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Arrivals – Departures |
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Athens International Airport – Eleftherios Venizelos |
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Better check the weather... |
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 National Observatory of Athens |
| Poseidon |
| Ntua.gr |
| Accuweather |
| Weather Underground |
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| Ioulis or Hora (capital) |
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 With 550 residents, it is located north on the island and is the capital.
A history, thousands of years old, is securely protected with care in this privileged position. The town secured an impenetrable position for the island’s ancient enemies and at the same time, welcoming for its friends. Built into the hillside, securing in the best way the graphic beauty granted by the centuries. As you pass through the main entrance of the village, (“Pylida”) you will find it decorated with works by the artist A. Fasianou, giving you the sense of entering a medieval fortress. Follow the cobble-stoned street, which leads to the Town Hall Square. Wander around and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow laneways. At many points, there will appear sections of the walls of the ancient town and of the Venetian port. Many homes will have encased in their walls, ancient sculptures, and even a coat of arms. The trademark of the town, the colossus stone sculpture, Leondos (Liontas 6th Century BC) is found on the northeastern border. Chiseled into the huge granite, grey hued cliff, it is an awe-inspiring sight, despite the decay caused by the winds. |
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| Worth seeing |
•The small Archaeological Museum, which will take you on a quick tour of the sculptures found in the four ancient towns of the island – Ioulida, Peiessa, Karthaia and Korissia – with findings from the prehistoric township of Agia Eirini (Saint Irene). The ceramic worship stones are unique to the Minoan age.
•The colossus stone sculpture, Leondos (Liontas 6th Century BC) is found on the northeastern border. Chiseled into the huge granite, grey hued cliff, it is an awe-inspiring sight, despite the decay caused by the winds. The position you will find it in today it is not its original position, it was located somewhat higher on the hillside but has sliding down steadily to its current position. Tradition refers to Kea as being inhabited by nymphs, who would be entertained by scaring the ancient residents, who in turn created the giant stone Leondos to scare away the nymphs. The scared nymphs sought refuge in the town of Karistos in Evia. Once you take a photo with Leondos who appears friendly rather than scary, turn around towards the Aegean. On a clear day, you will be able to see behind Attica, the mountains of Pendeli and Ymittos and even the mountains of Evia.
•The ruins of the Venetian castle (13th Century AD) built on the foundations of the ancient acropolis. The altar found there was dedicated to the worship of Apollo.
•Worth seeing are various monasteries, such as, the monastery of Agia Marina (5 kms out from Hora) that is built around an ancient three-story tower, the monastery of the Panagia of Kastrianis. The monastery of Agia Anna, the monastery of Agiou Panteleimona found near the peak of the Prophet Ilias.
•The people of Tzia have a unique way of building their homes. The walls are angled and lean inwards. Each traditional home has its own reservoir, oven, stable, and mill.
•Worth an inspection is the prehistoric village, from the Copper Age on the road as you head for Otzia from Vourkari. Close by, you will also see the small church of Agia Eirini (Saint Irene). The houses that have been saved are located higher up and the building slabs made by the locals and used in construction then, are the same materials the locals use today, to pave their gardens’ terraces, ‘pezoules’.
In amongst the ruins of Ancient Livadi, right where the modern town has developed was found the ancient statue of Kouros (6th century BC). This famous statue is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. In town, you can still view the remains of walls and relics from the sanctums of Aphrodite, Apollo, and Poseidon
•In Koundouros, you will come across a number of archaeologists during the summer months investing and studying ancient Karthaian ruins in the bed of the old river ‘Vathipotamou’. The foundations of three temples (of Athena, Apollon and Demeter) have been discovered here as well as parts of the theatre.
•Discover the magical location of an old weather beaten monastery on a cliff overlooking the Aegean. You can get to the monastery of the Panagia, in the bay of Kastri, near Otzia, via a difficult dirt road but you will be rewarded with a great view and a secluded beach all to yourself. |
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| Where to swim |
•Take in a swim at Gialiskari and Otzia, 6km and 10 km respectively out from the main town, Hora.
Otzia is a lovely, shallow beach.
•When visiting the town Korissia (or Livadi as it is otherwise known) you can have a swim at the beach found next to the town, where the fishermen also dock their boats. You may prefer the beach Xila, found further south reached via an unpaved road of 3km.
•When in Koundouros, enjoy a relaxing swim right in the town, or in the neighbouring township of Pisses. For a truly solitary experience on a deserted beach, enjoy a refreshing swim in the bays found from Agio Emiliano right up to Liparo.
•The beach at Otzia is an ideal spot for families with small children, as the water is quite shallow, the whole family can relax and enjoy themselves.
•The beaches at Spathi and Sikamia justly deserve their title of being two of the best beaches on the island.
•The beach in Pisses is the most beautiful on the island and definitely worth a visit. |
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