Kea (Tzia)
The weekend hideaway of Athenians
Kea — locally called Tzia — is the Cycladic island closest to Athens, reached only from Lavrio (not Piraeus). It has no airport and only weekend ferries, so it stays quiet. Athenians come here for long hikes on the island's 80 km of marked paths, for the Lion of Kea (an 8 m archaic stone sculpture carved directly into the hillside), and for tavernas where you see more locals than tourists.
2-day itinerary for Kea (Tzia)
Day 1: Ioulida & the Lion
- 10:00 · Korissia (port)
Ferry port on the west coast. Small sandy beach right at the port. Coffee at Aristos on the waterfront. - 11:30 · Ioulida (Chora)
Car-free hilltop capital. Gorgeous amphitheatrical layout, flat-roofed houses with red tiles. Walk the main pedestrian street. - 13:00 · Lion of Kea
6th-century BC archaic stone lion carved directly into the hillside. 30-min walk from Ioulida via a marked trail. - 14:30 · Lunch — Rolando
Traditional Kean cuisine — excellent loutza (cured pork), fava (split pea puree), local wine. - 17:00 · Otzias Beach
Enclosed sandy bay on the north coast. Family-friendly, shallow water, tavernas.
Day 2: Southern Beaches & Monastery
- 09:30 · Vourkari Harbour
Yacht marina 2 km from Korissia. Chic waterfront cafes, the place where Athenians moor their boats. - 11:00 · Panagia Kastriani Monastery
Mountain monastery on a cliff edge on the north coast. Breathtaking views, basic guesthouse. - 13:00 · Pisses Beach
Largest sandy beach on Kea, in a fertile valley with an ancient olive grove behind. Lunch at Akroygiali taverna. - 16:00 · Koundouros
Small sheltered cove at the island's southwest tip. Crystal water, rocky entry.
Top beaches of Kea (Tzia)
Pisses
Kea's largest beach, framed by ancient olive trees. Great sunsets, good family beach.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 500 m
- Depth
- Gradual
- Facing
- West — exposed in afternoon
- Facilities
- Tavernas, campsite, umbrellas
Otzias
Sheltered bay on the north coast. Calm, warm water, very family-friendly.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Very shallow
- Facing
- North — protected
- Facilities
- Tavernas, umbrellas
Koundouros
Quiet cove with crystal-clear water. More upscale area with luxury hotels behind.
- Type
- Small pebbles
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Moderate
- Facing
- Southwest
- Facilities
- Hotel, beach bar