DISCOVER
BEACHES
OTZIAS
Otzias beach is one of the most popular beaches located only 5 minutes walking distance from our suites and 5km from Korissia, the port.
It is one of the longest picturesque beaches on the island. A part of the beach is well organized whereas the rest is free to welcome those who prefer to calm and relax. The place offers couple of tavernas with nice local dishes. It is among the most popular beaches on Kea because of the fluffy sand inside and outside the water. It is chosen by families but during the summer winds called “Meltemi” it is also preferred by surfers.
KOUNDOUROS
Koundouros Beach is located on the south-west part of the island, 17km from the capital Ioulis. It is a well organized beach including a beach bar and a tavern. It is among the most popular beaches on Kea because of the crystalline water and its protection from the north winds.
The beach itself has nice features and is very picturesque with restored stone mills. In case of walking further along the coast, the beaches of Kambi, as well as the gorge of Vathirema can be found. The beach of Kambi counts on beautiful acorn trees, while the gorge ends at a beautiful remote beach called Liparo.
GIALISKARI
Gialiskari Beach is located on the north-west coast of Kea between Korissia, the island’s port and the harbor of Vourkari. It is a small beach with a cafe bar on its end. Its semi-enclosed location guarantees the calmness of the sea in regular weather conditions. Gialiskari tends to be very friendly for kids and teenagers. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere of this beach on summer, and also come to relax during the low season.
XYLA
Xyla beach is ideal for those seeking for peace and relaxation. It is located 6km from Korissia, the island’s port, through a dirt road with some difficulty. However the view, the crystal water and the picturesque surroundings will compensate the guest. The beach can also be reached by boat. A small beach bar with some sunbeds is included. The low profile of Xyla causes it to be chosen by several locals, which can be a powerful attraction for those who do not enjoy the typical tourist spots and their consequent noisy environment.
SPATHI
Spathi beach in one of the most beautiful on Kea. It is located 11km from Ioulis and about 5km of the route is a quite difficult dirt road. The visitor at the end of its destination will come across an amazing beach with crystal blue water, fine shingle and an arid area of tranquil beauty.
The beach is partly organized and a beach bar and restaurant is located just above the beach area.
PISSES
Pisses Beach is located on the south-western coast, 12km from Ioulis. The beach is partly organized and includes a tavern with local dishes. The trip to the beach offers an awesome landscape ending to a fruit and cypress trees valley.
Pisses can be affected by the summer winds called “Meltemi”, a must for the surfers. On the other hand, when the waters are calm, they turn great for snorkeling and swimming. It is a good choice for families.
ORKOS
Orkos is a large beach on the north-eastern coast of Kea. It is a non organized beach with no tavernas and so it is the best place for isolation on a peaceful surround. It is advisable to have enough supplies of food and water as the beach has not an easy access to other locations where to re-supply yourself with some provisions.
Orkos is very picturesque, and counts on some trees providing nice shade from the sun, as well as some straw umbrellas. Its crystalline blue waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, which allows to appreciate the beauty found under the sea.
LIPARO
Liparo is one of the golden non organized beaches on Kea, on the south-western coast of the island. It can be found among the beaches of Koundouros, Pisses, Kastelakia, Kambi, and Lygia. Among this variety of beaches sharing the south-west coast, we find those more aimed to tourism, and those more secluded, which usually give the idea of secret paradise shared by a few. The combination between them, can supply the needs of the visitors that come to Kea every year.
SIGHTSEEING
Ioulis (Chora)
The capital of Kea, Ioulis, is a charming town with tiled roofs, cobbled streets, and squares. It’s the starting point for trails leading to many historical sites.
The Lion of Kea
Located near Ioulis, this archaic stone carving is a notable landmark. Mythology links it to the island’s transformation from lush beauty to arid land, later restored by Zeus.
Archaeological Museum of Kea
This museum near Ioulis showcases findings from Kea’s ancient city-states, including artifacts from temples, coins, and statues. A section is dedicated to local scholar Konstantinos Manthos.
Ancient Karthea
The most significant ancient city-state of Kea, Karthea, features ruins of temples, towers, and a theater. Accessible via a scenic trekking route, its artifacts are displayed at the Archaeological Museum.
Monastery of Panagia Kastriani
Located on the northern side, this 18th-century monastery offers stunning views of the Aegean. Built where an icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered, it features a small guesthouse and celebrates on August 15th.
Prehistoric Settlement of Agia Irini
Dating back to 3,300 BC, this coastal settlement linked the Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures. Though not open to the public, visitors can view the ruins from the perimeter.
Ioulis (Chora)
The Lion of Kea
Archaeological Museum of Kea
Ancient Karthea
Monastery of Panagia Kastriani
Prehistoric Settlement of Agia Irini
THINGS TO DO
Eat & Drink
In Kea Island there are several interesting suggestions to have a breakfast, a meal or dinner, to enjoy a relaxing coffee or spend the night out.
Whatever your desire is, we can suggest to you the best option to ensure you will spend a wonderful time in the island.
Hiking
Hiking lovers can choose between the 12 routes from the well-preserved and well-signed network of footpaths of the island and enjoy this special experience wandering from the green inland creek to the most isolated small bays, the most picturesque church and to the ancient city of Karthea.
The footpaths vary in difficulty and they may last from a few minutes to several hours walk.
One of the most popular footpaths, of about 30-minutes’ walk, starts from Ioulis and ends at the Stone Lion, the ancient sculpture related to the tradition of the island. Also a longer famous footpath, of about 3 hours, starts also from Ioulis, continues to Agios Konstantinos, Milopotamos, Flea and ends to Korissia. It is a great chance for the visitor to see the island’s amazing landscape.
Scuba Dive
Diving lovers can explore in addition to the morphology and biodiversity of the seabed, some historic shipwrecks. The most important is the floating hospital “Britannic”, sister ship to the Titanic, on 120m depth and is only proposed to experienced divers. The wreck of the paddlewheel steamboat “Patris” is found near Koundouros on 24 and 54m depth and the wreck of the French ship Burdigala is found close to Korissia port, on 70m depth.
In addition, very interesting diving spots are the Koundouros Reef and the underwater parts of Ancient Karthea town that are also nice for beginners.
Diving centers exist in the island to help the visitors with all the required information, photos and maps.
Festivals
The festivals of Kea are known as the most fun occasions on the island. In general, these celebrations are characterized by traditional music, dancing and eating until early morning hours. Although most of them are concentrated in Ioulida, the capital of the island, fortunately, every village hosts at least one festival that takes place on the name day of the patron saint of each village.
Some of the most important religious and non-religious festivals of Kea are:
- Holy Trinity Day
In June, a celebration feast is held to honor the saint day of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) at the homonymous seaside chapel. - July 17th
In the heart of the summer, on July 17th, there is a big fair dedicated to Agia Marina. - August 15th
The religious festival of Panagia Kastriani takes place on August 15th at the most idyllic spot in Kea. - Fairy Tales Festival
Every year, in the middle of the summer, Kea is the home of the Fairy Tales Festival, where renowned Greeks and foreign narrators read their tales to both children and adults. The island has become a great inspiration for storytellers who charm the island and the people.