In brief
Kea (or Tzia as it is also called) could be the next popular island. Maybe not for everybody but for certain types who come to Greece with an open mind and a desire to experience Greece as the Greeks do, Kea has a lot to offer.
Kea is a strange and slightly mysterious island. It is one of the largest in the Cyclades and there are loads of excellent beaches, many archaeological sites and one of the most amazing traditional villages in Greece.
General Information
This exceptionally picturesque island lies close to the south-east coast of Attica. The mountain masses, which are encountered in most of the Cyclades, are broken up by small valleys sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees and run right down to the sea, opening out into pretty little bays. On the western side of the island is Agios Nikolaos bay, and deep within it the port of Korissia, which is considered to be one of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Ferry-boats call at Korissia – also known as Livadi – which stands on the site of the city of Korissia, which in ancient times, with Ioulis, Karthea and Poiessa, was one of the island’s four independent city-states.
Kea (or Tzia as it is also called) could be the next popular island. Maybe not for everybody but for certain types who come to Greece with an open mind and a desire to experience Greece as the Greeks do, Kea has a lot to offer.
Kea is a strange and slightly mysterious island. It is one of the largest in the Cyclades and there are loads of excellent beaches, many archaeological sites and one of the most amazing traditional villages in Greece.
General Information
This exceptionally picturesque island lies close to the south-east coast of Attica. The mountain masses, which are encountered in most of the Cyclades, are broken up by small valleys sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees and run right down to the sea, opening out into pretty little bays. On the western side of the island is Agios Nikolaos bay, and deep within it the port of Korissia, which is considered to be one of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Ferry-boats call at Korissia – also known as Livadi – which stands on the site of the city of Korissia, which in ancient times, with Ioulis, Karthea and Poiessa, was one of the island’s four independent city-states.
The island’s capital, Hora or Ioulida (6 km. from Korissia), has maintained its Cycladic idiom intact.
Built in the shape of an amphitheatre, it presents the visitor with an impressive vista of two-storey houses and tiled roofs, steep cobbled alleyways and splendid churches with elaborately carved wooden icon screens. At the highest point of the village, on the site of the ancient acropolis, is a quarter known as Kastro which commands a breathtaking view of the nearby islands off the coast of Attica.
The interior of the island is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills and monasteries, including that of Our Lady Kastriani, Kea’s patron saint.
Sightseeing
The most famous sight on the island is the Lion of Kea (6th century BC), or Lionda. It is a big, archaic sculpture of the mythical lion.
Built in the shape of an amphitheatre, it presents the visitor with an impressive vista of two-storey houses and tiled roofs, steep cobbled alleyways and splendid churches with elaborately carved wooden icon screens. At the highest point of the village, on the site of the ancient acropolis, is a quarter known as Kastro which commands a breathtaking view of the nearby islands off the coast of Attica.
The interior of the island is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills and monasteries, including that of Our Lady Kastriani, Kea’s patron saint.
Sightseeing
The most famous sight on the island is the Lion of Kea (6th century BC), or Lionda. It is a big, archaic sculpture of the mythical lion.
The Archaeological Museum in Hora contains interesting findings dating from the Cycladic period.
The monastery of Panagia Kastriani is also worth a visit, and you can even stay here in one of its cells. The monastery dates back to the 18th century.
In Ioulis there are also a few interesting churches, as well as an ancient acropolis. There are also ancient remains of temples in Korissia.
The monastery of Panagia Kastriani is also worth a visit, and you can even stay here in one of its cells. The monastery dates back to the 18th century.
In Ioulis there are also a few interesting churches, as well as an ancient acropolis. There are also ancient remains of temples in Korissia.
Beaches
Easily accessible from Athens, Kea offers those who are seeking a restful holiday clean, uncrowded beaches at Pisses, Korissia, Koundouros, Otzia bay and Poles bay; here everyone can enjoy delicious fresh fish at picturesque little tavernas.
Useful Information
(Area 121 sq. km. Distance from Lavrio 17 nautical miles. Distance from Piraeus 42 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22880
Municipal Office: 21150, 60000
Police: 21100
Port Authority: 21334
Health Center: 22200
http://www.kea.gr
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22880
Municipal Office: 21150, 60000
Police: 21100
Port Authority: 21334
Health Center: 22200
http://www.kea.gr
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