Kea – Tzia – Hydroussa

short story

Kea, once called Hydroussa,

has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. It flourished in the Bronze Age and later hosted four city-states in antiquity. Known for poets like Simonides, it passed through Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman hands before joining modern Greece in 1830.

history

Lion of Kea (Archaic Period)

Carved around the 6th century BCE, this massive stone lion near Ioulida is shrouded in myth. Legend says it scared away water nymphs, causing a drought that only the demigod Aristeos could reverse

Ancient Karthea

Once one of Kea’s four city-states, Karthea thrived from the Geometric to Hellenistic periods. Its ruins include temples to Apollo and Athena, a theater, and fortified walls. Accessible only by hiking or boat, it’s a time capsule of Cycladic civilization

Prehistoric Settlement of Agia Irini

Located near Vourkari, this site flourished from 3300 to 1500 BCE. Excavations revealed Mycenaean-style mansions, fortifications, and 50 clay figurines—possibly priestesses or goddesses—now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Ioulida

Tower of Agia Marina

Dating to the 4th century BCE, this five-story Hellenistic tower once protected rural lands between ancient Korissia and Poiiessa. Later incorporated into a monastery, it partially collapsed in 1858 but remains a striking relic of ancient engineering

Ioulis

It’s the ancient capital of Kea, which was famed for poets like Simonides, progressive laws, and Venetian fortifications. Today, it blends myth, history, and charm in its amphitheatrical layout and museum

Enamel Factory in Korissia

Operating from 1927 to 1957, this was the largest enamelware factory in the Mediterranean. It produced household goods and military supplies, fueling Kea’s economy. Today, its towering chimney and preserved machinery tell the story of industrial ambition

Elevating Possibilities

Explore … the beauties of the island,
Discover … the 26 beaches
Walk through … the 12 marked trail paths
Taste … the local cuisine
Drink … by the sea

Beaches

🏖️ Kea boasts 26 stunning beaches, ranging from organized family-friendly shores like Koundouros and Otzias to secluded gems like Xyla and Kaliskia. With golden sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic coastal landscapes, every beach offers a unique slice of Cycladic serenity

Trail paths

🥾 Kea features 12 officially marked trail paths, forming a historic network that spans 81 kilometers across the island. These stone-paved routes connect ancient city-states like Ioulida and Karthaia, winding through oak forests, springs, chapels, and secluded beaches. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views or archaeological wonders, Kea’s trails offer a captivating blend of nature and history.

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Local Food

🍴 Kea’s cuisine is a delicious showcase of Cycladic flavors, with standout dishes like loza (local prosciutto), tsigaropita (savory pork pie), and paspalas (pork with eggs and tomatoes). From fresh seafood to bold cheeses, every bite is a taste of island traditio

Churches

⛪ Kea is home to over 140 churches, chapels, and monasteries, scattered across hillsides, villages, and coastal cliffs. From the iconic Panagia Kastriani Monastery, perched above the sea, to hidden gems like Agios Symeon, built atop ancient ruins, each sacred site blends history, architecture, and breathtaking views into a spiritual mosaic of Cycladic charm