Discover Kea

Kea is a Cycladic island in the Aegean. More commonly known as Tzia, it is sixth in size of this specific island complex. Due to its proximity to Athens, the island is considered the “entrance to the Cyclades”, located just 16 nautical miles from the port of Lavrio – that is only one hour away by boat.

Drop shaped, with a land area of 131 km³ and a coastline of 85 km, Kea has about 2,500 permanent residents.

Despite significant property development and growth in the tourism sector in recent years, Kea has maintained its traditional character. Although the landscape has clear Cycladic characteristics, Kea has some unique features that differentiate the island from the other Cyclades. The arresting geological terrain, the dense vegetation of the inland, and a distinctive variant of Cycladic architecture with stone buildings and an array of colors, create an unparalleled scenery.

Kea is the perfect destination for both a short break or a longer vacation since it has beautiful beaches in abundance, and plenty of interesting things to do that guarantee an enjoyable stay.

The history of the island

Kea used to be called Ydrousa (from the Greek work “ydor”, that means water). The abundance of water sources supposedly turned the island into an area of dense vegetation, with a cool and humid climate. The Nymphs (fairies in the Greek mythology) were generally regarded as personifications of the water element and were thought to live close to the numerous springs inside the woods. The sudden appearance of a lion (sent by jealous gods, who envied the well-being of the island) ended these prosperous times. The lion chased the terrified Nymphs away, who fled to the northern coast of the island. The expulsion of the Nymphs had immediate and devastating consequences. It was the beginning of the reign of “Sirius”, the brightest star in the night sky, which on the hottest days of the year would scorch the Cyclades – especially Kea – with its terrible rays. Water resources shrank dramatically, followed by a period of prolonged drοught, causing vegetation to contract.

Not knowing what else to do, the inhabitants seeked help from the half-god Aristaios, son of the god Apollo and the nymph Cyrene of Thessaly. Aristaios responded to their plea and arrived on Kea as the leader of settlers from Arcadia. He built a temple on the tallest peak of the island, and instituted ritual sacrifices to appease the gods. The Gods were placated, and the drought decreased; cool northern winds – known as “meltemia” – returned every summer since. It is also said that Aristaios systemised agriculture, livestock farming, beekeeping, and olive production.

The island’s current name is attributed to Keos, the leader of Lokroi, a people from Nafpaktos who were the first known settlers in ancient times.

The prehistoric settlement of Kefala, located on Cape Kefalas on the northwest coast of the island, was founded in the late Stone Age (around 3300 B.C.). The Prehistoric settlement of Agia Irini, located at the northern part of the port of Agios Nikolaos, was one of the most important cultural centres in the Aegean region between late Prehistoric times (3000 B.C.) when settlers inhabited the region for the first time, until the 15th century B.C. (a time of great prosperity), when it was destroyed by large earthquakes.

In the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC), four independent, financially powerful, and culturally developed cities existed in Kea: Ioulis, Koressia, Poieessa and Karthaia. Ruins of the Tetrapolis (league of the four cities), that bear testimony to the heyday of the island in ancient times, exist to the day. All four cities were enclosed by walls, and territories were further fortified and protected by towers that were erected at strategic locations. After Byzantine times, Francocracy, and Ottoman reign, the island declined and became a pirate stronghold. Under Ottoman reign, the island was called Tzia. In 1830, the Cycladic islands, including Kea, were incorporated into the newly founded Greek State.

After Greek populations were forced to evacuate their residencies in Smyrna in 1923 (as a result of the Greco-Turkish War, and the Treaty of Lausanne), many people seeked refuge on Kea, and settled mostly on the port and the surrounding area. Several remained on the island, and a small refugee settlement was built in 1928-1930. This way the island gained population and benefited both culturally and financially as the number of seafarers and workers increased. The refugees from Asia Minor also introduced new crops, mostly tobacco.

Important findings from archeological excavations on the island can be seen at the archaeological museum of Kea.

Kea today

Kea is relatively sparsely populated, with the exception of Korissia (Livadi), which is the main port; Ioulida, the capital of the island (Chora); and the village Voukari.

The most beautiful parts of the island are on the northeast of the island, which remain largely unspoilt by commercial exploitation. One of these areas is Ano Meria, an area with several small beaches such as Spathí.

Besides Spathí, the most popular beaches of Kea are Ortzias, Gialiskari, Poisses, Xyla, and Koundouros, which has been awarded a blue flag.

Every summer Kea hosts the Folktale and Storytelling Festival. This international festival is held since 2003, and it was the first of its kind to be instituted in Greece. Distinguished storytellers, musicians, and artists from Greece and abroad present their work through a variety of events (narrations, exhibitions, theatrical plays and shadow theatre, music and poetry etc) that aim to promote cultural heritage.

Owing to its rich history and tradition, Kea is notable for its museums. At the Archeological Museum in Ioulida you will be able to revisit historic and prehistoric Kea through impressive finds from excavations at various sites on the island. At the Folklore Museum of Kea in Mylopotamos you can get a taste of local culture and rural life.

Things to do

A distinctive feature that draws many visitors to Kea are stair-like stone paths that criss-cross the entire island. The strong terrain relief and the small bays around the coastline, create unique trails. There are also several wild-life sanctuaries for migratory birds, but also for birds of prey, and other animals. The flora of Kea is equally impressive, hosting about 3000 plant species – cichorium spinosum (type of chicory known as “stamnagathi”), quercus suber (a medium sized oak species), asphodel (asphodelus ramosus), maples, some rare types of orchid, and many more.

Hiking tourism was significantly developed over the past years, and Kea’s footpaths are now included in the “Greek Paths of Culture”. There are twelve suggested and sign posted routes with practical information to safely guide visitors. The paths are mostly stone paved, and the routes are absolutely enchanting. Walkers will pass through oak forests; walk along creeks and planes bursting with wildflowers; encounter traditional stone springs and white traditional chapels; reach isolated small bays and lovely beaches.

If you decide to discover the island by walking you will be transfixed by its ancient and charming past, as you will be walking in the footsteps of the ancient inhabitants of Kea; several of these footpaths were part of an ancient road network that in the 7^th – 6^th century B.C. connected the four cities-states (Tetrapolis), and as such they are of immense historical and archaeological interest.

Wander from the evergreen creek of the inland to the most isolated bay, and from the most picturesque chapel to the imposing ruins of an ancient tower.

Kea is also a unique destination for scuba-diving aficionados as in its seabed lay four extremely interesting wrecks, that marked its recent history: Titanic’ s twin sister, the floating hospital “Britannic”; the French ocean liner “Burdigala”; paddlewheel steamboat “Patris”; and a German Junkers 52 airplane from WWII.

On the island you will find a diving centre where you can get all the information you need about diving tourism, and to organise your own diving trip.

If you enjoy exploring, there are many good reasons to do so on Kea. The several small caves that are scattered on the island are of significant geological interest. The two most notable cave sites on Kea are the “Trypospilies” in Kalamos, and the cave of Saint Timotheos (Agios Timotheos) in Agios Panteleimonas.

The Cycladic islands are known for their excellent cuisine and delicious traditional products; and Kea is no exception. Don’t leave the island without trying regional dishes made with the best ingredients – local produce, and fish.