Kea, also known as Tzia is located 16 nautical miles away from the Athens region mainland. It belongs to the Cyclades island complex, part of the Aegean Archipelago. Its distance from the northest to the southest cape is about 11 nautical miles and its permanent population about 3000 people. The two major towns of the island are Ioulida , which is located inland at the top of a hill, and Korissia , actually the town round the harbour of the island on the coast of St. Nicolas bay.
After suffering depopulation, Kea has been rediscovered since the 80’s as a perfect destination for weekend escapes, speedboat and yachting trips yearround . Since then many holiday villas have been built around the island, many of them are available for rental as well.
The island was inhabited since the bronze age, constantly at the archaic and classical ancienty, the byzantine and venetian era, later occupied by the ottomans and greek again since the 1820’s.
Therefore, there are are many places of significant archeologicacal and historical interest, really important and worth visiting. The most significant of them , Karthea, located at the Southeast part of the island, lying on the shore of a remoted and magnificent bay, consisting of two major temples, the Apollo temple and the godess Athena temple and a very recently discovered ancient theater. The acropolis was surrounded by huge walls. The ancient (classical) harbours pier lies today 3 meters underwater and is visible from the suface. It was about 140 meters long and 35 m wide and connected the city with the nearby islet. It is considered that the first inhabitants of the area are dating back at the geometric era (110-700 bc). The city was on its peak at the classical period. Currently the site is accessible only by a trekking pathway, 15 hours walk, after half an hour drive from the town , or by boat.
A place not to be missed !!!
For those who have further interest to archeology, the archeological museum in Ioulida is a must.
TRANSPORTATION
Kea is very convenient regarding transportation, especially compared with other Cyclades islands. Many ferry ships depart and arrive daily, so it is very easy to access, even for a daily trip. The first ship departs from Lavrio harbour every morning at 08.30. At 09.45 you are able to have coffee in Kea. You are able to return even the same afternoon or later in the evening to Lavrio harbour and from there back for dinner in Athens or directly to Athens airport.
Summertime usually there are 3 or 4 , sometimes 5 ferries per day. Wintertime, usually 2. The departure harbour is Lavrio, located in the south of Athens region peninnsula, near cape Sounio. To reach Lavrio harbour, it takes 15-20 minutes drive from Athens airport, or about 35-45 minutes drive from Athens downtown. The ferry trip lasts about 70 minutes. The ferry boat ticket costs about 12 Euros per person and a medium passengers car ticket costs about 35 Euros. There are 3 travel agencies on the harbour , where you can issue ferry tickets. In the summertime and especially weekends, it is recommeded to make reservations via telephone in advance. Details , on our Useful Links.
Unfortunatelly, there is no train connection to Lavrio. The closest train station is Athens airport. From Athens airport to Lavrio and vice versa a taxi or a bus is needed. From Athens downtown to Lavrio and vice versa , there is also a regular bus connection, taking about 1,5 hour. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Athens airport, which is useful on the island as well. If you choose to come to the island without a car , you can rent a car or a motorbike from the local agency. It is a good idea to book in advance , especially in the summer and weekends.
How to reach Lavrio harbour
Athens downtown – Lavrio and vice versa
Bus, approx. 1,5 hour, cost approx.. 5 Euro
Taxi , approx 50 minutes, cost about 55 Euros
Car rental approx 45 minutes
Athens airport - Lavrio and vice versa
Bus , approx. 40 minutes, cost approx. 4 Euros
Taxi, approx 20 minutes , cost about 35-40 Euros
Car rental, approx 15-20 minutes
Buses in Athens downtown depart and arrive at Mavromateon str. Athens 10434. There are also in between stations. Buses departs: 1 per hour
When you arrive on Kea, you will need a transportation vehicle , especially if you stay far away from the harbour
Options
Local bus
Taxis
Rent a bicycle
Rent a motor bike
Rent a car
We are based close to Vourkari, which is located at the St. Nicolas bay area, 2,5 km away from Korissia, the islands harbour. Very easy to find, follow the coastline road, good signage. Call or email us in advance for details.
ISLANDS MOOD
If you want huge massive resorts, big crouds and highways, that’s not the place for you. Kea has an exquisite atmosphere, a touch of ellegance, an island preffered by many artists, and intellectual people. You can find fine mediteranean gourmet along with local traditional cuisine, taste delicious specialities , made by eco friendly local farms. During the sunset , returning from the beach you can chill out , enjoy cocktails, in an ambient atmosphere. If you like to stay out from dusk ‘till down, you ‘ll not get dissapointed. There are a few bars and clubs here for you.
PLACES TO BE
Korissia : ( Harbour area )
One of the two main towns of the island. Located in the Southwest side of the St. Nicolas bay. You can find hotels, rooms to let, banks, ATM’s, Ferry boat tickets agencies, rent a car-bike agency, gas stations, police station, coast guard station, doctor, pharmacy, supermarkets, general stores, café’s, restaurants, bars, clubs, bakeries, dock available for speedboats and yachts
Vourkari :
Picturesque village located in the North side of St. Nicolas bay. A good shelter for boat berthing, very popular among yachtsmen. Rooms to let, small hotels, a supermarket, cafes, restaurants, galleries, bars clubs. Most of the island visitors preffer to spend evenings and nights here.
Ioulida (Ioulis)
The capital town of the island located inland at the top of a nice hill. Rooms to let and small hotels available, a bank, municipality offices, medical centre, doctors, dentist, pharmacy, the archeological museum, the famous ancient monument of the “Lion”, and of course bars and restaurants
Koundouros
Residential area in the southwest of the island, 2 beach bars, 2 restaurants, a few rooms and hotels
MEDICAL INFO
There is a medical centre on the island with four doctors , one of them is pediatrist, and one dentist. There are also two pharmacies
In case of medical emergency a helicopter is standing by
Decompression chamber is available in Athens.
