KEA (TZIA) ISLAND: THE PERFECT SUMMER WEEKEND GETAWAY FROM ATHENS

The closest island of the Cyclades island group to Athens is “Kea” or “Tzia” as most of Greeks call it! Only 1 hour away from the mainland with great waters, Greek local cuisine and many options to stroll around and have a drink!

An island being popular as the absolute summer weekend getaway from Athens.

1st impression: In my first time visiting the island, I realized that Tzia is ideal to rent a boat/yacht since many beaches are accessible only from the sea or others have difficult access. Tzia is not that touristic and organized things to do are more limited than other islands. Access to many beaches is not the easiest and dirt roads in the island are plenty. Angel’s tip: If you rent a car, go for a SUV. If you bring your own car at the island, be careful and be prepared for bumpy rides. 

2nd impression: If you visit the island during high summer season and especially on weekends, it is not easy to find sunbeds and umbrellas at the beaches without a reservation. Prebook a few days in advance for sure or ask your hotel to book for you.

MUST HAVE

A car and especially an SUV, as mentioned earlier, or a motorbike, even though the roads are not ideal. In case this is not possible, there are 6 taxis on the island and buses that can take you to many beaches and the capital of Tzia. Time schedule of the buses can be found here.

ACCESS

There is no airport in Tzia. The Greek capital, Athens, has 3 main ports: Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion and access to Kea is only via port of Lavrion. Duration of the trip is only 1 hour to the port of Tzia, called Korissia (or Coressia).

Angel’s tip: Tzia is very popular for yacht trips and many people rent or get their own yacht to sail from Athens to Tzia, even for a day trip.

 TICKETS

You can book online and collect them from the agency at the port. It is 23-38 euros round trip and the duration is only 1 hour or even less from Lavrion port. Check for discounts if your have kids! You can book your tickets and support my site here: Ferryscanner.com

Angel’s tip: You can pick among 4-6 ships that depart every day during summer season. Both times I visited the island, I used “Triton ferries”  company and I was super happy – no delays and quick service. 

Angel’s tip: It is very important to book your tickets a few days in advance, especially if you want to take a car with you. On Sundays the last ferry departing from the island is very busy & gets sold out pretty early, as Tzia is very popular weekend destination from Athens.

Tourist Info: +30 2288 0 21500

DURATION

I visited the island on Friday and left Monday morning but I would say ideally 4-5 days. Angel’s tip: Most of the visitors go for just the weekend, so don’t hesitate to do the same.

WHERE TO STAY

The first time I stayed in Melissaki in a hotel with a stunning view but I don’t recommend it due to the tiring dirt road to arrive in this village, which has nothing but hotels & houses. Next time I chose Vourkari village which had plenty of options for food and nightlife is mainly there so I totally recommend to do the same! You can choose Ioulida-the capital  as well which is in the center of the island, with plenty of options & easy access to wander around, or Korissia-the port which has shops around, it is close to Vourkari for drinks at night and at the same time it is on the way to many beaches! For camping lovers, you can find details here.

MUST DO

Visit the capital of the island, Ioulida. It is in the center of the island and very picturesque with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and red-tiled roofs. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Kea and the famous Lion of Kea, an ancient stone carving. No cars are permitted in the capital and you must leave yours at the entrance of the town. Colorful houses, plenty of restaurant options and many souvenir shops to buy something & support the locals!

DRINKS

You can find some great bars in Ioulida like “Leon bar” and Korissia (the port) but the nightlife is mainly in Vourkari. Vourkari is a charming fishing village  and marina with the yachts is a great spot for dining, shopping, and nightlife. It’s known for its seafood restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.

Certainly the bars for late drinks with music are in Vourkari. Some cool ones are the Haλkee bar with a terrace, Acqua bar – Trattoria,  Alya,  Breeze…

Angel’s tip: Visit Cousteau all-bay stories for drinks with a DJ or live music with singers during summer on Friday and Saturday.

Angel’s tip: I visited a bar-restaurant with magnificent view during sunset called “To spiti sti Hora” in Ioulida. I tried the food as well there but I don’t recommend it.

FOOD

You can find tasty food in Tzia, restaurants with great view and local Greek cuisine. I was not amazed by anything in particular but the food was tasty overall. Hope you will be amazed though! Some of my recommendations:

• “9 Kores” and “Strofi tou Mimi” in Vourkari village close to the sea.
• “Seirios” and “Vourkaríōn” in Vourkari village.
• “Cousteau” for food with entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights during summer.
• “O Filippas”  in Korissia for meat
• “Steki tou Stroggyli” in Korissia.
• “Steki”, “O paparounas”, “Kalophagadon” , “Piatsa” and “Kylix” restaurants  in Ioulida.
  

  Kalofagadon in Ioulida

• “Abourkouna food & wine” in Ioulida
• “To eksohiko tis Margaritas” close to Pisses beach.
• “Christoforos tavern-sunseteria” in Pisses beach
• “Porto Koundouros” in Koundouros beach.
• “Otzias kouzina” in Otzias beach
• “Karthaia” and “Ta Poularakia” restaurants in Kato Meria

BEACHES

Many beaches in Tzia are not organized and offer incredible chance for private swimming. Others are accessible only via the sea. Angel’s tip: In case you want to rent a boat for a tour around the island,  find below some contact numbers for information and prices that I found in Vourkari :

• Kea tours: +306987364999
• Speedboat sea tours and transfers : +306932757070 / +30 6987410707

You can find below the most famous beaches and as mentioned, don’t forget to make a reservation if you want umbrella-sunbeds set:

• XYLA: Access through a dirt road but crystal clear wonderful waters. Umbrella-sunbeds set  that cover half of the beach, so there is plenty of space to bring your own umbrella if you wish.
  

  Xyla beach

• SPATHI:  My favorite beach, approx. 20 minutes of dirt road but the view from above is breathtaking. Gorgeous waters and long sandy beach. 1 umbrella & 2 sunbeds around 20 euros and for reservations call +306942575627
• The most organized beach is KOUNDOUROS with many tourist facilities, yachts around and a beach bar called Isalos with chill out music. Umbrella-sunbeds set: 25-50 euros. There are a few trees if you want to lay down on your own beach towel and some beautiful rocks on the right side to take pictures. Angel’s tip: many bees at the beach bar and the restaurant, be careful. Calm beach in general but ideally don’t visit when there is south wind.
  

  Strolling around Koundouros beach

• KOUNDOURAKI: A beach next to Koundouros fully equipped with facitities and water sports as well.
• PISSES: Close to Koundouros as well, organized, sandy and relatively shallow with beautiful waters. Close to the camping of the island as well. Stunning sunset.
• OTZIAS: Quiet, long, sandy, shallow beach mainly for families. You can find and rent pedal boats, canoes and SUP too. There are sunbeds but you can easily bring your own towel and lay down. I had a great lunch in Otzias Kouzina too.
• GIALISKARI: An excellent option with beautiful waters, close to the port with easy access: Small and crowded. Breathtaking sunset and great facilities, food and drinks. 24€ per sunbed set on weekends and 18€ on weekdays.
  

  Gialiskari beach

EXPERIENCES & MORE THINGS TO DO

• Hiking: Kea is known for its well-marked hiking trails. Popular routes include the trail from Ioulida to Ancient Karthea and the trail to the lighthouse at Cape Tamelos.
• Visit the Monastery of Panagia Kastriani: This beautiful monastery is perched on a hill with stunning views of the sea. It’s a serene place for contemplation and offers a glimpse into the island’s religious heritage.
• Visit Ancient Karthea: Accessible by boat or a hiking trail 45 minutes after you park your car, this archaeological site features the remains of temples dedicated to Athena and Apollo, ancient city walls, and a theater.
• Visit the Stone Lighthouse of Agios Nikolaos: Located near Korissia, this historic lighthouse is a great spot for a scenic walk and offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Anyone ready for Tzia? 😉

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