Lying Just three hours' traveling time from Athens, Kea is an excellent alternative for anyone seeking an Island just a short distance from the mainland.
Unlike the equally close, but over, visited Saronic islands, Kea is less used to foreign visitors, and anyone arriving on this green, wooded isle will be treated with courtesy and warmth. A popular spot with discerning Greek holiday-makers, (therefore best to book accommodation if arriving In July and August), there is a native sophistication about Kea which is most appealing.
The hill-top town of Ioulis, built on a mountainside and crowned by an ancient citadel, is nicely shabby, and unaffected by the tourist trade. Clothes, shops and food are above average In standard, and although there is little in the way of discos and nightlife, the walks are interesting and the swimming quite good.