Below, you will find information about how to get to Kea by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its port, the best things to do there, and many photos.
Located in the northwestern part of the Cyclades, Kea is the closest Cycladic island to the city of Athens. Also known as Tzia, it is a serene island of great natural beauty that lends itself to weekend getaways and short trips, thanks to its proximity to the Greek capital. Lovely beaches, picturesque settlements and unique trekking paths complete the picture of Kea, promising a truly relaxing holiday!
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
As there is no airport in Kea, the only way to get there from Athens or other Cycladic islands is by taking the ferry.
Ferry Connections
The island is well-connected to Lavrio Port in eastern Attica, which lies around 35 kilometers from the International Airport of Athens and 58 kilometers from the city center of the Greek capital. Moreover, it is connected with some other Cycladic islands, such as Syros, Kythnos, Andros, Naxos and Paros.
Thus, the best way of optimizing your trip to Kea is to fly to the International Airport of Athens and arrange a transfer to Lavrio, so that you can take the ferry from there. The ferry crossing from Athens to Kea is fairly short and lasts around 1 hour. To combine Kea with yet more enchanting islands, you can consider sailing from Kythnos to Kea or from Syros to Kea.
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Kea!
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Situated in the northwestern part of the Cyclades, Kea is a low-profile destination that differs considerably from the other Cycladic islands not only in that it is more verdant, but also in terms of architecture. Here, you will not see whitewashed cubic houses and blue-domed chapels, but rather tile-roofed country residences, neoclassical mansions, and narrow cobblestone alleys with covered passageways. Also known as Tzia, it is very popular among the Athenians as a city break destination, and it stands out for its lovely beaches, as well as for the unique scuba diving opportunities it offers visitors.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kea is between June and August, when the weather is sunny and dry. However, if you would rather enjoy the island’s beauties in a more quiet season, we recommend going there in May or September, when the weather conditions are also quite pleasant.
Best things to do
In brief, the best things to do in Kea are to stroll around the quaint streets of Korissia Port and Ioulida, the island’s capital town, relax in magnificent beaches such as Koundouros, Pisses and Gialiskari, and immerse yourself in the local gastronomy. In terms of sightseeing, you can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Museum, as well as the renowned Lion of Kea, an impressive sculpture hewn on rock, which dates back to 600 BC.
Is Kea for you?
Kea is an amazing option for anyone looking for a quick getaway from Athens or a relaxing holiday far from the hustle and bustle of more touristy islands. Additionally, it is a great destination for nature lovers, as well as for those who are into scuba diving.
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Kea!
Kea has been named after Keos, a mythical hero of the Locrians from Central Greece, as the tribe conquered the island in ancient times.
The island was the birthplace of renowned lyrical poets, sophists and physicians, such as Simonides, Bacchylides, Prodicus and Erasistratus.
Much of Mary Renault’s novel The Praise Singer is set in Kea.
With over 3,000 plant species, Kea stands out for its impressive flora and fauna, as well as for having the biggest oak forest in the Cyclades.
The seabed of Kea holds such scuba diving treasures as the wreck of the Britiannic —a sister ship of the Titanic— the transatlantic liner Burdigala, the steamer Patris and a World War II German aircraft that ranks amongst the best-preserved ones in Greece.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Kea is a great base for island-hopping to other Cycladic islands. Some of the top choices from Kea include the laid-back Kythnos, the elegant Syros and the picturesque Tinos.
Photos of Kea
Map
ABOUT KEA PORT
Port description
Located in the village of Korissia, approximately 8 kilometers from the main settlement of Ioulida, Kea Port is connected to Lavrio Port in Athens, as well as to other Cycladic islands, such as Syros, Kythnos, Andros, Tinos, Naxos and Paros.
Around the port, visitors will find all the necessary facilities, including taverns, cafes, accommodation options and some shops. A few car rental agencies are also available near the port.
During the summer months, there may be traffic around the port, so it is recommended that you get there 1-1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
There are several ways to leave from/get to Kea Port.
Public buses connecting the port of Korissia with Ioulida are the most affordable option for those traveling on a budget. From the central bus station in Ioulida, you can also take the bus to other points of interest around the island, including many of the island’s best beaches. During the summer months, itineraries are more frequent. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.
Compared to buses, taxis are a more pricey option, but they are also more flexible, allowing you to reach your destination faster. Nevertheless, as the number of taxis is limited, contacting a local driver in advance to schedule a pick-up is strongly recommended.
Finally, traveling by car is probably the best way of moving around the island fast and comfortably, without depending on the availability of buses. In this way, you will be able to unlock beaches and sights that might otherwise not be accessible. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can get one at the car rental agencies near the port.
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