Ioulida (also spelled Ioulis, and known locally as Chora) is the capital of Kea: a car-free village of stone lanes and slate-roofed houses set inland on a hillside above the port, founded in antiquity as one of the island’s four ancient city-states.

What to See

Ioulida’s centre is built for walking, not driving: a maze of narrow stone-paved lanes, covered alleys, small courtyards and stegadia — the slate-roofed houses characteristic of the island. The main square, the Piazza, is the village’s social centre, lined with tavernas beneath shade trees. Above the village, the remains of a Venetian-era Kastro mark the site of the medieval castle, itself built over the location of the ancient city of Ioulis.

The Archaeological Museum of Kea sits in the village and holds finds spanning from the Neolithic period through historic times, including material from Agia Irini and Ancient Karthaia. It’s a useful stop before or after visiting either site.

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The Walk to the Lion of Kea

Ioulida is the starting point for one of the island’s most rewarding short walks: a path of around 15–20 minutes leading out past the village cemetery to the Lion of Kea, an archaic sculpture carved into solid schist rock roughly 8 metres long and dated to the 6th–7th century BC. The same path continues onward toward Otzias, making it easy to combine the Lion with a beach finish.

Read more about the Lion of Kea →

Food and Atmosphere

Tavernas around the Piazza serve traditional island cooking, often beneath mulberry trees, at a pace that suits the village’s car-free centre. As with any specific restaurant recommendation, check current opening status and hours before planning a meal around a particular place.

Getting There and Around

Ioulida sits roughly 6 km inland from Korissia port, connected by road and by the seasonal bus network. Once in the village, everything of interest is reachable on foot — cars are left at the village edge.

Where to Stay

Ioulida suits travelers who want the most characterful village experience on Kea: direct access to the lanes, museum and walking routes, at the cost of being a short drive or walk from the beach. See our area guide to where to stay in Kea for the full comparison.

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