Kea or Tzia with its cosmopolitan air is the sixth largest island in the Cyclades. A short distance from Attica, one hour from the port of Lavrio, is suitable for short getaways.
Touristic and full of life manages to combine traditional architecture and rich history with all the modern pleasures you are looking for on your vacation. Its natural landscape will enchant you.
Green meadows, olive groves and vineyards contrast with the steep shores and mountains making it unique! Its crystal clear waters can be found on the beaches but also in the natural springs and ravines that are scattered on the island.
Once you arrive in Tzia you will see the picturesque port of Korrisia with the beautiful church of Agia Triada to make a stop before you start your vacation. The town of Kea is Ioulida perched on the ridge of three hills and built amphitheatrically.
In Ioulida you will find shops, cafes and restaurants, churches, arches and cobbled alleys to enjoy your walk. Here the Cycladic houses are different with red tiled roofs, some white and others colored!
In the windless Vourkari that pulsates with life you will meet dozens of boats and sailboats, beautiful taverns with fresh fish, shops, galleries and you will enjoy your drink at night overlooking the sea!
Otzias is also very touristy, the seaside settlement with a variety of accommodation that extends along a quiet beautiful sandy beach to enjoy your swim with all facilities.
To see the contrasts of Jia in one place, we suggest the beautiful Koundouros. There you will find cosmopolitan organized beaches, restaurants and everything else you ask for but also isolated sandy beaches with wild beauty!
Nevertheless, if you want to spend your vacation quietly and more alone, choose Poisses, which extend into a valley that reaches the sea or the quiet Kato Meria with its stone-built square and its few inhabitants.
Activities
Kea has an organized and well-maintained network of trails for hiking enthusiasts. Through the 12 routes included in the network, the natural beauty, the long history and the hidden beauties of this magical island will unfold before your eyes.
Pass through green ravines, small coves for a afternoon swim, Cycladic churches and archeological sites and get to know Kea in all its glory.
We suggest you follow the routes that lead to Karthea, the most important archaeological site of the island and admire the remains of the ancient temple with a background of the blue sea!
The enchanting seabed of Kea invites you to discover it. Shipwrecks, ruins of ancient settlements and rich biodiversity compose a scene from a dream. Whether you are an experienced diver or an amateur, there is a diving center on the island to start your underwater exploration!
The shipwreck of the “British”, the islet of Spanopoula and the reef in the bay of Koundouros are locations that will not disappoint you.
In the traditional festivals of the island you will have the opportunity to get to know the authentic Kea.
Try local delicacies that will drive you crazy, dance sirto and ball with the locals to the rhythm of the traditional tsambouna and violins, quench your thirst with the wonderful Jiotian wines and you will not regret it!
In the summer, the Kea Festival is organized with numerous cultural events for all tastes.
Sights
Art and culture are of great importance for Kea.
Almost everywhere you will find art and cultural heritage exhibitions in open and closed spaces, museums and galleries to take something of the artistic aura of the island with you!
In Ioulida you walk on the path that reaches the famous Leo, a trademark of Kea, which is carved on the rock.
Visit the Archaeological Museum that houses the important and impressive findings of the excavations of the island, such as the Kouros of Kea, the marble Early Cycladic figurines from Agia Irini and the headless Victory from Karthea.
Both historical buildings of the City Halls, works by Ernest Ziller, will catch your eye.
Opposite Vourkari you will find the important prehistoric settlement of Agia Irini where the fifty beautiful “Daughters” were found, clay figurines that are considered worldwide as one of the most unique finds!
In Korrisia is the only old Enamel factory in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean!
On the northeast side of the island on a steep cliff you will find the imposing monastery of Panagia Kastriani with the beautiful view!
Kea also offers emotions for nature lovers. You can visit the largest oak forest in the Cyclades and explore the many small and interesting caves of the island such as Trypospilies, the cave of Agios Timotheos and Agios Panteleimon.
As in every Cycladic island, so in Kea you will find fine delicacies and pure local products! On the island there are taverns and restaurants that will win over even the most demanding.
On your vacation we suggest you try Paspalas, a traditional dish with pork cooked with tomato and eggs and rooster cooked in intoxicating red wine. If you are by the sea, choose lobster spaghetti overlooking the endless blue and the sailing boats for a unique summer experience.
Do not forget to visit the local producers and take something from Jia with you on the way back. Sausages and Pork Lozenges have a unique smoky taste and their recipe has been passed down from generation to generation for years.
Tzia is also known for its thyme honey which is rich in nutritional values, energy source and balm for various ailments. The herbs that grow on the island, such as sage, lavender, thyme and sword grass, have the same properties.
You can make decoctions with them or add them to food for more flavor. Of particular interest are the Tzioti cheeses such as xino, Kopanisti and Ladotyri, but also Mavroudi, a special variety of strong red wine produced on the island.
