Kea is a small island in the Cyclades (Greece) covering an area of 131 km2, located only 16 miles from Lavrio (a marina in southeast Attica and our starting port) and 32 miles from Athens. It is the closest island to the mainland, accessible by ferry in only 1 hour from Lavrio (55 km from Athens). Hence its attraction for Greeks, who come to spend their holidays or weekends in their second homes. Far from the port of Piraeus, it attracts few international tourists.
Since Lavrio, which we left at the end of the morning, it took us only 3 hours at a speed of 10 knots to reach our anchorage in Otzias Bay. A northern choice that seemed more appropriate to us to protect ourselves from the westerly wind.
Otzias is a small mountain village, quiet and green. Its bay sheltered from the wind, with a magnificent view of the hilly and green landscapes, where the mountains form "stairs", a little like rice fields, allowed us to anchor safely with a depth of about 7 m, on a sandy bottom. Despite its sheltered topography, at night, gusts of wind forced us to extend our anchorage for safety.
Otzias has the largest beach on the island, attracting "holidaymakers" in season. Even if we enjoy an incredible temperature for a month of March (25° by thermometer!), we were the only tourists to enjoy absolute calm...
To reach the land, a little annex on the clear water full of sea urchins... Notice to amateurs! Take the opportunity to climb a little higher by climbing near the small chapel (chapels can be found all over Greece!) white and blue (typical Greek colours), surrounded by prickly pear trees and multicoloured flowers... On the surrounding mountains, houses with grey stones are on the side of hills, while the sheep graze in the middle of the luxuriant vegetation. In Kéa, the houses are made of grey stone (with tiled roofs) unlike the typical white and blue houses. But make no mistake, if the grass is so green, it's because it's still spring and the sun hasn't burned everything in its path yet..
For your meals, plan what you need on board, because out of season, everything is closed in Otzias..
If you have time, and a little courage, put on your sneakers and backpack to discover Vourkari, a small fishing village frequented by boaters on a stroll, before pushing on to Korissia, the island's main port. It climbs a little between the hills but the landscapes are breathtaking and the calm restful. However, beware of cars, Greeks drive very fast, even on small country roads!
Vourkari, a small fishing village
From Otzias, just take the main road that runs along the pretty beach of Otzias (left abandoned out of season it's a shame!). Admire the sheep and goats, the poppies among the tall grasses, the many fig trees, the chapels and do not hesitate to take a few leaves of wild fennel - which can be found everywhere on the island - to enhance your dishes! On your way, also enjoy a typical meal in the Tapebna tavern.
Located 5 km from Otzia, it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the small fishing port of Vourkari, which is relatively unprotected and therefore windy. A few sailboats are at anchor and geese are walking on the beach... There are a few shops here, but in March the majority are closed, and everyone is busy starting the season which starts at the beginning of April..
We decide to continue our journey by following the road that goes up a little. We walk along many rental residences (in season, everything is full!) and enjoy a beautiful view of Korissia! Before reaching the port, we walk along a pretty beach between the two cities, unfortunately once again poorly maintained but equipped with amenities.
Korissia, the main port of the island
This small cove with its houses built on the mountain has a large beach, many shops (including a mini-market to buy supplies) and small typical taverns. A huge bright red passenger ship awaits tourists who have come to stroll around the island and sends a strange contrast back to this traditional village, while swans swim quietly on the shore (swans in the sea?! Yes, yes...).
After a 9 km walk from Otzias, we decide to enjoy the charms of the city and try some typical dishes in a tavern at the end of the pier: Greek salad, fried squids, local beers... Unfortunately, attracting Greek "tourists" from Athens, the prices are dependent. Thus, for 5 dishes, we get away with 30 euros (who said that Greece was cheap?).
For the less adventurous, a bus and taxi service serves the island of Kéa, whose capital is Loulis located on the heights of the island, as do many cities in the Cyclades, with the Greeks fearing pirates at the time.
