros of Kea (530 BC) is one of the most important sculptures of archaic times.
2. The monastery of Panagia Kastriani, 7 km E., built on a steep rock, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
3. The ruins of ancient Karthea, on Poles [pronounced Póless] bay to the southeast.
4. The 13th c. church of Agioi Apostoloi, in Kato Meria.
5. The old “Emaye” (meaning Enamel) plant and its characteristic chimney, where old factory machinery is displayed.
6. The Fleha Spring, at Mylopotamos village
