Kea — also known as Tzia — is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, an island that reveals itself slowly.
Kea — also known as Tzia — is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, yet it feels worlds away from the city’s rush. With rolling hills, stone villages, and hiking trails that lead to the sea, Kea is an island that reveals itself slowly. And when it comes to beaches, most visitors settle for the easy-to-reach southern coves. But Kea holds secrets — small, untouched shores where the Aegean meets the land in perfect quiet.
From the deck of a YAL’OOU yacht, these beaches are not just destinations — they’re private escapes. No dust roads, no searching for parking — just anchor, swim, and let the rhythm of the island take over.
Spathi Bay’s Silent Neighbor
While Spathi Bay is popular for its golden sand and calm waters, few know about the smaller, boat-only cove just to its north. Here, the sand is finer, the water is even clearer, and the cliffs wrap around you like a natural amphitheater. This is where time seems to stand still, and the only movement is the gentle rocking of your yacht.
Lygia Beach – The Northern Secret
On Kea’s rugged northern coast lies Lygia — a narrow ribbon of sand bordered by rocks and wild vegetation. There are no roads here, no signage, and no human-made structures. The water shifts from turquoise to deep sapphire within meters, making it ideal for snorkeling. The isolation is so complete that you might share the beach with nothing but seabirds.
Kambi’s Hidden Cove
Near the western fishing village of Kambi is a small beach hidden between rocky outcrops, invisible from the shore. Accessible only by sea, it offers a natural shade from overhanging rock formations and a soft sandy bottom. It’s the perfect stop for a midday swim and picnic prepared by your YAL’OOU crew.
Orkos’ Wild Side
Orkos Beach is known to some adventurous travelers, but its northern tip hides a secluded stretch of sand, separated by a small rocky headland. From the water, it’s a short hop — but by land, it’s a long and tricky hike. This makes it a perfect spot to drop anchor for a quiet afternoon away from the world.
Why Yachting Makes Kea’s Beaches Truly Special
Many of Kea’s hidden gems are protected by the island’s rugged terrain. Reaching them by land means hours of hiking or navigating dirt roads — but by yacht, they open up like a string of pearls. YAL’OOU’s itineraries are built for this kind of discovery: timing each arrival to the calmest waters, preparing the perfect swim stop, and ensuring you experience Kea without the rush.
And there’s something magical about approaching Kea’s wild coves from the sea. The beaches reveal themselves gradually — first the scent of salt and thyme, then the glint of sand, then the quiet invitation to step ashore.
The Kea Afterglow
A day exploring Kea’s hidden beaches can end with a sunset sail towards Vourkari, the island’s chic harbor. Here, you can enjoy fresh lobster pasta, Kean wines, and the gentle hum of island nightlife before retiring to your yacht for a starlit sleep.
Kea is an island of subtle beauty — it doesn’t shout for attention, it waits for you to come closer. With YAL’OOU, you’re invited not just to visit, but to truly belong to its quiet rhythm, even if only for a day.