Kea is the westernmost island of the
Cyclades. The distance to the mainland is approximately 20
km. It has an area of 128 km² meaning it is quite big. Still;
only about 2000 people living there. Tourism on the islands
is mainly aiming at trippers from nearby Athens. There are
hardly any foreigners visiting the island.
Especially on weekends it gets packed. As a result it is a
lot cheaper to come here during the week. Prices tend to get
up towards the weekend.
If you are interested in the "true Greece" – and I am not
talking about romantic postcard village Greece – Kea might be
an interesting place to visit. There are also a few
excavations should you get bored with ethnographical studies.
The main source of income are actually orchards. Most of the
fruit produced here is sold in Athens. These days tourism
contributes to the islands economy as well.
Korissa
The small port town has little to offer. There are place to
stay and places to eat that's about it. You'll find a small
church that is kind of OK and a few older buildings; nothing
spectacular. The beach near Korissa is OK though. Exploring
the surrounding areas you will come across fancy holiday
homes of wealthier Athenians. If you are interested in hiking
on Kea check the website of Kostis Marulis.
Chora of Kea The most beautiful town on Kea is the
local capital Chora. There you find narrow alleys and the
kind of houses that are typical for the Cyclades. It's quite
cute and to extend your knowledge about the Stone- and Bronze
Age history and culture they have the local archaeological
museum. On a little hill, dominating the view is a Venetian
castle from the 13th century. Check it out!
Otzias
Otzias is a small village in the north of Kea. It's more of a
bathing resort or that is why people come here. Most of the
visitors are Greek. Most of them come here because of the
monastery Panagia Kastriani. It's famous for the religious
icons there. Even if you are not interested in icons the
monastery worth's a visit. The view from there is stunning.
Busses on Kea
There is a bus from the port to Chora every about two hours.
The busses are also aligned with the ferry arrivals so you
won't have to wait. During summer there are from the port
directly to Otzias in the north and Lisses in the south. They
go twice a day.
Ferries to Kea
There are three ferries a day from Lavrion on the mainland.
During season or weekends this number might be higher. Lavion
is one hour bus ride from Athens. Busses go every hour.
During summer there are also ferries directly from Athens
(Piraeus). They are slightly more expensive than the
combination bus – ferry from Lavion. There are hardly any
other ferry connections. There only is an occasional boat to
Kithnos.
There is no airport on Kea.
Camp site on Kea
There is a good camp site on Kea. It is only a few kilometres
from Prisses port. It is situated on the beach and has a mini
market that provides you with all you need. The camp site is
very basic but quite all right. There is enough shade and
even a spot for caravans. What else could you ask for?
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