Attractions, beaches and everything you need to know for your vacation on Tzia, the closest Cycladic island to Athens.
Tzia, also known as Kea, is just an hour by boat from Lavrio and is the closest inhabited Cycladic island to Attica. Blending natural beauty with a cosmopolitan yet relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for quick summer weekend getaways as well as longer holidays. Tzia is the express escape to the Cyclades and the permanent sanctuary for those who adore its mysterious allure and return every summer to its small, well-hidden paradises.
The island’s capital is picturesque Ioulida and its port is Korissia. The gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters, the cosmopolitan resorts, and the cobbled paths that traverse the entire island are just some of the elements that make Tzia a unique destination worth discovering.
Ioulida: One of the most picturesque Choras in the Cyclades
Amphitheatrically built on the slopes of two hills with superb views of the Aegean, theChora of Kea, Ioulida, is one of the loveliest in the Cyclades. It is a protected settlement built atop the ruins of the ancient city of Ioulida - one of the island’s four cities. Get ready for strollsthrough a picturesque village withtraditional white houses with reddish-tiled roofs, narrow cobbled alleyways with white steps, stegadias (small covered arcades), numerous little chapels, and scattered little shops.
In Ioulida’s square stands the historic town hall, amphitheatrically built around an imposing rock atop the remnants of the medieval castle. It is an impressive neoclassical building dating to 1902, the work of Ziller, adorned with finds from the island’s various archaeological sites.
On the uphill roadtoward the Chora’s square lies the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the Cyclades, with unique finds from excavations on the island.About a 10-minute walk northeast of town, you will also find the famous Lion of Kea. It is an archaic sculpted monument of the 6th -7th century BC carved into a solid schist rock approximately 8 meters long.
An important city of antiquity
Tzia boasts many remarkablearchaeological sites, the most important being Ancient Karthaia.According to the finds, it must have been the most significant of the island’s four city-states. You can reach Ancient Karthaia only by boat or on foot. The acropolis, set in an idyllic landscape, is surrounded by a polygonal wall 1.20-1.50 m. wide and preserved to a height of 12 m. In its southern section the most important monuments have been identified, such as the foundations of the propylon, the temple of Athena, and the temple of Pythian Apollo. After your visit to Ancient Karthaia,take a dip in Poles cove and at Kaliskia beach.
A visit to the Monastery of Kastriani
Dramatically perched above the Aegean, the Monastery of Panagia Kastriani is a monument of great religious and historical value, as well asa viewpoint offering boundless sea vistas. According to tradition, on a winter night in 1699 a strong white beam of light on the steep hill of Kastri led locals and shepherds to a small cave. There, they saw a Christian icon depicting the Dormition of the Theotokos covered with a little soil. The faithful considered this sacred and precious find a divine indication of where a church should be built in honor of the Virgin Mary, and so they decided to begin its construction even though the spot was quite inaccessible.
The top beaches of Tzia
Some organized, others with wild beauty,and others hidden and difficult to access (by footpath, dirt road,or only by boat), Kea’s beacheswill make you forget you’re just an hour from Attica. The beach of Otzias in the north is the island’s largest. Its lovely sand, shallowwaters, and tamarisk trees along the shore make it one of visitors’ favorites.
Families prefer the sandy beach of Korissia and the long beach at Poisses. Among the island’s most famed beaches are Koundouros and sandy Xyla. Spathi, Sykamia, and Kalydonychi are a little more secluded and accessible only by dirt road.
Hiking in Tzia
Tzia offers many waymarked trails, most of them cobbled, giving you the chance to discoverthe island’s natural riches and history. The island’s well-maintained trail network includes 12 routes. Following these paths, the visitor passes through oak forests and encounters traditional stone-built springs and quaint chapels, ending at small coves and wonderful beaches. Among the best-known hikes are the one that starts in Ioulida, passes the statue of the Lion, and ends at Otzias beach, as well as the onethat leads from Ioulida to the archaeological site of Karthaia.
ACCOMMODATION
Korissia
- Built atop Kea’s cliffs with the blue of the Aegean as a backdrop, Κέως by the sea is a boutique hideaway that invites you to experience authentic Cycladic holidays.
- Ελαιών Αpartments consists of fully equipped and furnished apartments that will offer you acarefree stay, 500 meters from the port of Korissia.
- The boutique hotel Kea Bliss, opposite the quaint chapel of Agios Georgios and just 10 minutes on foot from the port, will offer you a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Koundouros
- Set in one of Kea’s loveliest locations, in the heart of Koundouros, the luxuriousVilla Kounelioffers endless views of the sea and sunset in a quiet and very comfortable private setting.
- Kea 360 Villas opened their doors in 2023 and quickly evolved into a favorite destination for relaxation. It is a retreat comprising four welcoming villas with captivating views of the Aegean.
- Built in a quiet spot with open sea views, the luxurious villa Veneterra is a haven of serenity designed for families, friends, or couples seeking quality and privacy.
Ioulida
- At the top of Ioulidalies Kea Village, built in harmony with the natural environment and the island’s traditional architecture. All suites and villas enjoy unique views over the Chora and the sea.
Vourkari
- Aigis Suites, in picturesque Vourkari, blends perfectly with the natural surroundings and offers authentic, quality hospitality in uniquely decorated suites.
Psathi beach
- Nestled among the rolling hills that descend to Psathi beach, Kea Retreat offers a holistic package that combines hotel accommodation, the carefree spirit of holidays, refined cuisine, and yoga retreats.
FOOD
Korissia
- Oikos Kea is one of the island’s loveliest all-day spots, with sea viewsand distinctive flavors you can enjoy from morning till night.
- In Korissia you will findΣτέκι του Στρογγύλη, with good food and views of the port.
Ioulida
- Grab a table at Στέκι to enjoy excellent home-style cooking and wonderful views.
Vourkari
- In Vourkari, for fresh fish and seafood head to the renowned Αρίστο and to Στροφή του Μίμη, which sets tables right on the sand.
Poisses
- At Εξοχικό της Μαργαρίτας you will find classic Greek cuisine with homestyle stews as well as spit-roasted meats.
