4Kea (Tzia)
Just a short ferry ride from Athens, Kea feels surprisingly untouched. Its proximity to the mainland has allowed Athenians to build discreet second homes, but mass tourism has never taken hold.
Kea’s villages, such as Ioulida, remain rooted in local traditions, with stone houses, donkey paths, and a strong agricultural presence. The island is known for hiking trails that connect settlements and reveal terraced landscapes shaped over centuries.
Local life here revolves around seasonal rhythms — olive harvesting, honey production, and community celebrations. It’s an island best experienced slowly, preferably with long lunches and unplanned conversations.
