Kea, also widely known as Tzia, is the closest Cycladic island to the mainland of Attica, making it a highly favored destination for both quick weekend getaways and relaxing summer vacations. Defying the typical arid, barren stereotype of the Cyclades, Kea surprises visitors with its unique geomorphology, featuring lush valleys, running waters, and ancient forests of royal oak trees that are entirely unique to this island group.
Ioulida, the island's captivating inland capital (Chora), is a traditional settlement built amphitheatrically across the slopes of a hill on the site of an ancient city. Entirely car-free, it is characterized by winding stone-paved alleys, vaulted passages (stegadia), and elegant houses topped with terracotta tiled roofs. The ultimate landmark of Ioulida is the famous Lion of Kea, an imposing 6th-century BC archaic sculpture carved directly into a natural granite ridge, deeply intertwined with local mythology.
Kea boasts a rich archaeological legacy, having been divided into four powerful, independent city-states during antiquity (Ioulis, Karthaia, Korissia, and Poiessa). The ruins of Ancient Karthaia on the southeastern coast stand as one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean, accessible primarily via a spectacular network of ancient cobblestone trails. Indeed, Kea is a premier hiking destination, boasting well-preserved, signposted pathways that crisscross the island. The coastline features a diverse array of beaches, from the organized and wind-protected bays of Koundouros and Otzias to the more secluded sands of Spathi, while the main port of Korissia and the cosmopolitan marina of Vourkari serve as the vibrant hubs of the island's coastal life.