Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens and one of the most peaceful islands in Greece. Stone villages, clear coves, old trails and some of the best honey in the country. Here are the best things to do in Kea.
I grew up spending summers in Greece, and in 2027 my mom and I are bringing mothers and daughters to Kea for our Mother Daughter Retreat in Greece.
Kea at a glance
Where it is: in the western Cyclades, about an hour by ferry from Lavrio, a port on the southeast tip of Attica. Here is how to get from Athens to Kea, step by step.
Also called: Tzia. You will see both names on ferry schedules.
Who goes: mostly Greeks, many of them Athenians who come for the weekend. Midweek, some beaches feel like your own.
Ioulida, the old capital
Ioulida sits high on a hill, looking down to the sea on both sides. The village is car free. You wander stone steps and narrow lanes, past white houses with tiled roofs.
The town hall was designed by Ernst Ziller, the architect behind many of the grand buildings in Athens. The small archaeological museum holds finds from the Neolithic period onward.
Go in the late afternoon. The light turns gold, the cafés fill with conversation, and the views run all the way to the water.
The Lion of Kea
A short walk outside Ioulida, a huge stone lion rests on the hillside, carved straight from the rock. It dates to the 6th century BC and is the symbol of the island. The path is easy and peaceful. Go in the morning light.
Korissia and Vourkari
Korissia is the port, where every ferry arrives. It has a long sandy beach, bakeries and an open air cinema, Cine Korissia, with films under the stars on summer nights.
A short drive along the bay, Vourkari is where the sailboats tie up. The waterfront is lined with tavernas and small bars. Dinner here at sunset, with fish straight from the boats, is one of the loveliest evenings on the island.
The best beaches on Kea
Kea has a beach for every mood.
Otzias is a sheltered sandy bay with shallow water, perfect for a long, slow swim.
Koundouros on the west coast has small coves side by side with calm water.
Pisses is a long sandy beach backed by a green valley.
Gialiskari is close to Korissia, with trees for shade.
Xyla, Orkos and Liparo are smaller and more secluded. Some are easiest to reach by boat.
On our retreat, you swim from the private cove at Kea Retreat on Psathi Bay, and the boat day takes us to coves you can only reach from the sea.
Walk the old paths
Kea has a network of old stone footpaths that once linked farms, chapels and villages. Today there are 12 marked hiking routes on the island.
Ioulida to Otzias is my favorite. It winds downhill from the village to the bay, through terraces and past old stone walls, and ends with a swim. We walk it together on the retreat.
Ioulida to Korissia is shorter and leads down to the port.
Stavroudaki to Karthaia leads to the ruins of ancient Karthaia on the south coast, with its temple of Apollo above the sea. It is a longer walk with a beautiful reward at the end.
Wear good shoes, start early and bring plenty of water.
What to eat on Kea
Kea is known for its thyme honey, its pasteli (a sweet bar of honey and sesame) and its local cheeses. Look for loza, a cured pork the island is proud of.
Order the fish that came in that morning and take your time. Greek dinners start late, often after nine, and the evening is yours.
When to visit Kea
June and September are perfect. The sea is warm, the days are long, and the island feels calm and easy. July and August are livelier, especially on weekends. Here is more on Greece in late June.
Kea questions
How do you get to Kea from Athens? Drive about 40 minutes from Athens airport to the port of Lavrio, then take the ferry to Korissia. The crossing takes about an hour.
What is Kea known for? The Lion of Kea, the car free village of Ioulida, 12 marked hiking trails, clear coves and its thyme honey.
Is Kea good for a mother daughter trip? It is ideal. It is close to Athens, calm and beautiful, with long lunches, warm sea and easy walks.
See Kea with nothing to plan
Our Mother Daughter Retreat in Greece runs June 27 to July 2, 2027, at Kea Retreat on Psathi Bay. The whole estate is ours. Your suite, every meal, daily yoga, the boat day, the cooking class, the hike and every ride on the island are taken care of. Here is a full day on the retreat, hour by hour.
There are seven pairs, my mom and me included. If Kea is calling you, apply here. Want first word on new dates? Join the waitlist at the bottom of this page.