CIELO HOMES
Kea Island
A Secret Gem Near Athens
VACATION IN KEA ISLAND!
Where Serenity Meets Adventure
Kea, also known as Tzia, lies a mere hour away from Lavrio port, close to Athens.
This island beckons with its distinctive allure: meandering alleyways, pristine beaches, an oak forest, and a network of twelve stone-paved hiking trails. Kea seamlessly blends relaxation, cosmopolitan vibes, and natural splendor.
During the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC), Kea was referred to as Tetrapolis due to the establishment of four cities on the island: Korissos, Ioulis, Poiiessa, and Karthaia.
The renowned Kouros of Kea, discovered in Korissia, is now showcased at the National Archaeological Museum. Exploring the prehistoric settlement of Agia Eirini in Vourkari is recommended, where the Korai, or “young maidens,” of Kea were unearthed and are presently exhibited at the island’s Archaeological Museum in Ioulis.
Ioulis stands as the sole ancient city situated farther inland, featuring a medieval castle and picturesque hiking trails. Visitors can still admire the mythical Leon of Ioulis, an Archaic sculpture from the 6th-7th century depicting a six-meter-long lion carved into the rock.
In Poiiessa, present-day Poisses village, remnants of ancient walls stand as testament to the past. Northeast of Poisses, the imposing Tower of Agia Marina ascends to a towering height of 20 meters. Dating back to the Hellenistic period (4th century), it ranks among the tallest surviving monuments in the Mediterranean.
Lastly, exploring the remnants of the ancient coastal city of Karthaia unveils the ruins of the acropolis, along with the ancient temples of Athena and Apollo, as well as a section of the town’s ancient theatre. Noteworthy artifacts from Karthaia are showcased at the Archaeological Museum in Ioulis.
