In the distance from Athens, just one hour from the port of Lavrio, Kea is high on the list of most popular destinations for the weekend. This perhaps is the "injustice" against, and natural beauties of hard estimated at only two days. "Viastikoi" prolavainoun visitors do not usually get to know the best places - which require time and, most importantly, walking.
For this reason, we recommend beginning a several escape in Kea. If, nevertheless, does not have the luxury of time, take deep breath, Block sleep from your program and follow our unique paths of history of this island.
The first image seen from the boat, this Korissias, natural harbour Keas not impressed - at least not as much as other parts of the island. The typical Cycladic architecture is particularly evident here, while the magical nature of Keas hardly distinguishable from that point.
Nevertheless, Korissia is developed tourist and, if you choose to stay here certainly will not be bored - there are several hotels, boarding houses, taverns, café and bar which fully meet requirements and more demanding visitor the weekend.
About two kilometres north of Korissias is the GIALISKARI, perhaps touristikoteri region of the island and popular destination for sailors and yacht owners, who will meet in the small port village, almost all weekends of the year.
As a result, GIALISKARI vibrant throughout the year. Restaurants, bar, café and one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, Gyaliskari, with the blue water and golden sand, make up the image of a region that has nothing to feel jealous of the cosmopolitan resorts of the Cyclades.
In the hinterland of the island, six kilometers from Korissia, Ioulida, capital of the island, offers a spectacle of breathtaking: katalefka double-decker houses with tile roofs, built amphitheatrically on the hill. Needless surely to say that the view from here is breathtaking.
Leave the car in a parking lot of tap of Rokomenou, which according to legend, people who drink water will marry a resident of the island, and aniforizoume to the country.
The paved cobbled streets, white houses, small squares, quaint churches and, of course, the lack of cars give the impression that moved into another era. Many of the buildings Ioulidas, such as City Hall and the old school samples are unique neoklassikis architecture. The archaeological museum of the city hosts findings from the Neolithic period until the first centuries after Christ.
About a half mile after the settlement, is the famous Lion of Keas, a winged lion on a rock, which dates from ancient times. Legend says that the "Liontas" was sent by Zeus to prosecute the killing of larvae that women of the island.
Escaping from the country and towards the east, we find two of the best beaches on the island, and Sykamia Kalidonichi. Kpliktikes blue waters and beaches has, however, to exhibit and southwest Kea, particularly in areas Koundouros and Poisses.
The bulk of the natural beauty of Keas, however, is "hidden" from the main roads and patiently wait their odoiporous who will discover. The cobblestones largely paths were roads linking the four cities - Member of Archaic periods, Ioulida, Korisso, Poiiessa and Karthaia stretching along 35 kilometres before you and (s) call to pedestrians cross the island.
You can choose from eight different hiking routes, depending on your strengths - the shortest route covers 1.7 miles and ends in ancient Karthaia, anyway, there is no other way other than walking, to visit, and greater crosses the interior of the island, reaching a length of the 11.8 kilometers.
In many parts of the route will meet the wooden plates walking, you inform the direction we must take, and the time you'll need to arrive at your destination - if you made a mistake to forget your sports shoes in home, calculate approximately twice that indicate the plates.
A special mention should be made to the archaeological site of Karthaias, imposed to visit even if you do not have enough time to see any other region of Keas. The shortest route to get here is from the settlement Stafroudaki, and includes forty minutes walking around the cobbled path, passing through dense vegetation, and beside the Vathypotamo, where recently discovered ancient theater and part of the city water system, leads to the beach Small Poles.
On the hill that rises above the beach, are the remains of two ancient temples of Athena and Apollo, where excavations have brought to light important archaeological finds. The sea view from the hill will reward even their enemies orkismenous walking.
How to get there
From the port of Lavrio run daily routes to Kea, from 9 am until late afternoon. For information services and booking contact phone numbers 22920 69006, 22920 26200 and 22920 60370.
Where to stay
In Kea will find a few more hotels and boarding houses, which in most cases include a refrigerator, kitchen, air condition and… balconies with stunning sea views.
From the best choices, Saint George Bungalows (tel: 22880 31385) Koundoyro is a breath away from one of the best beaches Keas.
For the friends of intense night life, we suggest the lodgings Lefkes (tel: 22880 21443, 22880 21872) and Ωκεανίδα (tel: 22880 21605, 22880 21960) in cosmopolitan GIALISKARI.
Fagitopoleia - Kafedopoleia
Yes, said restaurants and café in Kea!
Your choices in terms of entertainment are many, as almost everywhere on the island will find restaurants serving fresh seafood and famous astakomakaronada of Keas, but ouzeri, café and bars. Examples suggest:
The Lagoudera, Korissia, by the few, now, taverns where you will enjoy paradosiakotati Greek cuisine - certainly try pastitsio, moussaka and kokora wine. Calculate approximately 15-20 per person with wine.
In Aristo in GIALISKARI right next to wave, with fresh seafood specialties and, of course, local astakomakaronada. About 25 per person with wine.
The café carte blanche to Ioulida has a huge balcony with stunning views and great variety of table games, which will offer you a pleasant break from walking.
The Kokka Cafe in GIALISKARI is the ideal solution for breakfast, snacks and coffee overlooking the sea. The evening music and strengthens the upper floor serves as a bar.
The bar VINYL and Breeze in GIALISKARI play mainly foreign mainstream success and promise to keep your xypnious until morning, while friends of music suggest the Bida club in Korissia.
