Kea (Tzia) Ferries

The port of Kea (Tzia) plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 3 ferry routes operated by 4 ferry companies, Kea (Tzia) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Kea (Tzia), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include - connecting Kea (Tzia) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Triton Ferries, Goutos Lines, Karystia run regular services from Kea (Tzia), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Kea (Tzia) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Kea is easily accessible via regular ferry services from Lavrio port, located about an hour's drive southeast of Athens. Travelers can reach Lavrio by public bus from Athens' central station, or by taxi in approximately 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. For those driving, ample parking is available near the Lavrio ferry terminal. The ferry crossing to Kea takes about one hour, with multiple daily departures during summer months and reduced service in winter. Upon arrival at Korissia, Kea's main port, taxis and local buses are available for transportation around the island.

Just a short ferry ride from Athens, Kea (also known as Tzia) offers a refreshing escape from the more crowded Greek islands. This Cycladic treasure boasts rolling hills, ancient walking paths, and golden beaches that remain remarkably unspoiled. With its authentic Greek charm, Kea welcomes visitors to experience traditional island life, complete with whitewashed villages, local tavernas, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from the mainland.

Kea enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The prime time to visit is between May and October when sunny days prevail and sea temperatures are ideal for swimming. July and August bring the warmest weather but also the most visitors, while June and September offer perfect conditions with fewer crowds. The annual Kea Festival in August celebrates local culture with music and dance performances. Ferry services increase during the summer season, making island-hopping more convenient. Spring (April-May) offers spectacular wildflower displays across the island's hiking trails.

Kea serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the western Cyclades. From Korissia port, travelers can catch ferries to nearby Kythnos, with its famed hot springs and charming villages, just 30 minutes away. Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades with its impressive neoclassical architecture, is accessible within a 2-hour ferry journey. For those seeking a more cosmopolitan experience, ferries connect to Andros with its museums and Venetian heritage in about 1.5 hours. The ferry routes from Kea offer particularly beautiful views of the Aegean seascape, especially during sunset departures.

Kea rewards visitors with authentic island experiences beginning with the ancient Lion of Kea, a 6th century BC stone carving that has become the island's symbol. The network of well-maintained walking paths (called 'Kea Trails') connects four ancient city-states through breathtaking countryside dotted with oak forests and ancient ruins. Beaches like Otzias and Koundouros offer pristine waters for swimming and water sports. In Ioulida, the island's capital, wander through narrow streets to discover traditional tavernas serving local specialties like paspalas (pork with eggs) and tsigaropita (herb pie). The picturesque Vourkari area combines a charming fishing village atmosphere with sophisticated dining options.

Kea harbors fascinating stories beneath its unassuming surface, including the wreck of the HMHS Britannic, sister ship to the Titanic, which lies in the waters off its coast and attracts technical divers from around the world. Unlike its Cycladic neighbors, Kea's traditional architecture features red clay tile roofs rather than the iconic blue domes. The island was once known as the 'Water Island' due to its abundant springs, a rarity in the typically dry Cyclades. Local legend claims that the island's famous Lion sculpture was carved to scare away the nymphs who supposedly made the island too beautiful, causing the gods to become jealous.