Otzias - Kea (Greece)

Otzias. Otzias is the name of a closed bay in the far north of the island of Kea and it is also the name of the village located here. Otzias is located five kilometers (3 mi) from the port of Korissia and 12 kilometers (7 mi) from the capital, Ioulida. It is the largest and most popular beach on the island. It is picturesque, with yellow sand, pine trees that reach to the water, surrounding mountain landscape and of course azure colored sea. The water here is shallow and ideal for families with children. On the right side in the bay is a harbor with fishing boats and behind it are a variety of restaurants and cafeterias.

At Kefala, Neolithic sites were discovered and here, from the upper church of Aghios Sostis, one has a magnificent view over the bay. At the six kilometer (4 mi) point along the route through the east coast to Ioulida, you’ll find the monastery of the Holy Mother Kastriani. This monastery is situated on the top of a steep cliff and this is the most important pilgrimage center of the island. This monastery was built on the same spot where an icon of Mary was found by shepherds in the year 1708.

South of the monastery, in a lovely bay surrounded by high mountains, lies the beautiful sandy beach of Spathi. On the beach are umbrellas and sun loungers for hire and cafeterias and restaurants. The route here is fascinating, because you come from the top and have great views on all sorts of bays as well as other Cycladic islands east of Kea. Additional beautiful beaches here are Sykamia, Psathi, and Orkos.

Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Edited by Katrina Butzer

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Otzias in other languages

• Otzias (GriekseGids.nl)
   
• Otzias (GriekseGids.be)
   
• Otzias (GreeceGuide.co.uk)
   
• Otzias (GriechenlandWeb.de)

Kea: Where on the map is Otzias located?