Kea

Map of Kea

Kea(Tzia), the nearest and the Westernmost island of the Cyclades to the mainland, is an extremely popular island with 131km² extension and 2.500 population. It's coastline reaches 88km. Kea is relatively sparsely inhabited island, except, Korissia, Ioulida and Vourkari which is the most expensive area of ​​the island. The most beautiful areas of the island are located on the Northeast side. The highest mountain is Prophet Elias (568 meters). Also the island has one of the biggest natural harbors of the Mediterranean, the Gulf of St. Nicholas. But the main port of Kea is Korissía.

Kea's capital is Ioulida which is beautifully situated in an amphitheatrically fold in the hills. It is a typical Cycladic town, but is architecturally  the most interesting settlement on the island. Accordingly it has numerous bars, full in summer, but during other times the town is quiet.

Beaches

Gialiskari

Gialiskari is a small, beautiful beach with clear blue waters. The trees in the sand offer shade. Easy access even on foot from the port since it is only 1 km. It's one of the most famous beaches of Kea. It's located 7km Northwest of the capital(Ioulida).

Otzias

Otzias is the largest beach on the island. A beach suitable for families. In the area there are also renting rooms and taverns. The summer bus can bring you to Otzia from Korissia or Ioulida.

Otzias

Koundouros

Another popular beach of Kea is Koundouros. It's a well organized and beautiful beach located 15km Southwest of Ioulida. In the area there are cafes and taverns. (The road to Koundouro is now paved).

Koundouros

Pisses

A beautiful sandy beach in the West side of the island. The sand is white and fine and there are also trees which offer shade. The sunshine later afternoon is magnificent.

Other Beaches

South

Kampi, Liparo, Avythou, Platys Gyalos, Sxinos, Stefa

East side

Kaliskia, Karthaia, Agios Fillipos, Tilegrafos, Orkos, Psathi, Sykamia

North

Psili Ammos, Spathi, Ladou, Kefala, Treis Ammoudies

West side

Marades, Korrisia, Xyla, Maurampeli, Kalogiros, Kalamitsi. Vroskopos, Katselakia

Sights

Archaeological Museum

Ioulida's Archaeological Museum displays extensive finds from the four ancient city-states of Kea, its highlight being thirteen female Minoan-style statues.

Lion of Kea

Lion of Kea

Fifteen-minutes walk Northeast of Ioulida on the path toward Otzias, there is the Lion of Kea, a sixth-century BC sculpture carved out of an outcrop of rock, 6 meters long and 3 meters high.

Tower of Agia Marina

Located between Ioulida and Poisses. It's a fortified tower with 20 meters height approximately. Built of local stone and marble in the Hellenistic period. The position was important because it was on an ancient crossroad

Transportation

By ferry: There are regular ferry connections to and from Lavrio on the mainland. Ferries dock at Korissia.

Destinations: Andros(1 weekly, 2-3hrs), Folegandros(1 weekly, 10-12 hrs), Kythnos(1-4 weekly, 1hr 15min), Lavrio(2-4 daily, 1hr), Milos(1 weekly, 8-10 hrs), Naxos(1 weekly, 6hrs), Paros(1 weekly, 5 hrs), Syros(1-4 weekly, 3hrs 3omin), Tinos(1 weekly, 4  hrs)

Kea

Getting Around

By bus: Buses always meet the boats, and from mid-June to September there's a regular fixed schedule around the island(every 30-45 min).

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Kea: 22883 60000

Police (Kea): 22880 21100
Port (Kea): 22880 21344
Health Center: 22880 22200
Pharmacy (Ioulida): 22880 22277
Pharmacy (Korissia): 22880 22000
Archaeological Museum: 22880 22079

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