Greek routes. Kea Island

Friday. Suddenly there was a strong desire to go somewhere. Near. To the island. I laid out the map. The islands of the Argosaronic Gulf closest to Attica and Athens - Salamis, Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Angistri, Spetses - disappeared immediately. There are so many islands in Greece that visiting the same ones unnecessarily is a crime. The island of Evvia also disappeared - it was there. I looked at the extreme point of Attica - Cape Sounio - and saw. I understand - I want to go there.

Ferries leave from port of Lavrio. How to get there? Thanks to this site - I found the bus schedule from Egipto Square. So, the ferry leaves at 9 am, which means I have to leave at least at 6.45. Everything worked out as planned. The bus traveled for a long time through the villages of eastern Attica, 20 minutes before the ferry departure, I arrived and bought a ticket to Kea(9 euros) and here I am on the ferry.

The weather - sometimes it rains, sometimes the sun comes out. But I don't regret it at all. If a woman wants, the weather will not stop her.

The swim is only 1 hour. Standing on the deck, enjoying the sea air and views uninhabited islands. A long one appeared on the left. The place where communists and national democrats were exiled from 1945 to 1949, and the junta of “black colonels” - 1967-1974.

The buildings are abandoned, the island too, even the lighthouse is not working.

While looking out for dolphins, I saw a sailboat.

Time has passed unnoticed, so Kea

The most protected bay in the Mediterranean from the winds, and on the shore: taverns, hotels, travel agencies, rental cars - a well-known range of resort services.

But my goal is the capital of the island of Lulis and Keas Marbled Lion. And all this is high in the mountains.

It's October, so there are no regular buses. I took a taxi and in 10 minutes I was in the capital.

I pass through the city gates, once closed by heavy bronze doors, but people and time did not allow us to see them either. Along narrow, clean streets I slowly climb up the mountain.

The donkey stands sad - there are no tourists, no one to pamper him with sugar or cookies, he has to chew hay

I rise higher and higher. At the turn I noticed a tavern - I'll need to grab a bite to eat on the way back.

Along the ancient road, which stretches around the circumference of the entire island (37 km), I go to the goal of my visit to the island - To the Keasian lion. This is what he looks like from afar

In the 5th century BC. it was carved into the rock by an unknown sculptor. In 1962, the people of Keas, with the help of Athens, installed the lion on a pedestal. Kea was always for Athens and when the Persians came in 490 and 480 B.C. and when Athens fought with Sparta 431-404 BC.

Finally I'm at my goal. Only a small group of Germans came towards me. And she was completely alone, far in the mountains, alone with the ancient, tired of human eyes, but still beautiful Leo.

Lion head

I saw unusual flowers at the monument, I think the Mill will help identify them.

The road back seemed shorter. This road had been used since ancient times. From the port to the capital, goods were transported to the market on donkeys, and from there the villagers transported them to the villages.

I stopped at a spring, of which there are countless of them on the island along the ancient road.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of the general view.

The donkey met again, now without its bag - apparently, the owner let him go for a walk.

Of course, I couldn’t pass by the archaeological museum, but they weren’t allowed to take photographs there, citing the fact that not all exhibits belong to the state; some are from a private collection.

The island of Kea is quite large in size, the island closest to Attica, the “gate” of the Cyclades archipelago. It is only 16 nautical miles from the port of Lavrio (the tip of Attica), the ferry takes about an hour. Kea Island is mountainous in the center, up to 500 m above sea level. The shores are mostly bare and rocky, with valleys between them covered with vineyards, bushes, and wild flowers. The island has fresh groundwater, springs flow from the mountains, and there are eucalyptus and oak groves. In small bays, sheltered from the winds by rocks, there are small sandy beaches, with underwater caves between them. The climate is very mild, with frequent winds in summer, especially in August, when the refreshing Meltemi begins to blow from the north. Winter is mild and humid. The Cyclades and snow are incompatible concepts. However, phenomena do happen! In February 2008, snow briefly covered Ke Island oh, the snow lay in a solid cover in the mountains and even the beaches, palm trees and houses on the coast were white for several hours!

The island of Kea has been inhabited since approximately the second millennium BC. The port city of Korissia was built on ruins ancient city Korisos. The remains of the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo survived on the hill of St. Sava. Found here famous statue Kouros. Evidence of the island's prosperity from the Copper Age to the Mycenaean period has been discovered on the Hagia Irene Peninsula. Exhibits from the excavations can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Iulida, the capital of the island. Until recently, Kea was a sparsely populated place. Several towns along the coast and in the center of the island, where life flowed at its own pace. In recent years, the island has begun to be actively built up with luxury villas and hotels. Its proximity to the capital determines its popularity among Europeans and Athenians; the capital's elite build their residences here. The level of service and food corresponds to the clientele. But you can still find many secluded, virgin places here. And one more thing - the sea and beaches here are exceptionally clean. There is little vegetation on the island of Kea, but still more than on the central islands of the Cyclades; vineyards, pine trees, palm trees, oaks and other deciduous trees grow here in the mountains. There are caves, mountain monasteries, Venetian fortresses, ruins of the ancient period, lined with stone mountain trail which is still used today. The capital of the island is located in deep into the island, 6 km from the port. Iulida is a former fortified city in medieval style. The double walls of the fortress and the castle have been preserved. Near the port on the coast is the small cosmopolitan town of Vourkari and suburban village Yaliskari. The sunsets here are especially good - the sun plunges into the Kotsoni Labros Strait between the Church of St. George and the lighthouse of St. Nicholas. The lighthouse is the first in the Cyclades and the second in Greece, built in 1831. In Vourkari there is a wonderful small museum modern painting, where paintings by famous Greek artists are exhibited. And a huge number of sailing and motor yachts are everywhere. Once on the island there was a factory for enamelware, EMAIE, which was very important for the Greek economy. It has been closed for a long time, but the government decided to make a museum of industry there. Kea is a paradise for lovers of fishing and scuba diving. It must be said that the island is not suitable for those who are used to relaxing in crowded all-inclusive hotels. There is a slightly different style and rhythm here. But in the restaurants and bars of Kei you are provided with high-quality service and exquisite food and drinks, not to mention I'm talking about a stylish interior. And of course the famous Black wine of the island. Moving further east, we will meet the city of Otzya with its famous beach- 700 meters long, almost round in shape, all made of golden sand. The main part of the island’s agriculture is concentrated in the northeast of the island. It is better to visit the village of St. Simeon on September 1, when a festive fair takes place here. The Pisses Plain will impress you with its rich gardens. Imagine the surprise of an uninitiated traveler who finds himself in the forest of Perameria; it will be difficult for him to convince himself that these are the Cyclades! Going further south, almost on the shore near the village of Karfei there are several archaeological sites, remains of temples and cities. Here in ancient times there was a rich policy. It will take years to conduct full-fledged large-scale research. But now there is no money for this, especially since there are dozens or even hundreds of such monuments throughout Greece. It is a pity that excavations are not being carried out around the ancient theater in Hellinika, as there is so much interesting stuff lying there under a cultural layer of 5-6 meters.

Kei's color is not always white and blue. It is often golden and has wide sandy beaches. In some places it is beige-orange, the color of the tiled roofs, and rainfall here is more frequent than the average in the Cyclades. It can also be green, as well as all imaginable and inconceivable shades of spring meadow flowers. And it is also the color of the dark local stone. But undoubtedly, color dominates here sea ​​wave, which residents of small and large houses, as well as amateurs, see from their balconies and terraces island holiday from all over the world.

Unlike most greek islands Kaya is located in close proximity to, therefore very popular among the Greeks. But, despite such an advantageous location, Kaya- not really tourist island, suitable for tours to Greece. There are no usual entertainments on the island, and there is absolutely no night life. But for quiet time, sunbathing and leisurely walks, Keya is perfect.

How to get to the island

So, you can get to the island from Lavrio by sea literally in an hour. IN summer season ships go to Kay and back 6-7 times a day. And from Athens before Lavrio There is a regular bus service starting at 5 am. Ferries arrive in town Corissia, which is a rather noisy port town. However, none of the vacationers here tend to stay close to the port. Although the lower part ( Kato Korissia) is quite suitable for accommodating tourists.

On Kee many different types. Literally a minute's walk from the port is the central hotel of the island with a twenty-year history - "Corissia". Around it there are shops, taverns and national Greek cafeterias - ouzerias, which serve ouzo and other strong drinks, accompanied by various “mesedes” (snacks). In such cafes you can order local thick coffee or cold coffee with airy foam - frappe.

Almost 2 thousand inhabitants live on the island. Basically, in addition to the tourism business, they are engaged in the cultivation of olives, so it is quite possible to buy good rustic olive oil here. Last years on Kee Russian speech is heard more and more often. Firstly, our tourists appreciated relaxing holiday in these places , and, secondly, not so long ago offers of houses and apartments on the island appeared on the real estate market .

The cost of a holiday on the island of Kea

Due to the fact that the holiday is on Kee is not considered fashionable and, rather, closer to agritourism; prices for services here are lower than at. For example, a vacation costs much more - from hotel prices to prices for food and entertainment. Moreover, in the villages Kei you can rent rooms with a kitchenette and cook yourself, which will allow you to save significantly .

Beaches of Kea Island

Kei are located in small bays. A real pleasure from meeting the sea in the village Yaliskari many travelers note: clean and calm water, soft sand and a very comfortable bottom without any troubles such as jellyfish or sea ​​urchins . The bays are also good Pisses, Iulida, Koundouros. All the villages are located a short distance from each other, so choosing a suitable place to relax is not difficult. In addition, there is the possibility of accommodation in campsites, which usually have a swimming pool on site.

Sights of Kea Island

Naturally, on the territory Kei has its own ancient ruins, interesting historical monuments- remains of a Venetian fortress, ruins ancient settlement in the town Odzias, an incredible sculpture of a lion carved from the rock - the animal appears to have been guarding the island since the 5th century BC. Of course, it is worth visiting the local archaeological museum, which houses a unique exhibition of various artifacts.

Also Kaya famous for its hiking trails. Here you can enjoy a walk through the mountainous terrain, entwined with streams, stone paths created by nature and admire the extraordinary flora of the island.

Of course for active rest Tours to France with children may be more suitable due to the greater presence of the benefits of civilization. But also Kea has earned its attention for its beauty, hospitality, delicious dishes and special Greek flavor, which can be felt in every corner of the island. .

Greece / o. Kea

Thanks to its proximity to Attica, the island of Kea (also called Keos, Kea, Tzia) is an accessible holiday destination in all its diversity: steep mountains, small plateaus, olive groves, vineyards, picturesque bays, knotty hiking trails and great beaches. On Kea, an island in the Cyclades archipelago, you can admire the largest oak groves and many small caves.

In ancient times, Kei was called the "water" island due to the numerous springs and natural fountains that were found throughout the island. While under Turkish rule, the island became known as Tzia. The modern name Kea comes from the hero Keo, the first settler of the island around 1100 BC. Currently, both names Keya and Tzia are used.

Serene Kea - an island with astounding scenery, stunning beautiful beaches, picturesque villages and winding cobbled alleys. Here are just some of the places worth visiting on the island:

Iulida or Hora

The city of Iulida (Loulis) is located in the very center of the island. This is very picturesque city with colorful rooftops, cobbled streets, arched passages and winding streets. Despite its status as the island's capital, Ioulida looks more like a traditional village. The donkeys used here for transportation add color to the landscape. central square city ​​dotted with cafes and restaurants. Castle of Castro with dilapidated Venetian walls, Monastery of Our Lady of Castria, Archaeological Museum with ancient artifacts, the neoclassical buildings of the city hall and school, the ruined monastery of St. Anne, the tower of the monastery of St. Marina are just some of the places to visit in this city.

Lion of Kea

This is ancient stone statue, depicting a lion who, according to mythology, expelled the nymphs from the island. The sculpture of a reclining lion was carved 600 BC by an unknown sculptor. The impressive rock monolith statue is located just 15 minutes' walk northeast of the capital.

Korisia

The picturesque port of Korisia is one of the island's main tourist attractions, with its white houses and colorful rooftops, winding cobbled alleys and picturesque churches. Once upon a time, it was here that an enamelware factory operated, the largest in the Mediterranean. Korisia is located in a small picturesque harbor full of fishing boats, restaurants, cafes, mini markets and shops.

Vurkari

The seaside resort of Vourkari is a quaint fishing town with excellent restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, a wonderful art gallery with paintings by local artists and traditional picturesque houses. This great option for a night of fun, as most best bars on the island they are collected precisely in Vurkari.

Get to amazing island Kea is accessible in one hour by ferry from Athens. The villages of Kei have preserved traditional elements in various expressions. The capital is built in the form of a natural amphitheater, offering magnificent views of the island and the sunset. The houses are surrounded by gardens and vegetable gardens, and their architecture is simply unique - a mixture of tiled roofs and white-walled houses of the Cyclades islands. Here you can endlessly admire small churches, ancient ruins, beautiful groves and beaches.