 Kea island | Kea island lies 15 miles from the south-east coast of Attica. It is also known as Tzia and this name is a remainder of the Venetian era. The total surface of the island is 121 sq. km. and its circumference 86 km. The mountain masses, which are encountered in most of the Cyclades, are broken up by small valleys sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees and run right down to the sea, opening out into pretty little bays. The highest mountain of the island is Profitis Elias (568m.). When one sees the island from far away it seems barren, but in reality there are plenty of oak trees. Many years ago the acorn shells of these trees were used for tanning purposes and that was a great source of income for the residents of Kea. The basic occupation of the islanders was and still is cattle raising. The cows of Kea are of the best; pigs, goats, sheep are also raised on the island. Apart from dairy products (milk, cheese, butter etc.), Kea also produces vegetables, fruits and nuts of high quality. Bee-raising is another island occupation. The Kean thyme honey is famous. Pasteli is a specialty of Kea, made with sesame seed and honey. In old times, Kea had excellent wine and olive oil but nowadays the quantity of these products is rather limited. The interior of the island is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills and monasteries, including that of Panagia Kastriani, Kea's patron saint. Many villages are samples of the Cycladic architecture. The sea at Kea is crystal clear, the beaches are wonderful and the taverns are traditional Greek. Otzia, Panagia Kastriani, Pisses are only few of the locations that you'll never forget. Other worth mentioned villages are : Vourkari, a typical fishermen village near Korissia, Katomeria, Parameria... |
| Kea History | According to Greek Mythology, the island’s name came from Keo, the son of Apollo and leader of the Locrians. Based on archaeological findings, the island of Kea (Tzia) has been inhabited since the Post-Neolithic Period and was a great cultural center during the Bronze Age. Kea (Tzia) participated in the Persian Wars and was part of the Athenian Alliance. During the Byzantine Era, Kea (Tzia) belonged to the Eastern Roman Empire and then was occupied by the Turks from 1566 till 1821 when it was finally liberated, greatly due to the efforts of the national hero Lambros Katsonis. Upon its liberation from the Ottoman Empire, Kea (Tzia) flourished in the field of industry (enamel, metal, wood). Recently, Kea (Tzia) has developed into one of Greece’s up and coming vacation destinations..
Kea (Tzia) Sites and Attractions..
In the capital Hora (Ioulida)..
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 | Ancient Ioulis: dated back to the Archaic Era. | | The Leon ο f Ioulis: a statue carved into a rock, dated back to the Archaic Era. | | The Medieval Castle: built by Domenico Mikkeli in the 13 th century. | | The Town Hall: designed by Ernst Ziller | | The Cathedral of the Annunciation (Evanggelismos) | | The Agia Anna Monastery: with a 13th century church and remains of cells and other structures | | The Agia Marina Tower: a square, five-storey structure, built in the Post-Classic / Hellenistic Period (4 th century BC) | | The Monastery of Episkopi: the remains of a tower, cells and other structures can be seen |
| The Archaeological Museum: that includes exquisite artifacts from the Post-Neolithic Period, the Bronze, the Archaic and the Roman Era |
| | In Korissia | | Ancient Korissos: dated back to the Archaic Era. | | The Old Enamel Factory: one of a kind in Greece |
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