Kea is an island of the Cyclades group. Its close proximity to Athens has turned it into an escape for Athenians, who have, quite understandably, kept Kea a secret. With a glittering golden coastline, pure azure waters and lush rugged mountainside teeming with terraced vineyards, orchards and olive groves facing the sea, Kea is the ideal seaside escape. A place of calm and respite, it is also full of ancient history - from small prehistoric settlements to archaic temples and long-dead cities buried beneath the ground. Our collection of the best places to stay in Kea has something for everyone from budget options to luxurious resorts.

Kea looks and feels entirely different from the rest of the Cyclades. The landscape varies from a spectacularly craggy coastline, to expanses of dryness, then fertile hills and verdant valleys of orchards and olive groves. The architecture is earthier, and less stark than the rest of the group, more in harmony with the landscape, and there’s a picturesque capital and some lovely seaside towns. Ioulis, the capital, is enchanting: lined with dusty cobbled streets, old houses with ceramic tiled roofs and arched passageways, it stands on the site of an ancient city. There is also the prehistoric settlement of Kefala, which is well worth exploring.

Venturing out from Ioulis, there is Korissia, which straddles a gorgeous natural harbour and is well worth seeing. An ancient oak forest - the largest of all the Cyclades - on the easternmost side of Kea is the home of a great many species of bird, and is a bit of a birdwatcher's paradise. Scubadiving along the beautiful coastline is also popular due to the huge quantity of shipwrecks submerged beside Kea - a particular highlight is the Britannic, the sister-ship of the Titanic, (a family of ships clearly doomed to bad fortune). Sailing is another favourite pastime of tourists - and you can hire boats to explore the little coves and secluded beaches hidden from sight.

What not to miss

• Explore ancient Karthea, complete with its Temple of Apollo and amphitheater.
• Hire a boat and explore the secluded coves and beaches of Kea.
• Go scubadiving amongst the shipwreck of the Britannic.
• Lounge lazily at the beach with a good book.
• Go for a long aimless trek through the countryside of olive groves and vineyards.
• Visit the neolithic site of Kefala.

Kea has all the quiant charm and quiet of an undiscovered island. Full of history and spellbinding natural beauty. Browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Kea to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Kea

Value for money

• Kea Villas: on the outskirts of Ioulis, offering some of the best views the island has to offer. The rooms are gorgeous, airy and contemporary - styled in a light minimalist design. Fully self-catering, it is ideal for large families.
• Red Tractor Farm: a collection of small bungalows set amongst legions of olive trees, on the edge of Korassia. Ideal for sailors or scubadivers, the rooms are simple and contemporary.
• Keos Katoikies: simple, yet chic, white washed accommodation offering spectacular sea views and a very reasonable price tag.

Resort

• Porto Kea Suites: the perfect spot for a romantic break, this is the only fully international-standard resort hotel in Kea, and it certainly exceeds expectations. Boasting a wonderful restaurant, elegant rooms with whitewashed walls of stone and a spoiling little spa.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel Information

• The only way to reach Kea is by ferry from the port of Lavrion, a small town on the southern side of Attica. The easiest way to get to Lavrion is from the ferry port close to Athens airport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summers on Kea are warm and sunny, with temperatures within the 25 - 30°C range. Kea stays relatively pleasant in winter as well. Whenever you’re visiting it’s a good idea to pack another layer if you’re walking in the cool, green mountains, the temperature difference might surprise you.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Cyclades.
• Try a similar island like Andros?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Kea