Cosmopolitan yet bohemian, Kea's proximity to Athens is making it a favoured island.
Kea has fascinating contrasts, from idyllic beaches to archaeological sites, all of which overlook the vast Aegean blue. Cross the island's inexhaustible, cobbled paths to swim in beaches with transparent waters, look for the mythical Nymphs in the largest oak forest of the Cyclades and cool off in stone springs.
Why should you go?
The only hour-long journey from Lavrio is enough to cement the idea of spending every weekend in summer on a different beach of Kea.
The long duration of the day, the possibility of an afternoon departure from Attica on Friday and an evening return on Sunday make the scenario even more feasible and leave room for a variety of activities, which also favours the small size of the island.
What to do?
Kea can be described as a paradise for outdoor activities, offering strong thrills to action lovers. Sailors love it for its proximity to the Greek capital.
The reward comes with the arrival in the picturesque Vourkari and a creative cocktail at Aigis Sunset Bar Resto (19:00-00:00 daily), which, from its privileged position, offers the most beautiful view of the enchanting sunset.
Four shipwrecks lie off the island, perfect for divers.
If you feel safer on land, an excellent network of paths with a total length of 36 kilometres is divided into 12 routes and takes you to the four city-states of antiquity, Ioulis, Karthaia, Korissia and Poiesis. In between, unique images of the incredibly fertile island are revealed to you, with the view stretching over verdant inland ravines as charming secluded coves with quaint little churches and seaside settlements.
Arriving in the capital, Ioulis, you will test your endurance in the uphill alleys, with every turn revealing another wonderful photo opportunity. You will also be impressed by its special architecture, which deviates from the classic Cycladic model since most of the houses here have tiled roofs.
Walk under the small covered arcades called stegadia, designed by the island's honorary resident Alekos Fassianos. Then relax and reward yourself with a delicious Tyrakeion ice cream, made with milk from the owners' family farm, which also produces local cheeses.
The island's thyme honey and capers are tasty souvenirs worth packing in your luggage.
For those who are more in the mood for exploration, Kea is dotted with caves of special geological interest, with the most important being the Tripospilies in Kalamos and the cave of Agios Timotheus in Agios Panteleimonas.
The rest must choose between beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. Exotic blue-green hues in the sandy Gialiskari shaded by tamarisk trees and Sykamia and Poiesis, where you will also enjoy the sun setting into the Aegean.
In the cove of Koundouros, protected from the northern winds, you will swim under the shadow of the picturesque windmills of the settlement of the same name, and you will be enchanted by observing the wonderful seabed with a mask.
In Xyla, you can relax in comfort on the organised golden sand, and in Otzias, you can find the largest beach of Kea, with a length of 700 metres and shallow waters, perfect for families with small children.
Where to stay
Agrikea is a reference point of simplicity and natural beauty in the heart of the island. The complex, which includes a small number of rooms, studios, and suites, offers privacy and contact with nature.
The adults-only accommodation, with its bioclimatic design, ceiling fans, and traditional architecture, is aimed at a small number of guests (up to 13 people). Each room offers a unique sense of local architecture and is harmoniously adapted to the natural landscape.
The complex is pet-friendly, so no one has to part with their four-legged friend on vacation.
Here, you will also find comfortable relaxation areas and services designed to meet visitor's needs. From the in-room breakfast with local products to the 11-metre swimming pool and the massage, staying at Agrikea is an authentic Cycladic experience.
The accommodation's location offers easy access to the island's most popular spots while maintaining a feeling of isolation and tranquillity. It has a panoramic view of the sea and a magnificent sunset.
In fact, the complex has its own farm with native oaks and almond trees, olives, figs, pomegranates, almonds, pistachios, carobs and vegetables, as well as domestic animals, such as guinea fowls and hens.
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