If you’re looking for islands close to Athens that will allow you to get that island holiday, even though you only booked a short stay in Greece and not a two or three-week trip, look no further, because Kea (or Tzia, as it’s often called) is one of the closest islands you can visit.

It might be overlooked as tourists flock to Santorini, Mykonos, or other popular nearby Athens island destinations, such as Hydra or Aegina, but Kea has its own quiet, luxurious vibe.

My reason for going was to take a short escape, just for three days, and it felt like a well-kept secret: beautiful beaches, fantastic food, and sophisticated vibes perfect for a romantic or relaxed getaway.

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How to Get to Kea Island from Athens

One of the best things about Kea Island is its proximity to Athens. You don’t need half a day to reach the island: you need to drive to Lavrio Port (another port in Athens, not the popular Piraeus port), and from there, it’s just a 1-hour ferry ride.

To reach Lavrio Port, you must rent a car, as there are no trains or metro services available. From the airport, it’s a shorter drive, just 30 minutes, but from central Athens, the journey can take up to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once you start approaching the island from the ferry, you’ll notice that it’s different, not like the typical Cyclades, maybe less polished but undoubtedly charming and authentic.

First Impressions of Kea: A chic, quiet, and a bit wild island

The first impression of Kea is that it’s a raw, chic, and quiet island. It’s definitely not a party island where people go to dance at beach clubs until the early morning hours: it’s more of an island to relax, escape, and enjoy life.

It has a raw beauty that you’ll discover once you start driving around the island by car. The hills rise incredibly steeply from the sea, and the island is filled with elegant villas and boutique hotels offering stunning views. It’s not packed at all, and even though there are a lot of young people, you can see that this is not like Paros or other islands where teenagers go to party.

Where to Stay in Kea Island (Tzia)

There are numerous accommodation options on Kea Island. The island is home to charming boutique hotels and elegant villas, as I mentioned earlier. Still, it also offers very affordable options, such as Airbnb accommodations and simple rooms to rent.

I chose to stay in the traditional village of Mirades, in a lovely villa with fantastic views over the Aegean Sea. If you’re looking for a place to wake up and enjoy your coffee with an incredible morning view, surrounded by hills and endless blue, in complete silence, this is the place to be.

You can choose to stay in villages like Vourkari, where there are several restaurants and shops. On one hand, they give you the convenience of having everything around, but on the other hand, you won’t be in such a quiet and idyllic place. Chora, the central part of the island (or the capital, if you want to call it that), is inland without a beach view. It’s stunning as well, but not the best if you’re a morning view lover.

From all this, you can understand that Kea is not about doing stuff. You’re not in London or Paris, where you must hop from one sight to another. It’s about being present and enjoying life.

Getting Around Kea: Rent a Car and Explore

One of the first things I learned on Kea is that you absolutely need a car. Public transport is limited, and the island is quite hilly. The roads, let’s say, have character. Some are unpaved and narrow, while others are steep and winding, so renting a reliable car is essential. If you’re a new or nervous driver, take it slow. Kea is significant but not enormous, and the roads can be a surprise. On the bright side, every corner reveals another panoramic view that makes you want to stop and take a photo!

The Best Beaches in Kea You Should Visit

Kea’s beaches are the definition of quiet beauty: clear waters, golden sand, and minimal crowds. If you’re traveling for a weekend, your goal should not be to hop to as many beaches as possible to photograph them, but to pick a couple and really enjoy them, swim, order something to drink, and grab some fresh fish from a nearby taverna.

Pisses beach is wide, calm, and perfect for a relaxing swim. It has a few tavernas nearby and feels wonderfully laid-back. You can also find sunbeds and umbrellas, and it’s a lovely beach for families as well.

Koundouros beach, though, is the most popular beach on the island. It’s more expensive, but also more organized, with amenities such as umbrellas, beach bars, toilets, and crystal-clear waters. It can be challenging to find parking, though, so consider arriving either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

There are also many other beaches, such as Spathi or Otzias, but the above ones are good even on windy days. You can still explore smaller, hidden coves if you’re up for a bit of adventure, and keep an eye on road conditions.

Where to Eat in Kea: Sunset Dinners in Vourkari

My favorite evenings were spent in Vourkari, sitting at seaside restaurants while the sky turned gold and pink. The food scene here is small but refined: fresh fish, seafood pasta, local wine, and friendly service.

You can find modern spots next to classic tavernas, all sharing that relaxed Greek island rhythm where nobody is in a rush. Prices are not exactly low, but the atmosphere makes it worth it.

Final Thoughts: Is Kea Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, but it depends on what you are looking for. Kea isn’t precisely the place to go for nightlife or cheap holidays. It’s a place to unwind, to eat well, to sleep, and to enjoy a few days of peace by the sea.

It’s an elegant and flashy island, close to Athens but far enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaotic capital: a little wild, a little windy, a little expensive, but all in the proper proportions.

For me, it was the perfect 3-day escape: just enough time to disconnect, explore, and return home with a tan and the holiday vibe on my face.