Kea Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka (2024)

TRAVEL GUIDE TO KEA

Also known as Tzia, the lovely island of Kea is located to the south of Atticain proximityto Athens. Although it is part of the Cyclades, it doesn't really seem like thetypical Cycladic island.
You won't encounter whitewashed cubic houses and blue-domed churches in Kea; instead, its architecture involves neoclassical houses with elegant architecture, painted in earthy colors.

To help you plan an unforgettable trip to Kea, we provide all the relevant information in our travel guide. There, you will find everything you need to know about the island, including the best things to do, the most beautiful beaches to visit, hotels for your stay, restaurants, important landmarks, and a collection of beautiful photos.

Kea lies very close to Athens; for thatreason, it comprises a popular weekend getaway from the Greek capital. You can get there by ferry from Lavrio Port. If you're staying for a bit longer, you can combine a visit to Kea with island hopping by using one of the ferry crossings to other nearby islands (Kythnos and Syros).

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN KEA

We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays in Greece. From hotels to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential travel services, to make your trip to Greece the most epic and smooth one.
The quality of our services is rated. Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020)atthe annual Tourism Awards in Greece. Read reviews about our services.

  • Accommodations
  • Ferry tickets
  • Tailor-made Services

MORE ABOUT KEA GREECE

Kea is located in the Aegean Sea and is the nearest inhabited Cycladic island to Athens.
It lies just an hour away from the port of Lavrion in Attica. Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Kea (also known as Tzia) is a very popular destination among residents of the capital, especially for weekend getaways and short trips!

Even though it is part of theCycladescomplex, it isnot similar to its Cycladic counterparts. Unlike the rest of the Cyclades islands, Keais more verdant. Furthermore, instead of boasting traditional whitewashed houses, it is full of long-established farmhouses and tile-roofed buildings in earthy tones.

Kea's inland isa lush natural paradise!
The island houses rare plant species and wild animals, such as birds and reptiles. For that reason, it makes an excellent destination for nature lovers and exploration aficionados.

The island'scapitalis Ioulida, a beautiful village that emits a relaxing vibe, thanks to its traditional architecture and car ban!
In Ioulida, you can encounter a Medieval castle - anedificethat dates to the Venetian period, and the Archaeological Museum, among other places of interest.
Other beautiful villages include Vourkari, Korissia, and Otzias.

As for the beaches, some of them are organized, such as Gialiskari, Koundouros, and Korissia, while others are secluded and completely unspoiled!

For your accommodation, villas, houses, and studios are available for the most part, while apartments and camping facilities are additional options.

Kea is an oasis of relaxation!

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

More about Kea

PHOTOS OF KEA / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Kea island through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community.
Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

View more Photos

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

When it comes to your accommodation in Kea, you will discover facilities that are suitable for all budgets!
The island offers both luxurious villas with swimming pools and traditional houses or studios with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Some of the most popular hotels are Porto Kea Suites, Spathi Beach Suites & Voukari village.
The area of Ioulida and the port of Korissia are the most popular locations to stay in Kea.

View all Hotels

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

The island is only accessible by ferry. There are ferries from Lavrion port in Athens but also from other islands of the Aegean sea.
The closest airport to Kea is in Athens.
Book your ferry tickets with us!

Discover more about the different ways to get to Kea & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights to nearby locations • Move around

Travel there

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF KEA

Discover the best of Kea! From sightseeing to activities, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience!

  • Ioulida village

    The main town of Kea is called Ioulida. Constructed on the slopes of a hill, this village has traditional style with Neoclassical elements. In a short walk from Ioulida is the Stone Lion.

  • Ancient Karthea

    The most important of the four city-states of Kea in the antiquity, Ancient Karthea is located in a region difficult to access on the southeastern side of the island, right above the bay of Poles.

  • Stone Lion

    In a walking distance from Ioulida is the stone statue of a lion. This lion is connected with many myths and fairy tales of Kea. It is actually a rock shaped in the form of a lion.

  • Koundouros beach

    Koundouros is the most popular and organized beach in Kea island. It has clean waters and beach taverns. Many luxurious hotels are built around Koundouros over the last years.

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Continue your trip to the best Greece destinations!

  • Andros

  • Tinos

  • Mykonos

  • Syros

View all Islands

Kea Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka (2024)

FAQs

What is the best Greek island for first timers? ›

If it's your first time in the area, you'll want to start by visiting Mykonos or Santorini. On Santorini, you'll find great wineries, like Venetsanos and Santo, while on Mykonos, it's the nightlife that will keep you coming back, with iconic clubs like Scorpios and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Is Kea nice in Greece? ›

With its close proximity to Athens and its reputation as the closest Cycladic island to the capital, Kea boasts a myriad of attractions, including its sandy beaches and the authentic charm of a quintessential Greek island experience.

What is the best way to see Greece for the first time? ›

Ferry companies operate between Italy and Greece all year round. But one of the best ways to visit Greece is on a cruise. Surrounded by sea and with thousands of beautiful islands, cruises offer first-timers to Greece the opportunity to visit several different places over a short period of time.

How to get around Kea, Greece? ›

Transportation in Kea

There are public buses and taxis on the island, but we suggest that you bring your vehicle or rent one there for maximum comfort and flexibility. The central bus station is in Ioulida, where there are buses to most major attractions and villages.

Which Greek island is the best value for money? ›

The most affordable Greek Islands to visit include Crete, Andros, Tinos, Corfu and Naxos. These cheap Greek Islands don't get nearly as many visitors as others, making everything from transportation to food and accommodations more affordable.

Is Kea a party island? ›

Kea Nightlife

The general vibe of Kea is very relaxed when it comes to nightlife. It is one of the least known islands of the Cyclades for foreign visitors, but very popular with Athenians.

How long is the ferry from Kea to Athens? ›

FERRY FROM ATHENS TO KEA

No ferries to Kea depart from the other ports of Athens (Piraeus and Rafina). How long is the ferry trip? The island lies in proximity to Attica, so the crossing lasts only around an hour, no matter the ferry you use for your transport.

Why visit Kea? ›

The island's capital, Ioulida, stands out for its charming architecture, cobblestone streets and depth of entertainment options. Furthermore, Kea is renowned for its network of traditional paths that wind through the island's forests, leading to lovely coves, beaches, and ancient sites.

What is the number one thing to see in Greece? ›

Athens is the national capital and the epicenter of Ancient Greece. A multitude of mind-blowing millennia-old sites lies scattered around the town. The most unmissable is the Acropolis, a sprawling hilltop citadel home to the world-famous collonaded Parthenon.

What food to try in Greece? ›

Must-Try Food in Greece
  • Koulouri. Exploring a city like Athens in the morning is sure to bring in amazing sights, from historic landmarks to ancient ruins, but if you're looking for a bite to eat, try koulouri. ...
  • Saganaki. ...
  • Kolokithokeftedes. ...
  • Dolmadakia. ...
  • Souvlaki. ...
  • Gyro. ...
  • Keftethes. ...
  • Tsoureki.

How many days in Greece is enough? ›

To explore multiple regions and get a taste of different aspects of Greece, a recommended duration would be around 7 to 10 days. -Best Ancient Sites: Delphi, Meteora, Delos (near Mykonos), and the Peloponnese are some of the historical highlights of Greece. Strongly recommended a visit of 10 to 15 days.

Can you get around Kea without a car? ›

How to move in Kea. As soon as you are out of the port, you 'll find buses and taxis that will bring you t your final destination. You are going to use the same means of transport for your transportation across the island, in case you don't have a car. You may also rent a vehicle at the port.

Do you need a car on Kea? ›

We recommend that our guests rent a car for the time they will be on Kea. Our island is large and there is very little public transportation. Taxis are available but reluctant to drive to the best off-road destinations. Keep in mind that many roads in Kea are unpaved and scooters may not be the safest choice.

How much is the ferry from Kea to Mykonos? ›

The cheapest way to get from Kea (Station) to Mykonos is to ferry and car ferry which costs $35 - $190 and takes 5h 29m. What is the fastest way to get from Kea (Station) to Mykonos? The fastest way to get from Kea (Station) to Mykonos is to ferry and car ferry which takes 5h 29m and costs $35 - $190.

How do I choose a Greek island to visit? ›

  1. Best Greek Island For Romantic Holidays: Santorini.
  2. Best Greek Island For Lifestyle & Nightlife: Mykonos.
  3. Best Greek Island For Family Holidays: Naxos.
  4. Best Greek Island For Watersports, Hiking & Nightlife Combined: Paros.
  5. Best Greek Island For Elegance: Corfu.
  6. Best Greek Island For Food & History: Crete.
Mar 10, 2024

What is the easiest Greek island to get to? ›

Hydra. Hydra is a popular destination for island day trips from Athens. Access to the island is easy with daily ferry routes from the port of Piraeus and regular routes from the ports of eastern Peloponnese. Hydra is a vehicle-free island, so there are no roads, no cars and no motorbikes!

How many days do you need for Greek islands? ›

How long do you need for Greek island hopping? In order to fully immerse yourself in authentic Greek life and culture, and explore as much as possible, we recommend spending at least 2-3 nights on each island, so if you're planning to visit the four ones mentioned above, it would take you a little over a week.

Which group of Greek islands are best to visit? ›

Take your pick of Greek island jewels

Most first-timers choose the Cyclades, homing in on Santorini for its cliffs dripping with whitewashed cubic buildings, and Mykonos for its charismatic appeal. Once you've had your fill of Mykonos, take the ferry to nearby Tinos.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5343

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.