Kea, also known as Tzia, is the most Western island of the Cyclades. Its location, 14NM far from Lavrion port in Athens, makes it a popular destination for summer sailing holidays in Greece!
As you would expect, Kea is yet another typical Cyclades island with barren landscapes, white-washed houses and clear blue waters. On the other hand, the island’s capital (Ioulida) is by no means a typical Cycladic village. Built amphitheatrically on the side of a hill next to the remnants of a Venetian castle, Ioulida is a unique picturesque village with view that will take your breath away!
The island’s main port is Korissia (or Livadi), about 5km from Ioulida. Other interesting villages are Gialiskari, Otzias and Vourkari. Korissia main port & Vourkari village are also the only spots that offer organised mooring places for sailing enthusiasts. You will find plenty of restaurants and tavernas in all the above villages with great local specialties. Several bars and pubs can also be found in Vourkari, Ioulida and Korissia but in general, Kea’s nightlife features quiet!
About The Location
- Main port name: Korissia, on the West side of the island, inside the bay of Agios Nikolaos, one of the biggest and safest natural harbours of the Mediterranean.
- Mooring: In the quay there are rocks and the holding is poor. Best to moor inside the bay where the holding is good. Go stern-to and do not moor alongside the quay, as it is forbidden during summer.
- Shelter: from all wind directions.
- Available services: Water (in the morning and in the afternoon), fuel, tavernas, restaurants, cafes, car rental.
- Vourkari. A small fishing village, inside the large bay of Agios Nikolaos (NE side), rather cosmopolitan, with very nice tavernas and cafes. It is a very popular anchorage, though the bottom is of mud and weed and doesn’t offer good holding. There are not many sailboat places, so during August you may find it crowded. Deep waters. It offers very good protection from the summer meltemia. Be vigilant with W winds. Facilities: water, electricity, mini market.
Try lobster or shrimp pasta by the sea and enjoy the scenery. At the restaurant at the end of the bay, ask for the delicious orange pie. - In Yialiskari (just between Korissia and Vourkari) you will find blue-green waters. There is a beach bar at one end of the beach. The beach is protected from most winds and the sea is usually calm.
- Koundouros on the SW side is one of the most popular moorings, but often overcrowded with yachts. Very cosmopolitan. The beach has turquoise waters and beautiful sand, umbrellas, sunbeds and a beach bar. The adjacent little bay is more isolated.
Beware of the reef at the entrance to the bay – just in the middle of it – as it is dangerous for sailboats. - Vroskopos. Beautiful and isolated bay with amazing waters, on the SW side of the island. Protected from N winds. Open at S part. No facilities. The nearest settlement is at Pisses.
