Kea (Tzia)

Kea, get close to history and sandy beaches

A perfect destination for a short city break is Kea, also known as Tzia. It’s only a 60-minute trip from the port of Lavrio and if you’re in Athens you can even visit for a swim and back. Weekend getaways have never been easier with cheap ferry tickets to Kea through Let’s Ferry. The oldest name of Kea was Idrousa, while during the Turkish occupation the island was called Tzia. Its current name is due to the hero Keo who was the leader of the Lokras from Nafpaktos who in antiquity occupied the island.

Archaeological monuments in Kea island

Must-sees at the “Gate to Cyclades”
Tzia is a cultural gem with prehistoric settlements and exquisite neoclassical buildings.
• Ioulida, the picturesque Chora in the heart of the island, is built amphitheatrically and is a great spot to enjoy the spectacular view from above, especially in sunset. A short walk away, you will find the emblematic Lion (called also “Liontas”), an impressive stone statue of a lion, sculptured on a rock. Visit the Archaeological Museum as well as the old municipal building, designed by the genius philhellene architect Ernst Ziller.
• Flip a coin to decide if you will first visit The Monastery of Panagia Kastriani or the Towers of Tzia. They are both eye-catching!
• When the ferry traffic slows down, Korissia, the island’s main port, is ideal for walks and dining at the seaside. In cosmopolitan Vourkari you will enjoy Instagram worthy cocktails under the stars.

View of Korissia, the port of Kea island

Chose web check-in to travel safely and book low-cost ferry tickets to Tzia at letsferry.com.

Orkos beach in Kea

Must-dos
Caves, shipwrecks, hiking trails, oak forests and crystal blue waters, with a view to Eastern Attica!
• Enjoy the sea at Kalamitsi, Spathi, Sykamia and Xyla, a secluded pebble beach.
• Discover the underwater kingdom of the island. Diving enthusiasts can swim next to the shipwrecks of a German airplane from WWII, the French ocean liner “Burdigala” and the hospital ship “Britannic”, the fleet mate of “Titanic”.
• Travel back to your childhood and lose yourself in imaginary worlds at the Fairy Tales Festival in July, the oldest Festival of its kind in Greece, which is international and takes place every summer since 2003. It aims to highlight and disseminate cultural tradition and heritage.
• Visit the cave of Trypospilies in Kalamos and the cave of Saint Timothy (“Agios Timotheos” cave), where people say you can see water emerging from within but only in summer months.

Aerial view of lighthouse and blue waters in Kea island

Tip: If you are visiting for a day, you won’t need a car. You can take a local bus or a taxi from the port to move around. If you like riding, start from the traditional village of Kato Meria and follow the path towards Karthaia. After Kea’s exploration is over, plan your next adventure. The island is directly connected to Syros, Kythnos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Milos, Folegandros and other ports, and booking cheap ferry tickets at Let’s Ferry has never been easier.