The drop-shaped island of Kea or Tzia as it called by the locals is the nearest Cycladic Island to the mainland of Attica and Athens. Although Kea seems to attract more mainland locals than foreign visitors, there are several charming hotels for you to stay. Kea wears its charms quietly in a rare slow paced way of life.
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.