Kea, also known as Gia, Tzia and Keos, is the island of the
Cyclades archipelago that is closest to the mainland (about
1 hour by ferry from Lavrio) and is also 20 km from Cape Sounio.
This island with its arid climate and hilly terrain is outside
the routes of the tour operators and has therefore escaped the
ravages of mass tourism. Yet Kea is very popular with Athenians
who find it a convenient destination for weekends and yachting
trips. Its capital, Ioulis, is inland at a high altitude (like
most ancient Cycladic settlements, for the fear of pirates)
and is considered quite picturesque. Other major resorts of
Kea are Vourkari and Korrisia. Vourkari is a cosmopolitan resort
in northwest Kea (Tzia), with many bars, cafes, tavernas and
restaurants along its shore. Here you can see luxury yachts
and the jet set as they tour the Cyclades Islands. Korissia,
situated west of the capital, is the main port of the island.
The seafront of Korissia is especially attractive, as it is
lined with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants; the area has
some of the best beaches in Kea and a number of significant
archaeological and historical sites, making it an extremely
popular resort for tourists.