See also: Villages on the Kea, Beaches Kee, Map of Kee, Geography of Kea, Weather on Kea, Julida on Kea, Use of the Key, Vurkari on Kea, Kunduros on the Key, Peeing on Kea, Ocias on the Key.
Island Kea, also known as Tzia, is one of the closest and most accessible Cycladic islands for visitors from Athens. It is located in Aegean Sea, just an hour's ferry ride from ports Lavrio, making it the perfect destination for weekend getaways, short trips and family vacations.
Unlike the typical image of the Cyclades with white houses and minimal vegetation, Kea is greener. and known for its oak forests, hiking trails hiking and landscapes in earth tones. Instead of white cube houses with blue roofs, here you will come across stone houses and traditional buildings with red tiles, which gives the island a special character.
Nature lovers will especially enjoy rich flora and fauna islands. Kea is known for its network marked hiking trails which connect villages, archaeological sites and hidden coves, making it one of the best Cycladic destinations for active tourism.
How to get to and around the island of Kea?
Kea is the perfect choice for those who want to quickly escape from Athens and enjoy nature, tradition and the peaceful rhythm of life - whether you come for a weekend or a longer vacation.
Accommodation, beaches and sights
Kea Island – History
Island Kea (also known as Tzia) has a rich history that goes back to the deep past, and is intertwined with mythology and archaeological evidence. The island has been inhabited since late Neolithic (around 3000 BC), and then it was known as Hydrous, due to the abundance of springs and fresh water.
Wide selection of houses, apartments and villas for vacation that provide unforgettable experiences and amenities, including more space and added privacy, for less money than a traditional hotel accommodation.
Kea Island - Mythological Origins
According to Greek mythology, Kea was home nymphs which guarded the springs and nature of the island. He interrupted their idyll giant lion, who, out of jealousy for the beauty of the island, was sent by the gods. Residents carved a statue of a lion to appease him, and that famous one Kenyan lion it can still be seen today near the capital Julida. Later, when the island was hit by a drought caused by the heat of the star Sirius, residents sought help from Aristeas, the son of Apollo and the nymph Kirini. Aristaeus advised the construction of a temple dedicated to Zeus, the god of rain and lightning. Zeus answered their prayers, sent rain and restored fertility to the island.
Kea Island - Ancient Period
Archaeological sites on Keja confirm the importance of the island in prehistoric times. It is the most famous Agia Irini, where the remains of the settlement from 3rd millennium BC. In historical times, Kea stood out during Persian Wars. It was one of the few Cycladic islands (along with Naxos, Tinos and Kythnos) that sided with Athens. The Keyans participated in the battles of Salamis and Artemisium (480 BC) and in the decisive victory at Plataea (479 BC). As a sign of gratitude, their name, along with the names of 30 other Greek states, was inscribed on to the serpent pillar dedicated to Apollo in Delphi, whose remains are kept today in Istanbul.
In antiquity, Kea was also known for laws and wise legislators, among whom stood out Aristeas. In addition, the island has given several notable poets and philosophers to ancient Greece.
Kea Island - Byzantine and Venetian era
During the Middle Ages, Kea often changed masters. In the Byzantine period, the island was part of Aegean Sea themes, and in the 13th century it fell under the government Venetian and included in Duchy of Naxos. Due to its strategic position, the island was attacked by pirates, which affected the life and development of the local population.
Kea Island - Turkish rule and liberation war
From 1537, Kea came under the government Ottoman Empire. Despite the taxes and pressure, the island has preserved its Greek identity and culture. The inhabitants of Kea were among the first in the Cyclades to participate in to the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
The Island of Kea - Contemporary period
In the 20th century, Kea experienced modest industrial development. The most famous institution was enamel factory in Corissia, which operated for decades and employed a large part of the local population, but was later closed, leading to migration and a decrease in the population.
A particularly dark chapter is the island Makronissos, which is located between Attica and Kea. During the period Greek military junta (1967–1974), Makronisos served as a camp and place of exile for political prisoners and opponents of the regime.
Kea Island today
Today, Kea represents a combination rich history, mythology and natural beauty. Archaeological sites, medieval fortresses and traditional villages remind visitors of the turbulent past, while the modern tourist era brings popularity to the island among Athenians and foreign travelers.
Kea is an island that through myth, history and modern life shows all the diversity of the Greek heritage - from nymphs and ancient heroes, through the struggle for freedom, all the way to a modern refuge for those who seek peace and authenticity.
