Kea Yacht Charter Guide

Sometimes known as Tzia, the island of Kea is one of the lesser known destinations in the Cyclades. Its rugged natural landscape and small towns are charmingly peaceful, and although just a short sail from Athens, Kea feels much more remote than neighboring islands. The island has many rare plants and different species of bird and reptiles not found in the rest of Greece, which makes it a wonderful destination for those wanting a charter that makes the most of being outside.

A quieter destination than nearby cousins Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros, Kea is a perfect place for families and adventure-seekers who love hiking and watersports.

Best time to visit: Kea offers visitors a warm, dry climate throughout the year. An ideal destination for sailing from May through to September, August is the hottest (and busiest) month on the island.

Key cruising areas: There are plenty of areas to cruise around the island. Vourkari bay is a lovely anchorage and quay that attracts yachts and sailboats due to its protection from strong prevailing winds. The bay of Polais is a lesser known, quieter place to visit and an excellent place to explore the ancient walls of Karthaia. For a popular yachting hotspot, spend a few days in the bay of Kavia. If you would like to venture further afield, Kea is an excellent place to begin or end a charter through the Cyclades region – the nearby islands of Serifos and Kythnos are ideal destinations for a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. 

Don't miss: Soak up the island’s history. The Archaeological Museum has many artifacts on display that were found during excavations around the island, including those from Ancient Karthea and the prehistoric settlement of Agia Irini. There are many ancient ruins to discover on Kea, each with its own myths and legends. One of the most popular ones is the Stone Lion – just moments away from the capital of Ioulida.

Best spots for wining and dining: Overlooking the marina in Voukari, Seirios is a fine-dining option on the island and offers a daily menu of fresh fish. For a traditional meal, To Steki in Ioulida is a family-run restaurant that specializes in serving Greek staples made from local ingredients. Offering drinks and light snacks, Kylix is a beautiful wine bar with an excellent selection of craft beers – a must-visit for a nightcap.

Best local dish: Loza is a popular mezze dish from the region, often called 'the prosciutto of Kea'. Ksino and Kopanisti are both locally made cheeses with a very distinctive flavor – you will find them in many traditional dishes on the island. For those with a sweet tooth, the 'The Pie of Kea' Tsigaropita is made from tsigara, eggs, milk, anise and sesame.

Local culture: Life and culture here is slightly different from many of the other islands in the Cyclades, and is notable in the architecture of its houses. The capital of Ioulida features stunning neoclassical houses in earth tones and traditional farm houses made from stone, rather than the whitewashed cottages expected in Greece. Quaint and quiet, Ioulida remains almost untouched by modern life and has completely banned cars driving along its streets. 
Kea has historically attracted many writers to its shores, something that is honored each year at Kea’s annual Fairy Tales Festival. In the height of summer, renowned Greek authors are invited to the island to read their stories and celebrate the island’s heritage. 

Best beach: Otzias beach has astonishingly clear waters and a wide sandy beach to enjoy, as well as a few facilities to use throughout the day. For a secluded option away from any tourists, visit Orkos beach – 10km from the village of Ioulida. Xyla beach is difficult to access by road so is often very quiet and best reached by tender. 

IYC recommends: Blue waters and tranquil conditions make Kea an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are several interesting wrecks to dive around Kea, including HMS Britannic (Titanic’s sister ship), a 100-year-old wreck of the French cargo ship Burdigala, and a German World War II airplane. The remote bays and islands cater to novice divers, so even beginners can enjoy the waters around Kea.