Kea

Kea is an island in Greece. Generally quiet and rustic, its proximity to Athens makes it a popular destination for holidaying Greeks.

Cities

• 1 Ioulis - The capital of the Island. A picturesque, rustic town accessible only on foot (cars must be parked outside), and set on the side of a hill.
• 2 Korissia - The port where the ferry from Lavrio docks. It has a number of nice restaurants on the waterfront, which become busy prior to the departure of the ferry.
• 3 Koundouros
• 4 Otzias - Coastal city with nice small beach. 2-3 hour uphill hike with great views to Ioulis.

  

  Ioulis is the capital of the island.

Get in

By ferry

Kea can be reached from Lavrio on the Greek mainland by ferry. The ferry takes around 1 hour, runs several times per day (more frequently in summer), and is able to transport vehicles. The ferry docks at Korissia on Kea.

Kythnos can also be reached by ferry from Kea.

By plane

The closest airport is Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, close to Athens on the Greek mainland.

Get around

By car

A road network links the various towns on the island together, and cars may be rented in the port of Korissia. The roads in the island are narrow and winding to cover the hilly terrain, and only the major roads between towns are paved. To reach some of the smaller beaches, driving on dirt roads is necessary.

By bicycle

The steep hills, narrow roads and hot summer of Kea make it an uncomfortable place to cycle, but some hardy travelers have been known to tour it on bike.

See

There is a monastery with incredible views in the northeast end of the island. There is also a nice short hike on the way there.

Do

Scuba Diving

There are a number of Scuba diving sites close to the island, including some wrecks.

Hiking

There are numerous hikes on Kea to explore, including one from Otzias to Ioulis and one from Stavroudaki, a town near the southern end of the island, to a beach. The beach also features ruins of an ancient Greek temple.

Eat

Restaurants and Taverns can be found in Ioulis, Korissia and Vourkari.

Acorn cookies are a signature snack of the island, which get their name because they are made with acorn flour. They can be found shops across the island.

Go next

• Lavrio - 1 hr by ferry
• Kythnos