The island known by both names, Kea and Tzia, is the “gateway to the Cyclades” and the 6th largest island of the respective cluster. At the same time, it is the closest island to Attica, with a distance of 16 nautical miles from Lavrio and just one hour by boat!
In recent years, there has been intense construction development in Kea (Tzia) and, at the same time, gradual tourist development. However, this does not mean that it has lost its traditional character. The Cycladic elements are prevalent, evident in the architecture and the whitewashed chapels, with slight differences in the dense vegetation, the stone houses, and the variety of colors in the new constructions.
Due to the island’s large size, many beaches are accessible by car, but others can only be reached by sea. In this article, we will analyze the beaches of Kea through our own experience.
Explore more of the Saronic and Cycladic islands with our complete Greece travel guide.
| Also known as | Tzia (Τζιά) |
| Location | Cyclades, 1 hour from Lavrio port |
| Distance from Athens | ~70km — closest Cycladic island to Athens |
| Port | Korissia |
| Capital | Ioulida (Ioulis) |
| Best time | April–October |
| Getting there | Ferry from Lavrio (~1 hour, tickets from €11.50) |
| Car rental | 👉 Discovercars.com |
| Ferry tickets | 👉 Ferryscanner |
| Accommodation | 👉 Booking.com — Kea hotels |
Where is Kea (Tzia) island in Greece?
Kea, known to locals as Tzia, is the northernmost island of the western Cyclades, located just 21km east of the southern tip of Attica. It is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, making it the perfect weekend escape from the city. The ferry from Lavrio port (near Athens airport) takes just 1 hour.
Despite its proximity to Athens, Kea feels worlds away. Unlike the typical whitewashed Cycladic look, Kea has neoclassical houses in earthy ochre and terracotta tones, dense oak forests, and a laid-back atmosphere beloved by those in the know. Its port is Korissia and its hilltop capital is Ioulida (Ioulis), one of the most charming main towns of any Greek island.
How to get to Kea from Athens
The only way to reach Kea is by ferry, because the island has no airport.
From Lavrio port (recommended): Ferry from Lavrio to Korissia, approximately 1 hour. Lavrio is easy to reach from Athens; take the Attika Tollway towards Markopoulo, or follow the coastal road via Poseidonos Avenue and Athens-Sounio Avenue. Tickets cost approximately €11.50 one-way.
From Piraeus: There are occasional direct routes, but they are far less frequent; Lavrio is strongly recommended.
Book ferry tickets and check current schedules on Ferryscanner. Book in advance for summer weekends as they fill up quickly.
Getting around Kea
Most beaches close to Korissia are accessible by car or bus. However, many of Kea’s most beautiful remote beaches require a 4×4 or can only be reached by boat, as we describe in the beaches section below.
We strongly recommend renting a car or scooter on Kea. It is the only way to reach the best beaches independently. Compare car rental prices on Discovercars.com.
A bus service connects Korissia port with Ioulida and key bays, including Otzias, Vourkari, and Koundouros. Taxis are available at the port.
Which beaches to visit in Kea (Tzia)
Gialiskari
The first beach we visited was the closest to Korissia, where the island’s port is, and where we stayed. Gialiskari is a relatively small but beautiful beach. It has a beach bar on the left, and on the right, several dense tamarisk trees provide natural shade. It has a parking area, but in the early morning and afternoon, it is quieter, while midday mainly attracts young people.
Xyla
Xyla Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is a 20-minute drive from Korissia and is easily accessible via a passable dirt road. The beach has golden sand and fine pebbles, with clear blue, relatively deep waters.
It is partially organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds, but also offers space for those with their own equipment. Unfortunately, it lacks natural shade, so we recommend stocking up on essentials to protect yourself from the sun. Also, we suggest that those who wish to sit on the organized part of the beach book the sunbed-umbrella set in advance, priced at 16€, with free towels and a one-liter water bottle.
Otzias
One of the most famous beaches of Tzia, Otzias beach, belongs to the homonymous settlement and is the largest on the island. The distance from the port is just 5 km; it is easily accessible and has a parking lot. It is circular and connected to the sea by a narrow strip of water, thereby protecting it from the winds. You will find tamarisks that offer ample shade as well as sunbeds and umbrellas.
At the edges of the beach, there are two churches, Agios Georgios and Agios Sostis, which offer a wonderful view of the beach. Also, inside the bay of Otzias, there is a completely deserted, unorganized beach that can be reached on foot, Ladou beach.
Kokka
A beach that was recommended to us by a local, and is not one of the most famous beaches of the island. Kokka’s beach is a small, quiet, and secluded beach near Korissia. Some tamarisks provide shade, but we recommend bringing the right equipment for the sun.
For a nearby Cycladic alternative, read our guide to holidays in Kythnos.
Spathi
In the northeastern part of the island is the beach of Spathi. Access to the beach is via a difficult 5km dirt road, but it is worth a visit as it is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kea (Tzia). It is quiet with a beautiful sandy beach and clear waters. It offers the option to sit in the organized part of the beach with the beach bar’s sunbeds and umbrellas, or to bring your own equipment. The sunbed and umbrella set costs 20 euros, and you can enjoy an iced coffee at the cafe bar and Mediterranean delicacies at the restaurant located by the sea.
Sikamia
An unorganized beach with beautiful waters and a sandy beach. Access is via a 4 km dirt road, but it is really worth it. Bring the essentials to protect yourself from the sun, even though the tamarisks cast their shadows on the beach in the afternoon.
Koundouros
The beach of Koundouros belongs to the homonymous settlement of Kea. It is one of the most popular beaches on the southern part of the island. The beach has a blue flag and is organized with a bar-restaurant and sunbeds with umbrellas. The sea is shallow and has fine sand. It is preferred by both families and young people. Access is easy, but there is no parking near the beach. The sunbed and umbrella set is at 18€, but you can bring your own equipment.
Beyond the main beach of Koundouros, however, there are many coves and beaches around that you can discover. The most famous one on the left side of the main beach is Koundouraki, a fully organized beach where you can do various water sports.
Pisses
The beach of the homonymous settlement is located at the edge of a valley with olive groves, which opens onto a long sandy beach lined with tamarisks. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, and you can either eat or have a coffee. It is located before Koundouros and is easy to access, and has ample parking space. But the most beautiful feature of the beach is its western orientation, which offers beautiful sunsets.
Things to do in Kea
Beyond the beaches, Kea offers more than you might expect:
Lion of Kea: A magnificent stone lion carved around 600 BCE, just a 10-minute walk from Ioulida. One of the most important ancient monuments in the Cyclades is completely free to visit.
Ioulida (Ioulis): The hilltop capital is one of the most charming main towns in the Cyclades. Wander its ochre-and-white alleys, visit the Archaeological Museum, and find the central square for excellent traditional food.
Vourkari: The island’s picturesque marina and most cosmopolitan village. Perfect for sunset cocktails with yachts bobbing in the harbor.
Ancient Karthea: A dramatic ancient city-state on the southeastern coast, accessible only by hiking trail (~12.5km from Ioulida) or by boat. Worth it for the views alone.
Panagia Kastriani Monastery: Built on a clifftop in 1700 AD with breathtaking Aegean views. Legend has it that shepherds discovered a Virgin Mary icon here after following a mysterious light.
Diving & Snorkeling: Kea offers some of Greece’s best diving, including the HMHS Britannic shipwreck (the Titanic’s sister ship, sunk in 1916), discovered by Jacques Cousteau.
Hiking: 40km of marked trails connect the island’s four ancient city-states through oak forests, valleys, and coastal paths.
Accommodation in Kea (Tzia)
For our stay in Kea (Tzia), we chose Amphora’s Apartments, or “The House in Pithari”, and it was for us one of the right choices for our holidays on the island.
The rooms are located in Korissia, the island’s port, and are a 5-minute walk from the port. So we found ourselves among the picturesque white alleys that remind us of the Cyclades, wherever you look. The first thing that struck us was the smells of fresh bread and cookies from the neighborhood bakery in the alley below the rooms. Everything we needed was within walking distance, and we were not inconvenienced for a moment.
But beyond their location, the rooms are completely renovated with all the amenities we needed. First, the Cycladic colors of the white house with blue windows and doors made us realize how beautiful the interior would be as well. Stepping inside the room we stayed in, the Cycladic decor won us over from the first moment. The soft, minimal lines, especially in the bedroom, left us with a sense of calm, which is exactly how we wanted to feel on this holiday.
For more Kea Greece hotels ranging from luxury properties like Porto Kea Suites to budget studios, browse all available options on Booking.com. The best areas to stay are Korissia (port, convenient) and Ioulida (most atmospheric). Book well in advance for July and August.
Kea, Greece FAQ — Everything you need to know
Kea (also known as Tzia) is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, located 21km from the southern tip of Attica. The ferry from Lavrio port takes just 1 hour. It belongs to the western Cyclades group.
The ferry from Lavrio port is approximately 1 hour, and tickets cost €11.50 one-way. Lavrio is roughly 70km from central Athens via the Attika Tollway or the coastal Sounio road. Book tickets in advance on Ferryscanner. There is no airport on Kea.
Kea is known as the Cycladic island closest to Athens and as one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Key highlights include the ancient Lion of Kea (600 BCE), the charming hilltop capital Ioulida, excellent diving, including the Britannic shipwreck, 30+ beaches, and Vourkari marina for sunset cocktails.
Of course, it offers everything the famous Cycladic islands have, like beaches, history, great food, and beautiful villages, without the extreme crowds and prices of Santorini or Mykonos. Its proximity to Athens makes it ideal for a weekend escape.
Based on our personal experience: Otzias (the largest, protected bay, tamarisks and sunbeds), Spathi (beautiful and secluded, 5km dirt road), Gialiskari (closest to port, beach bar), Koundouros (organized, warm shallow waters, great sunset views), and Kokka’s (small, quiet, natural shade). Many of the best beaches require a car or boat to reach.
We strongly recommend renting a car or scooter; it is the best way to reach the more beautiful remote beaches. Many of Kea’s best beaches are accessed via dirt roads, and a bus won’t get you there. Compare car rental options on Discovercars.com.
A weekend (2 nights) is the classic visit from Athens and enough to see the highlights. With 3–4 days, you can explore all the beaches, hike to the Lion and Ioulida, dive, and visit Vourkari at sunset. Kea is open year-round. Many Athenians visit even in winter for the peaceful atmosphere.
