Key Island. Greek routes. Kea Island Tours to Kea Island Greece

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Greece / o. Kea

Thanks to its proximity to Attica, the island of Kea (also called Keos, Kea, Tzia) is an accessible holiday destination in all its diversity: steep mountains, small plateaus, olive groves, vineyards, picturesque bays, knotty hiking trails and great beaches. On Kea, an island in the Cyclades archipelago, you can admire the largest oak groves and many small caves.

In ancient times, Kei was called the "water" island due to the numerous springs and natural fountains that were found throughout the island. While under Turkish rule, the island became known as Tzia. The modern name Kea comes from the hero Keo, the first settler of the island around 1100 BC. Currently, both names Keya and Tzia are used.

Serene Kea - an island with astounding scenery, stunning beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and winding cobbled alleys. Here are just some of the places worth visiting on the island:

Iulida or Hora

The city of Iulida (Loulis) is located in the very center of the island. This is very picturesque city with colorful rooftops, cobbled streets, arched passages and winding streets. Despite its status as the capital of the island, Ioulida looks more like a traditional village. The donkeys used here for transportation add color to the landscape of the city's central square, dotted with cafes and restaurants. The Castle of Castro with dilapidated Venetian walls, the monastery of Our Lady of Castria, the Archaeological Museum with ancient artifacts, the neoclassical buildings of the city hall and school, the ruined monastery of St. Anne, the tower of the monastery of St. Marina are just some of the places to visit in this city.

Lion of Kea

This is an ancient stone statue depicting a lion who, according to mythology, drove the nymphs from the island. The sculpture of a reclining lion was carved 600 BC by an unknown sculptor. The impressive rock monolith statue is located just 15 minutes' walk northeast of the capital.

Korisia

The picturesque port of Korisia is one of the island's main tourist attractions, with its white houses and colorful rooftops, winding cobbled alleys and picturesque churches. Once upon a time, it was here that an enamelware factory operated, the largest in the Mediterranean. Korisia is located in a small picturesque harbor full of fishing boats, restaurants, cafes, mini markets and shops.

Vurkari

The seaside resort of Vourkari is a quaint fishing town with excellent restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, a wonderful art gallery with paintings by local artists and traditional picturesque houses. This is a great option for a night of fun, as most of the best bars on the island are concentrated in Vourkari.

Get to amazing island Kea is accessible in one hour by ferry from Athens. The villages of Kei have preserved traditional elements in various expressions. The capital is built in the form of a natural amphitheater, offering magnificent views of the island and the sunset. The houses are surrounded by gardens and vegetable gardens, and their architecture is simply unique - a mixture of tiled roofs and white-walled houses of the Cyclades islands. Here you can endlessly admire small churches, ancient ruins, beautiful groves and beaches.

Closest to mainland Greece Kea Island, or as it is also called Keos, has long become a favorite “sea suburb” of the Greek capital Athens. On weekends, and especially in the summer, Athenians and other Greeks come here to relax and admire the picturesque coastline, which is all strewn with luxurious villas, drink a glass of good wine in one of the island’s taverns, and just be in silence, because Kea is completely free from stormy weather. night life. This area also attracts scuba diving enthusiasts, because back in 1916, the passenger ship Britannic, the younger brother of the Titanic, sank off its shores. His remains still rest in the coastal waters of Kea Island.

And in winter time on Kea Island amateurs come active rest to wander along the rocky coastline and breathe in the fresh sea air, mixed with the smell of almonds and oak trees. Local stars who seek peace and are accustomed to a measured and comfortable life also love it. And most importantly, why go somewhere far if all the benefits and pleasures are present on the island of Kea?! Everything is nearby: beautiful beaches, delicious fish, farm fruits and the capital is nearby. The sunsets on the island are especially beautiful...

Korisia

Once upon a time this small island was full of fishing villages. And today, for example, the town Korisia, became real northern port islands where hundreds of vacationers arrive by ferries and sea boats. The town itself is not very attractive due to traffic congestion.

Therefore, tourists from here immediately go on vacation to Orya Bay or Pissey Bay, or even better, to the small and well-groomed Yialiskari beach, which is located right behind the village. The landmark of the city is the ruins ancient city Archea Korissos. A little further from the town there is another architectural monument - St. Mary's Tower. It was built in the 4th century BC as a defensive structure and has five floors.

Vurkarion

A little north of Korsia, just behind the beach of Yialiskari, there is a more attractive place - the town Vurkarion. In these parts there is a port for yachts (and expensive ones), as well as many drinking establishments and taverns. Thus, in Vourkarion there is a tavern known throughout the country by Janis Maroulis and Konstantin Marouli. Local celebrities and rich people come here to try local delicacies.

Near the city you can go on an excursion to the ruins of a Minoan palace. Foreign tourists, practically, we have never heard of this. But locals can not only tell its story, but also give a tour. There is a local gallery in the city where works of famous Greek artists are exhibited, as well as Archaeological Park St. Irene. From here you can take a walk to Cape Agios Nikolaos to the Pharos lighthouse. People come to the town on weekends to go fishing and diving.

Carpheus and Lupidas

The small village is definitely worth a visit Karfey. It is located in the east of the island and is famous for its archaeological sites. There are many remains of ancient Greek temples and the city itself. The Acropolis, the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena deserve your attention. The latter has perfectly preserved wall frescoes and sculptures depicting the battles of the Amazons.

Very beautiful place on the island of Kea - this is an ancient town Lupida(better known as Lulis). It was built in the neoclassical style, all buildings with red tiles. Through its winding streets you can climb up an amphitheater of hills. Lupida can be called the most colorful place on the island, and also quiet. Local residents of the city are engaged in fishing and agriculture. Therefore, dinner in one of the town's taverns - the best place for a gourmet.

Iulida

The island of Kea has several attractions worth visiting. There are Venetian fortresses and ruins from the Antican period, and the mountain stone path, which the Greeks laid out in ancient times, is still used today. Ancient capital islands - Iulida- represents itself medieval fortress, and is located in the interior of the island of Kea. You can still see the fortress walls and castle there today. This medieval castle, better known as the Castle of Kastro, is located near the Acropolis, very large.

Kei's calling card is the famous antique statue of a Lion. This mythical animal is carved in sheer cliff on the way out of the capital. When you are in the capital, visit the Archaeological Museum, where there are exhibits and artifacts found during excavations of the Greek temples of Athena and Apollo, and other ancient sites of Kea. Admission ticket costs 3 euros, the museum is open from 8-00 to 15-00 daily.

Hotel and restaurant service on the island

Kea Island is not exactly the place to go for an all-inclusive holiday. The lifestyle and holiday on the island is completely different compared to the advanced and popular Greek islands. There are no upscale hotels here. But the service is top level in the restaurants, and the food itself, is simply wonderful. Tourists are also amazed by the interiors of these establishments: they are completely different from each other and very stylish. Be sure to try how fish is prepared on the island, the Paspala pork dish, aromatic Black wine and homemade honey.

Beach holiday to Kea Island

There are several beaches on the island, all of them wide and sandy. Most famous beach these are the islands Fathers. He has almost round shape and dimensions are about 700 meters. The beach is all covered with golden sand. Beaches are popular among holidaymakers Koundouros and Korrisya.

The first one is often crowded; families with children relax here. Yachts are always moored off the coast, and cheerful music can be heard from taverns. Another “family” beach - Yaliskari. On the beach Gila It is not recommended to vacation with children, because the sea is too deep. But the beach itself is well equipped with straw umbrellas and wooden sun loungers.

Locals love to laze on the beach Agios Emilianos. From here you can go fishing or go scuba diving. Very quiet place where there are never winds and strong waves - a beach Liparo. This is because it is surrounded by hills.

On Pissey those who love come to relax aquatic species sports There are campsites where you can pitch a tent or stay in a mobile home. The most romantic beach on Kea Island - Sikamia. It is wild, located in the rocks, but with snow-white sand and the purest azure sea. Favorite place youth and romantic couples.

How to get to the island

Ferries from Piraeus to the island rarely go. It is best to get here from Lavrio, because... Ferries run daily. A ticket to Kea costs about 10 euros, and the sail is only an hour. During this time you can admire uninhabited islands, picturesque landscapes and breathe the sea air. You can get from the port to the capital by regular bus or by taxi (10 euros).

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Nisos Kea. general description

A rocky, mountainous island with ridges stretching along the southeastern part. Highest point islands - the peak of Oros Ayios Ilias, 560 meters high, is located seven miles northeast of the southern tip of the island. A clearly visible landmark can be two radio masts installed in close proximity to the top.

Kea is the closest of the Cyclades islands to Attica with a population of about 2,000 inhabitants. The shores are mostly bare and rocky; between them are valleys covered with vineyards, bushes, and wild flowers. The island's steep slopes are distinguished by large stone fences that serve to enclose areas for grazing. The island has fresh groundwater, springs flow from the mountains, and there are eucalyptus and oak groves. In small bays, sheltered from the winds by rocks, there are small sandy beaches, and between them you can find underwater caves.

Behind last years a large number of land plots the island was bought by the Athenians for the construction of villas and apartments. The most bizarre of them can be seen in the north of the island in the Otzia area, in the west in the Melisaki area and in the southwest in the town of Kunduros. Therefore, on weekends, a huge number of yachts and boats flock from Athens to the main port of the island of Vourkari - Korissa.

Navigation and hydrographic features

The island of Kea is separated from the island of Nisos Makronisos lying to the north-west by the Steno Keas Strait, and from the island of Kithnos located to the south by the Steno Kithnos Strait, in which there is a constant south-westerly current at a speed of 2-3 knots. However, with strong northeast winds, the current speed can reach 7 knots. The Steno Keas Strait experiences heavy shipping traffic and care must be taken when passing through the Strait.

Almost all approaches to Kea, with the exception of the approach to Koundouros Bay (Kavia), are safe. When approaching Koundouros Bay, about 2.5 cables west of northern cape there is a reef called Koundouros Reef (), which is not always visible. In addition, to the north of the cape there are a large number of underwater rocks. It is recommended to approach Koundouros Bay from the south.

Ioulis Kea

The main noticeable landmarks of the island can be main city Ioulis Kea (), rising 300 meters above sea level, as well as lighthouses: Ormos Ayiou Nikolaou (), Fl(2)10s32m15M - on the northern side of the bay of the same name on the approaches to Vourkari - Korissa

Lighthouse Ormos Ayiou Nikolaou

Vourkari is the main anchorage for yachts. It is located in the northeastern part of the Gulf of Ormos Ayiou Nikolaou. It is very well protected from the north-east wind by the Meltemi, but with strong westerly winds there is intense swell. In this case, it is recommended to change your parking spot and move to Korissia at the opposite end of the bay.

In Vourkari you can anchor directly in the bay, or moor stern to the quay. However, the depths near the embankment decrease sharply so that it may be necessary to use a dinghy to reach the shore. The bay itself is deep, the soil holds the anchor well, but to anchor comfortably you need to give at least 40 meters of anchor chain. In summer the anchorage is completely full, especially on weekends, so you need to arrive early to find a spot. Also, when anchored, you should keep in mind that many yachts are moored on buoys and therefore have a small turning radius in the wind. Local residents, especially restaurant and cafe owners, are always friendly and ready to help with mooring.

Vourkari embankment

There are two small shops near the embankment. You can replenish your water and electricity supplies by connecting to the water pumps on the embankment. Payment is made with special cards that can be purchased at local stores. The approximate cost of the card is 2.5 euros. The parking itself is free.

Korissia

Korissia is a commercial port in St. Nicholas Bay where ferries dock. However, there is the possibility of mooring for several yachts. It is better to anchor on the E side of the bay, away from the constantly maneuvering ferries. It is a lively area with several restaurants and shops. There's a great bakery here art Gallery, food market. On the embankment you can replenish water and electricity supplies.

Korissia ferry pier

You can contact the dispatcher, whose name is Nikos, by phone: +30 6977-694014. Fuel (diesel and gas) can be ordered by phone: +30 22880-21400 and +30 6977-300130. You can also order an EKO tanker. Phone numbers for ordering: +30 22880-21250 Mob: +30 6987-448956.

Anchorages

Koundouros

Koundouros Bay is the second most popular anchorage on the island after Vourkari. It is well protected from northeastern winds, but if it blows from the south, parking here is very uncomfortable. In such cases, it is recommended to seek refuge in Pises Bay or Vourkari.

The best place to anchor is the northeastern part of the bay. If possible, it is recommended to place mooring lines ashore, on a rock under a small church. As in Vourkari, on weekends in the summer it is crowded and noisy from the numerous motor yachts arriving from Athens for the weekend. Among the local attractions, there are only a couple of restaurants on the shore.

Pisses

Pisses is a small cove 2 miles north of Koundouros. It is not very well protected from meltemi, but provides some shelter from the southwest wind. The bottom is sandy, the anchor holds well. There is a small restaurant on the shore.

Poles

Poles is a beautiful bay on the southeast side of the island. It provides fairly good shelter from meltemi, but is completely exposed to south-easterly winds. In the center of the bay there is a small island connected to the shore by a shallow reef. This is the best place to stay in the east of the island. The bottom is sandy, the anchor holds well. Ruins are located on the shore of the bay ancient city Karthea (Καρθαία). It is highly recommended to visit, because... This is a place that has not yet been touched by tourists, which can only be reached on foot along a path or by landing on the shore from the sea.

Ruins of Karthea

Khalindhoniki

This is a small and very pleasant bay south of Cape Spathi on the north-eastern side of the island. Khalindhoniki provides good shelter from meltemi but is exposed to south-easterly winds. The depth for anchoring is about 5 m, the sandy soil holds the anchor well.

The bay can get crowded on weekends during the summer months. On the shore, you can visit the monastery on the top of the hill (about 20 minutes on foot), from where you can enjoy a magnificent view.

Orgias

This is a small bay on the N side of the island. Only for calm weather.

Cove S of Poles

Small bay south of Poles. Only for calm weather.

Attractions

The island of Kea is called the gateway to the Cyclades archipelago. It got its name in honor of the hero Keos, the son of Apollo and the nymph Rhodoessa. According to legend, Keos arrived on the island at the end of the 12th century BC, he was the leader of the Locrians who invaded here. Over its long history, the island changed its name several times. He was known as Hidroussa, Efhantis, Sirius.

The island of Kea is associated with the name of another ancient Greek hero - Aristeas. This son of Apollo and the nymph Cyrene was called by the inhabitants to the island to fight the scorching heat and drought, devoting himself to Zeus of Ikmai, the giver of dampness. Aristaeus became king of Keos. Since then, the drought has subsided thanks to the northeast wind - meltemi. Aristeas taught local residents to grow grapes, raise livestock, and extract honey.

Aristeus

In the 7-6 centuries BC, four ancient cities were founded on the island: Ioulis, Korissia, Karthaia, Poieessa.

Already in 1204, during the reign of the Byzantine Empire, the island was named Zia. This name was transformed into Tzia and the island is still known under this name.

The port of Korissia was built on the ruins of an ancient city, whose former glory is reminiscent of the remains of the Acropolis and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo on the hill of St. Sava.

The capital of the island is the city of Ioulis Kea where there are Archaeological Museum, who collected ancient artifacts found during excavations on the island. Iulida is located six kilometers from the port. This is a fortified city in medieval style. The fortress walls and castle have survived to this day.

The main attraction of the island is considered to be carved into the rock famous statue Keos Leo (VI century BC) 1.5 km northeast of Iulis (). This work was completed around 600 BC. and is associated with the myth of the lion who expelled the nymphs from the island.

Keos lion

In ancient times, the island was inhabited by nymphs who lived in the forests near the springs. Thanks to the nymphs, the island had a humid climate; the abundance of moisture promoted plant growth. By the way, this is why one of the ancient names of the island was Hidroussa. But the nymphs were not harmless creatures. It so happened that they killed the women of the island. And this only ended when a lion appeared and drove out the nymphs, for which the gods punished the island, forcing the star Sirius to irradiate it with its deadly rays so that the water disappeared and a great drought occurred. In desperation local residents they asked for help from Apollo, who sent his son Aristeas... Well, what happened next, we already wrote a little earlier.

The island is home to the largest mill complex of the Cyclades: on the top of Mount Milo there are 26 windmills, most of which are half destroyed and are used as warehouses.

And here, as on most others Greek Islands, you can find monasteries and churches, white and blue houses of villages, many taverns and restaurants, as well as picturesque landscapes, blue sea and clean beaches.

It is impossible not to mention the Ormos Ayiou Nikolaou lighthouse, which greets ships entering the hospitable harbor of Vourkari - Korissa. This lighthouse was built in 1831 on the site of the ruins of the ancient Temple of Poseidon by the French lighthouse company and is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece and the oldest lighthouse in the Cyclades. It got its name from the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, located nearby.

Lighthouse Agios Nikolaos Kea

Not everyone knows that just a little over two miles from the island, in the Steno Keas Strait (), at a depth of 122 meters, lies the famous Britannic, the twin brother of the Titanic. On November 21, 1916, the 270-meter giant was blown up by German mines and sank a few hours later.

Britannic

So, the gates of the Cyclades are open. Having rested and refreshed, you can move on.

Materials and sources used:

Encyclopedia cruiserwiki.org, Pilot NP48 “Mediterranean Pilot. Vol.4”, “Tourist Guide Book Kea/Tzea”, Book “PUB. 113 LIST OF LIGHTS THE WEST COASTS OF EUROPE AND AFRICA, THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, BLACK SEA AND AZOVSKOYE MORE (SEA OF AZOV)"

 

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