According to mythology, Kea’s first inhabitants were the Nymphs, but the jealous Gods sent out a lion to Kea to extinguish them. The island suffered from the drought and only but building a temple to mighty god Zeus, started raining again. There is evidence that there were Neolithic settlements on Kea Island. The island flourished in the archaic period as an important centre of economy and culture with philosophers and poets. Kea gets under the Venetian and then the Ottoman Rule suffering from constant pirate raids and population decrease.

 

Ioulida is the capital of the island and a charming Cycladic landscape built on a hill with marvellous view. A network of footpaths spreads on Kea and offers a unique chance of enjoying walking. The famous smiley lion of Kea lies on a stone path in Ioulida. Its enigmatic smile adds to the stone lion a sense of mystery about its purpose and existence.

 

Korissia is the main port of Kea and next to it there is Gialiskari Beach. Two beautiful sandy beaches are also Otzias and Pisses with orchards and olive groves growing next to it. In central and Eastern Kea you can find also forests of Royal Oak, some of the few that have remained in the Aegean.

 

In Kea try the local cheese and honey. Because of its fertility there are vegetables and nuts.