Kato Meria (“the lower part”) is the rural inland area of southern Kea — the island’s quietest corner, visited mainly by walkers approaching Ancient Karthaia from the north, and by travelers who want to see Kea away from its coast.

What Kato Meria Is

Unlike Kea’s coastal villages, Kato Meria is not a beach destination. It’s a loose inland settlement in the southern part of the island, with a landscape of hills, terraced land and the rural textures that become more prominent once you move away from the main tourism circuit. The area has what the official tourism description calls “a natural beauty of considerable worth” — a quieter reading of the island for those who look for it.

Gateway to Ancient Karthaia

Kato Meria’s main draw for most visitors is its position on the routes toward Ancient Karthaia, Kea’s most important archaeological site. The walking routes from this direction — including sections of the official path network — approach the site through the interior rather than from the coast, giving a different perspective on the landscape. The Kalodouka spring and the Vathypotamos spring were historical water sources for the ancient city.

Read the guide to Ancient Karthaia →

Who Should Visit

Kato Meria is best suited to walkers, travelers with a specific interest in rural Kea, or those combining a southern-coast itinerary with Ancient Karthaia. It is not the right base for someone whose primary focus is beach facilities or nightlife. For accommodation closest to this area, check options in Koundouros and verify current availability before planning a stay here.

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