Why visit Kea?
Kea, or Tzia, breaks the Cycladic mold with its rugged, oak-forested interior and deep-rooted agricultural identity. Start in Ioulis, the island’s capital, where winding stone staircases lead past traditional white-washed houses to the archaic Stone Lion, a monumental 6th-century BC sculpture carved directly into the bedrock. Follow the ancient trails that crisscross the island to reach the ruins of Karthea, an expansive sanctuary overlooking the Aegean that requires a hike through wild terrain. The local cuisine is defined by high-altitude harvests; seek out pitarakia, small hand-folded pies filled with local mizithra cheese and wild herbs, served at rustic tavernas in the port of Korissia.
Down at the coast, the bay of Otzias offers protected swimming waters, while the secluded beach of Koundouros serves as a magnet for those seeking quiet sun-drenched afternoons. Spend your evenings at a seaside table in Vourkari, where the catch of the day is often roasted with local thyme and served alongside glasses of chilled Assyrtiko wine. The island remains devoid of high-rise hotels, favoring converted stone farmhouses that emphasize a slower, more deliberate pace of life. For history enthusiasts, the shipwreck of the HMHS Britannic lies just off the coast, marking the area as a significant site for technical diving explorations.
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