Kea or Tzia is the 6th largest island and the 10th most populous island in the Cyclades.
THE Kea or Jia is a Cycladic island in the Aegean Sea. It is the closest inhabitable Cycladic island in Attica. It is the 6th largest and 10th most populous island Cyclades.
Worth to see in Jia
The lion of Ioulida
Guardian and emblem of the island: the “Lion” in Ioulida. Admire the carved statue, which is associated with the myths of the island and dates back to early archaic times. A representative work of Jia’s sculpture, is its king.
Ioulida: an ancient city in Jia
Time for a walk in tradition. Come to Ioulida, the only one of the ancient cities built inland. Spread amphitheatrically on the slope, it invites you to indulge in its magic: mansions and urban houses, vaulted alleys, fountains, traditional architecture and urban planning, the Venetian castle, which is still partially preserved. Spend some time in the neoclassical City Hall building, designed by architect Ernst Ziller, and be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum, which is considered one of the most important in the Cyclades.
Shipwrecks on the seabed
Jia’s bottom hides secrets. The British ocean liner, a sister ship of the Titanic, sank near Jia from a German mine in 1916. It was only its sixth voyage. It was explored by Jacques Yves Cousteau’s team in 1975. To date, few divers have approached the wreck, which is 120 meters deep and is considered one of the most important in the Mediterranean and the largest of all time. On the shore of Koundouros, another shipwreck: the steamer Patrice, which sank in 1868.
A day in Karthea of the classical era
“I would not change this narrow, rocky top of the earth, Carthage, even with Babylon itself,” wrote the lyric poet of ancient Greece, Pindar. And only for this it is worth dedicating a day, to visit the most important of the four ancient cities of Kea, which flourished in the archaic period. Here, in the most important archeological site of Tzia, the story is alive: in the Doric temple of Pythian Apollo, built in 530 BC. above the sea, on the propylon, in the temple that is considered dedicated to Athena, in the part of the city wall. In Karthea, it is worth coming from the ancient path of Vathipotamos, as it was done then. An hour walk and a cool swim afterwards on Poles beach.
Dive on the beaches of Tzia
Vourkari, Gyaliskari, Korrisia, Koundouros, Orkos, Pisses, Spathi. Beaches with calm waters and sand, with tamarisk trees and eucalyptus trees are waiting for you on this Greek island. Especially dear to those who have a boat.
The hidden treasures of Jia
Towers of Jia
A short distance from Sklavonikolas you will discover part of the tower of Panachra, of the Hellenistic era, with a height of 4.5 meters. The nearby tower of Agia Marina is better preserved. It has five floors and is one of the tallest surviving monuments in the Mediterranean.
Prehistoric settlements in Jia
Plan a visit to the prehistoric settlements of Agia Irini and Kefala, which are preserved in good condition. One of the most interesting in the Cyclades.
Trails and 4×4
If you love off-road driving, come by jeep: Jia dirt roads will impress you. Otherwise, you will get to know the island by walking on the marked paths, 65% of which are paved.
Information from Discover Greece
