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Last updated: May 2026 · The green island an hour from Athens
Kea, known locally as Tzia, is the Cyclades island nearest Athens, and one of its greenest. Instead of the usual whitewashed cubes you'll find stone houses with tiled roofs, oak forests, ancient ruins and one of the best hiking networks in Greece.
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🦁 Landmarks
1. The Lion of Kea
A 6th-century BC lion carved from the bedrock, around 9m long, smiling enigmatically over the valley above Ioulida. A short, beautiful walk from the Chora leads to it, the island's signature sight.
2. Ioulida (Chora)
The capital drapes across two hills in an amphitheatre of stone houses, reached on foot through arched lanes. Don't miss the archaeological museum and the kastro area.
3. Ancient Karthaia
One of Kea's four ancient cities, with a temple of Apollo and a theatre set above a remote bay reachable only on foot or by boat, a magical half-day hike.
🥾 Hiking
4. Walk the Stone Trail Network
Kea has over 80km of restored, signposted footpaths, many paved with ancient flagstones and lined by dry-stone walls and oak trees. The Ioulida–Otzias and Ioulida–Karthaia routes are classics.
5. The Oak Forests
Kea's valonia oak forests are among the largest in the Cyclades and feel almost alpine, a striking contrast to the bare neighbouring islands.
🏖️ Beaches & Sea
6. Otzias
A sheltered, sandy, almost circular bay on the north coast, shallow and ideal for families.
7. Koundouros
A series of small sandy coves on the southwest coast with calm water and a couple of beach tavernas.
8. Gialiskari & Pisses
Gialiskari is a pretty pine-fringed cove near Vourkari; Pisses is the island's longest sandy beach, backed by a green valley.
9. Dive the HMHS Britannic
Off the northwest coast lies the wreck of the Britannic, sister ship of the Titanic, sunk in 1916. It is a world-famous technical dive; the bay above it is a lovely swim.
⚓ Coast & Food
10. Vourkari & Korissia
Vourkari is the chic little yachting harbour lined with seafood tavernas and bars; Korissia is the main ferry port with a sandy beach.
11. Taste Local Kea
Look for paspalas (cured pork with eggs), local honey, almond sweets (amygdalota) and the island's small-batch wines.
Practical Info 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best months | May, June, September |
| Ferry from Lavrio | About 1 hour |
| Getting around | Car recommended; great for walkers |
| Vibe | Green, walkable Athenian weekend escape |
| Don't miss | The walk to the Lion of Kea |
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