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Kea is one of the scenic Cycladic islands. It boasts an iconic landscape with scarped hills, extensive vineyards, rangy valleys, and stunning beaches. This little island has plenty of natural wealth to discover.

Only 75 minutes away from Athens, Kea is a top-rated weekend destination. Locally referred to as Tzia, the island is accessible through the Lavrio port. Tourists from Athens use the ferry to get to this hidden gem. If the livid waters of the Kea coastline don’t impress visitors, history will.

What Is Kea Known For?

For first-timers in Greece, Kea should be on the bucket list as one of the Greek Islands to consider. One of the reasons is that it's the most verdant among the Cycladic islands. This can be attributed to its unique climate and proximity to mainland Greece. Home to the biggest oak forest in all the Greek islands, Kea stands out as an ultimate destination for nature lovers. Adorned with extensive olive groves, vineyards, and vegetation, Kea is a natural beauty. The towns are also beautiful due to their traditional structures, with a pop of green and other colorful vegetation.

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The Kea Island has a rich woodland cover that has made it home to rare wildlife. Pine martens are rare to find in other parts of the world due to decreased forest cover. Kea is surprisingly home to these rare animals. Reptiles such as the European cat snake, Balkan green lizard, Mediterranean house gecko, and Dahl’s Whip snake, among others are common on the island. Birds love trees, and Kea has plenty. The island is home to over 40 bird species. During spring and summer, Kea hosts countless migrating birds with Eleonora's Falcons being the most distinctive. Rare Mediterranean monk seals have been spotted along the coast of Kea as well.

The rich history of Kea and unexplored waters remain an enigma that fascinates adventure seekers. Tzia Island draws its fame from participation in the Greek War for Independence and its role during the Persian Invasion. Though small, the island fought alongside Athens in the Artemisium and Salamis battles. Below the turbulent waters of Kea Island, lie the remnants of the Britannica and other warships of the Greeks. Many areas on this island remain unexplored due to the tumultuous waters. Only highly experienced Yatchies sail beyond specific points.

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Myths surround the existence of the stunning paradise of Kea. Home to the Stone lion and many archeological ruins, the island has so much to offer explorers. The archeological museums of Kea hold sculptures, inscriptions, and other important artifacts that date back to the 1st century. Karthea, Poiessa, and Korressia are ancient towns with significant monuments that shed some light on famous Greek myths.

Transportation In Kea

Once visitors get to the central Kea port, there are several ways to reach their destination. Here are the most convenient means of transport on the island.

Guests can rent a car, bike, or scooter at the port of Kea. These rentals are expensive, but they offer visitors the liberty to enjoy different sites without a time limit. They also allow guests to access secluded areas that public buses may not reach. Visitors should be of the right age and have the necessary skills to operate the rental locomotive.

Available at most central spots on the island, taxis are convenient. Although fast and reliable, they are expensive as compared to buses. Boat taxis allow vacationers to enjoy the beautiful beaches. They are ideal for four to eight tourists.

When visiting a new place, it's important to learn the public transport system, and Kea isn't an exception. Public buses are the most popular mode of transport in Kea, with the central bus stop located at Loulida. From this bus stop, visitors board buses to take them to different places. In comparison to taxis and rental cars, buses are cheaper. As guests use these buses, they learn about the local people by interacting with them.

What To Do In Kea?

Home to numerous beaches, archeological sites, and breathtaking landscapes, the list of what visitors can enjoy in Kea is endless.

Visitors can find their way up trails leading to the ancient ruins of Karthea. In the one-hour hike to the area, a view of the ocean coupled with the extensive landscape will mesmerize guests. The ancient city of Karthea is home to the prehistoric temples of Pythian Apollo, Demeter, and the goddess Athena. The Stone Lion of Kea is another popular hiking trail that starts at Loulida village. Other hiking trails start at Loulida to Myli and Gialiskari Beach.

Thrill-seekers who love water will enjoy the numerous water activities in Kea. Snorkeling, waterskiing, and wakeboarding are some adrenaline-pumped sports visitors can engage in. Koundourous Beach on the North-Western part of Kea offers many options for water lovers.

The waters of Kea have so much to offer, including exclusive marine life, shipwreck remnants, and underwater caves, among others. Scuba diving is the sure bet to explore this wealthy seabed of Kea. Divers have to go 120 meters into the water to view the HMS Britannica remnants. For this reason, only experienced divers are allowed. The Koundouros reef and Vourkari are popular scuba diving spots in Kea.

Visitors can learn about new past times as they relax on the beautiful island. Food lovers can learn how to prepare Greek dishes as they sample new wine and cheese, among other tasty Mediterranean consumables. Tourists who love art can learn how to draw while on holiday. The Art House in Kea offers fun drawing classes. Visitors who wish to participate in workshops should book early.

Kea is a natural paradise worth visiting. It’s the ideal vacation spot for greenies, thanks to its unpolluted natural resources. History lovers and explorers will find the island and its mysteries revitalizing.