Kea (Tzia) in 2 Days
The weekend hideaway of Athenians
Kea (Tzia) in 2 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Ioulida and Departure. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Ioulida & the Lion
Korissia (port)
Ferry port on the west coast. Small sandy beach right at the port. Coffee at Aristos on the waterfront.
Ioulida (Chora)
Car-free hilltop capital. Gorgeous amphitheatrical layout, flat-roofed houses with red tiles. Walk the main pedestrian street.
Lion of Kea
6th-century BC archaic stone lion carved directly into the hillside. 30-min walk from Ioulida via a marked trail.
Otzias Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Enclosed sandy bay on the north coast, just past Vourkari. Family-friendly with shallow water and a sandy bottom, and three tavernas along the back of the beach. Less wind-exposed than the open eastern coast, which makes it the reliable choice when the meltemi blows.
Southern Beaches & Monastery
Vourkari Harbour
Yacht marina 2 km from Korissia, with chic waterfront cafΓ©s and the place where Athenians moor their boats for the weekend. The seafront promenade gets a young, mainland crowd in July and August β coffee in the morning, ouzo in the evening, the marina lights reflecting off the water.
Panagia Kastriani Monastery
Mountain monastery on a cliff edge on the north coast, reached by a paved road that ends in a small parking area. The chapel courtyard has views that stretch to Andros on clear days. A basic guesthouse next door β for the truly devout β has a handful of rooms with the same view.
Pisses Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Largest sandy beach on Kea, in a fertile valley with an ancient olive grove behind. Lunch at Akroygiali taverna.
Koundouros π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Small sheltered cove at the island's southwest tip, with crystal water and a rocky entry β bring swim shoes. A single beach bar opens in season, otherwise nothing. The drive down is on a steep narrow road; the reward is one of the quietest swimming spots on the island.
Planning questions
Is 2 days enough for Kea (Tzia)?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Kea (Tzia)?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Kea (Tzia)?
The plan sleeps in Ioulida and Departure, so you are not crossing the island every morning.