3Kea (Tzia) – Cycladic Beauty Without the Crowds

Kea belongs to the Cyclades but is much quieter than its more famous cousins. Reached via Lavrio port in about an hour, Kea offers a perfect mix of chic and rustic. Stone-built houses, terraced hills, and picturesque villages like Ioulida create a storybook backdrop.

Kea is also a hiking paradise with marked trails leading to ancient ruins, oak forests, and the iconic Lion of Kea sculpture. The island’s beaches, such as Koundouros and Otzias, are serene, and the food scene is excellent, with farm-to-table options and inventive cuisine.