KEA or TZIA. (Area 121 sq. km. Distance from Lavrio 17 nautical miles. Distance from Piraeus 42 nautical miles). This exceptionally picturesque island lies close to the south-east coast of Attica. The mountain masses, which are encountered in most of the Cyclades, are broken up by small valleys sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees and run right down to the sea, opening out into pretty little bays. On the western side of the is land is Agios Nikolaos bay, and deep within it the port of Korissia, which is considered to be one of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Ferryboats call at Korissia  also known as Livadi - which stands on the site of the city of Korissia, which in ancient times, with Ioulis, Karthea and Poiessa, was one of the island's four independent city-states. The island's capital, Hora or Ioulida (6 km. from Korissia), has maintained its Cycladic idiom intact. Built in the shore of an amphitheatre, it presents the visitor with an impressive vista of two-storey houses and tiled roofs, steep cobbled alleyways and splendid churches with elaborately carved wooden icon
screens. At the highest point of the' village, on the site of the ancient acropolis, is a quarter known as Kastro which commands a breathtaking view of the nearby islands off the coast of Attica. Not far from here is the famous 'Lion of Kea' (6th century BC), hewn out of the slate.
The Archaeological Museum in Hora contains interesting finds dating from the Cycladic period. The interior of the island is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills and monasteries, including that of Our Lady Kastriani, Kea's patron saint. Easily accessible from Athens, Kea offers those who are seeking a restful holiday clean, uncrowded beaches at Pisses, Korissia, Koundouros, Otzia bay and Poles bay; here they can enjoy delicious fresh fish at picturesque little taverns.

How to get there: By ferry from Lavrio and Piraeus.

Source: GNTO