Kea

Carved from a single block of local stone around the 6th century BC, the Lion of Kea is the island's most famous monument. Resting peacefully on a hillside just outside Ioulida, the enigmatic sculpture has inspired legends for centuries and is one of the finest surviving examples of Archaic Greek monumental sculpture.

Located in Ioulida, the museum displays artefacts spanning thousands of years of the island's history. Highlights include prehistoric pottery from Ayia Irini, ancient sculptures, inscriptions and everyday objects that illustrate Kea's important role in the Cyclades from prehistoric through Roman times.

One of the finest archaeological sites in the Cyclades, Ancient Karthea occupies a spectacular coastal location reached by hiking trail or boat. The remarkably preserved remains include temples dedicated to Athena and Apollo, a theatre, defensive walls and parts of the ancient city overlooking the Aegean Sea.

This important Bronze Age settlement flourished during the Cycladic and Mycenaean periods and is one of Greece's most significant prehistoric sites. Excavations have uncovered houses, streets, fortifications and sanctuaries that reveal over 4,000 years of continuous occupation.

Perched dramatically on cliffs above the sea, this 18th-century monastery is Kea's most important religious site. According to tradition, a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered here, and the monastery remains an important pilgrimage destination while offering magnificent coastal views.

The remarkably well-preserved Tower of Agia Marina is a 4th-century-BC Hellenistic watchtower in Kea’s interior, between the ancient cities of Korissia and Poiessa. Rising beside the small church of Agia Marina, it stands at a crossroads of ancient routes and is considered one of Greece’s finest surviving ancient square towers.

Kea’s longest beach is a broad, sandy bay with shallow water, natural shade and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Partly organized, it is a convenient choice for a full day by the sea.

Close to Korissia and Vourkari, Gialiskari is a small, attractive sandy beach with calm, clear water. Its easy access and nearby cafés make it ideal for a quick swim or a low-key beach day.