Just one hour from Lavrio by sea, Kea (also known as Tzia) feels like a world away. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, Kea is a perfect weekend destination year-round.
Just one hour from Lavrio by sea, Kea (also known as Tzia) feels like a world away. With its wild landscapes, elegant stone architecture, hidden beaches, and earthy elegance, Kea is the perfect first stop on your private sailing itinerary from Athens.
It’s close — but not crowded. Luxurious — but not flashy. Authentic — but undeniably elevated.
With YAL'OOU, you get to approach Kea the way it deserves: by yacht, by water, and on your own terms.
Where Cycladic Beauty Meets Noble Restraint
Unlike the whitewashed minimalism of Mykonos or the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, Kea is more understated — filled with chestnut-colored hills, ancient paths, and neoclassical homes made from local stone.
It was once a retreat for Athenians-in-the-know. Now it’s where discerning travelers and creatives escape for privacy, raw nature, and sea-swept stillness.
What you’ll find on Kea:
- Beaches you can only reach by boat
- World-class hiking paths (ancient routes connecting valleys and ruins)
- One of the oldest known settlements in the Aegean (Ayia Irini)
- Incredible traditional food elevated by a new wave of chefs
Best Anchorages & Beaches (Only a Yacht Can Reach)
When sailing with YAL'OOU, you’ll discover a side of Kea inaccessible by car or foot — completely private, fully yours. Don’t miss:
- Spathi Beach: A remote cove with sparkling waters and golden sand — perfect for mid-morning swims
- Koundouros Bay: One of Kea’s few organized beaches, with crystal-clear waters and iconic windmill villas dotting the hills
- Liparo Beach: A secret, peaceful bay with deep blue hues — ideal for paddleboarding and snorkelling
- Orkos: Untouched, wild, and quiet — Kea’s answer to total seclusion
YAL'OOU’s expert crew knows every hidden cove, every current, and how to time arrivals perfectly — so your swim feels like a ritual, not a routine.
Land Secrets Worth Stepping Ashore
If you choose to go inland, Kea offers a wealth of culture and natural wonder. Highlights include:
- Ioulida (Chora): A stunning hilltop capital with amphitheatrical views, cobblestone alleys, and boho-chic boutiques
- The Stone Lion of Kea: A 6th-century BC sculpture carved into rock — mysterious, ancient, and full of myth
- Farm-to-table tavernas: Think slow-cooked goat, fennel pies, and handmade cheeses, paired with Kean wine or tsipouro
For the culturally curious, we can also arrange private tours to the island’s archaeological sites and museums.
When to Visit Kea
Thanks to its proximity to Athens, Kea is a perfect weekend destination year-round. But for true seclusion and best sailing conditions, we recommend:
- May–June: Lush green hills, wildflowers, and calm seas
- September: Harvest energy, warm water, and fewer crowds
Combine Kea with Kythnos, Serifos, or Sifnos for an elegant Western Cyclades itinerary — all effortlessly curated by the YAL'OOU team.
Why Kea, Why YAL'OOU
Kea is the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention — but rewards those who notice. With YAL'OOU, your journey begins from the moment you board, and your sense of time dissolves somewhere between a swim, a sail, and a glass of wine under the stars.
This is slow travel, elevated. This is YAL'OOU.