The best things to do in Kea connect landscape and history. A beach can lead to an ancient city, a harbour walk can lead to a Bronze Age settlement, and a village stroll can end beside an archaic lion carved into rock. Kea’s most interesting places are not isolated sights, but parts of routes, villages and coastlines.

Archaeology and Ancient Sites

Ancient Karthaia is the island’s cultural flagship: temples of Apollo and Athena, an ancient theatre, fortifications and an ancient breakwater, all set above two beaches on the southern coast. It was the most prominent of Kea’s four ancient city-states and is reachable by footpath or boat. Agia Irini, near Vourkari, is an important prehistoric settlement with finds including Late Bronze Age clay female figures. The Archaeological Museum in Ioulida holds material from Neolithic through historic periods, including the Agia Irini Kores and finds from Karthaia.

Iconic Landmarks

The Lion of Kea is the island’s defining symbol: an archaic sculpture roughly 8 metres long, carved into solid schist rock, dated to the 6th–7th century BC and connected to myths of nymphs, drought and the demigod Aristeos. It sits at the end of a 15–20 minute walk from Ioulida. The Enamel Factory in Korissia, with its 45-metre chimney visible from the ferry, is Kea’s most distinctive monument of industrial heritage. Panagia Kastriani, on the northeastern headland, is a monastery with Orthodox tradition dating to 1699–1700 and a major pilgrimage on August 15th.

Walking and Hiking

Kea has an official network of 12 signed routes covering around 81 km — many stone-paved, connecting villages, beaches, springs and archaeological sites. The most popular start from Ioulida; the most ambitious lead to Ancient Karthaia.

See the full hiking guide →

Diving and Wrecks

Kea’s waters hold four historically significant shipwrecks: the Britannic (the Titanic’s sister ship), the French ocean liner Burdigala, the paddlewheel steamboat Patris, and a German Junkers 52 aircraft from World War II. Access to protected wrecks requires a licensed operator — check current dive operators locally and understand the permitting requirements before planning a wreck dive.

See the diving guide →

Food and Local Products

Kea’s food story deserves time: loza, local cheeses, thyme honey, herbs, acorns, figs and Mavroudi wine all carry a strong sense of place, and the tavernas in Vourkari and Ioulida give the products a proper setting.

Discover what to eat in Kea →

Things to Do in Kea