ISLAND OF LIFE & ART

Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches.
It is the northernmost island of the western Cyclades and the closest island to Attica, located only 16 miles from Lavrio, with a daily ferry connection. 
The island, has the shape of a “droplet”, a total surface of 131 sq. Km., and a perimeter coast of 85 km, it is the 6th in size Cycladic Island, with about 2.500 residents.
On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades, bird watching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves. 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of  ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa.
Situated in the center of the island, at the site of the ancient city-state by the same name, the capital of Kιa (or Tziα), Ioulis, is a very picturesque town with ceramic-tile roofed houses, cobbled streets, arched passages, steps and squares.
Kea is one of the most visited islands for the aficionados of sailing, due to its proximity to the Attica land.

HISTORY

Kea has a very rich history that is reflected in every corner of it until nowadays. Monuments, archaeological sites, architectural sights and museums narrate the most fascinating episodes from the past of the island.
Its older name was “Hydroussa”. The name “Kea” derives from hero Keos, the leader of the Locrian settlers from Nafpaktos who occupied the island in the ancient times.
The prehistoric settlement of Kefala, located in the homonym cape in the northwestern coast of the island, was established during the Neolithic Period, around the end of the 4th millennium. The settlement of Aghia Irini in the northern part of Aghios Nikolaos bay was one of the most significant cultural centers in the Aegean Sea from the end of high prosperity. In the archaic years (7th-6th century B.C.) four independent and economically and culturally powerful cities-states (Ioulida, Korissos, Karthaia and Poiiessa) were established, having a separate management structure but usually a unified presence in foreign policy.
In 1204, when the Franks conquered the Byzantine Empire, they named the island Zia, from where the current name of Tzia came. Since 1830, Kea, like all the Cyclades, was included in the newly established Greek state and began to develop agricultural, livestock and commercial activity. With the urban development of Athens in the 20th century, however, the population decreased significantly and gradually began to decline.