Why Visit
Kea is a hiker's paradise with numbered routes that take you through a variety of landscapes to remote coves and the ruins of ancient cities. It counts on important archaeological sites, locations of unique natural beauty, wonderful beaches and picturesque villages surely worth visiting.
The restaurants on Kea are among the best in Greece and the summer features a number of cultural events. Nightlife is mostly concentrated in Vourkari where we are going to anchor for the night.
History
The island of Kea has been inhabited since the late Neolithic times, known as Hydroussa at that time. However, the history of Kea is mixed with mythology, according to which the vast springs and fountains of this island were home to the nymphs. These nymphs are said to be chased off Kea by a fierce lion sent by the gods, who were jealous of the beauty of this island. To please the lion, the inhabitants carved a lion statue on the rocks and this statue exists till today outside of Ioulida.
According to their plans, after this the place became dry and started to be ruled by the star Sirius. Then, the displeased inhabitants went for help to the son of Apollo, the semi-god Aristaios and the nymph Kyrini. They built a temple to Zeus, as he was the one who was in charge of sending rain, apart from being the most powerful god. Since he felt pleased by this gesture, he brought the rain, and so the nymphs returned, as well as the beauty of the island.
The first historical fact that the resources point out, apart from the prehistoric settlement that has been found in Agia Irini area, is the Persian invasion and the battles of Salamis and Artemisium. Kea fought against both of them along with Athens and these were the only Cyclades islands to fight on the Greek side, along with Naxos, Tinos, and Kythnos. This is just an example about the history relation between Kea and Athens.
The final victory against the Persians came in 479 BC, and took place at Plataea, where the 31 fighting states dedicated a trophy to Apollo, who was said to be placed in the sanctuary at Delphi. This is fact was confirmed in 1912 when this trophy (a column) was uncovered in Constantinople. Once it was carefully cleaned, the names of these winning states- among which the proud Kea is found- became intelligible. These were scripted on the bronze serpents decorating the column, on their lower coils.
Kea was also the first of the islands of Cyclades to fight in the War of Independence. In the 20th century, it developed some industry, such as the factory of Enamel, but most of these factories gradually closed and a large part of the inhabitants migrated. A small island between Kea and Attica, Makronissos, served as an exile location for communists during the junta of 1967-74.
Museums - Archeological
Kea is a beautiful destination with picturesque villages and one of the closest islands to Athens. The view of its old fashioned beauty makes it a living museum that attracts many visitors. In particular, Kea is home to one museum, the Archaeological Museum located in Ioulida, the capital of the island.
The well-structured museum hosts interesting findings from the various excavations that took place in the surrounded regions. The exhibition develops in both floors from the prehistoric and historic period. All the visual aids, maps and detailed information are provided to the visitors. Most of the artifacts have been found in the Ancient Town of Karthea in Kea, accessible by boat or through a trekking path.
As an alternative, you can visit the ancient settlement of Agia Irini who flourished during the Broze age and the site in Korissos. Historical sites are also found in Ioulida like the medieval castle, the great Lion of Ioulida which is a magnificent monument from the Archaic period.
Beaches
Koundouros beach, Otzias beach, Beach Near Kambi, Gialiskari, Kambi, Korissia beach, Liparo, Pisses beach, Kalidonychi, Kaliskia, Kastelakia, Lygia, Mavrambeli, Melissaki, Orkos, Spathi beach, Xyla
Religious Monasteries and Churches
Kea is known as one of the closest islands to Athens, with unique architecture and rich tradition. Ideal for the hikers as well, offering scenic hiking trails that pass through the dense forest areas and the beautiful beaches. Apart from the island's natural beauty and cosmopolitan atmosphere, religious plays also an important role. It goes back to the Byzantine period where most of the churches and monasteries were founded at the most attractive spots of the island.
At the north eastern side of Kea, on the hill of Kastri lies the 18th century monastery of Panagia Kastriani, the saint protector of the island. Towards the south, the road will lead you to the historical monastery of Agia Marina which is built around a Byzantine monument.
Kea is home to some of the oldest churches including the church of Agios Haralambos, the patron saint of the island. The 16th century church of Agios Panteleimonas and Agios Timotheos with their elaborated wooden icon and beautiful frescoes. Around a beautiful verdant area lies the 16th century Monastery of Dafni. Finally it is worth visiting the church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa built inside a cave.
