Kea
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Kea
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
 Map of Kea - Click for larger view
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The island of Kea (Κέα) or Tzia (Τζιά) belongs to the Cyclades and it is the nearest to Athens from that group of islands. It is a mostly barren island with about 2,000 inhabitants who raise mostly livestock. Its tallest peak is Mt. Profitis Ilias 561 m (1840 ft.). The steep sides of the island are characterized by large stone fences to keep the animals within individual boundaries. In the last few years there have been a sizable number of Athenians who have bought properties and built fancy villas in the areas of Otzia in the north, Melisaki in the west and Koundouros in the southwest. Most of these villas are attractive stone built and blend in with the prevailing environment. During weekends there are large numbers of motor cruisers in Vourkari - Korissa (main port) and in the Koundouros cove.
The picturesque main town of Kea is Ioulis or Chora, is about 6 km way-up inland. The total population today is about 2,000 people. Despite the island's proximity to Athens, its beaches are surprising clean.
Kea West is an informative web forum with local news on Kea. Kea.gr is the Municipality of Kea web site with Greek, English, German and Italian language selections.
Charts
- BA
- 1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa
- Imray-Tetra
- G31 North Cyclades
- NIMA
- 54344 Saronic Gulf and Gulf of Petalion
- Greek
- 421 Karystos to Naxos
Radio Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - HF channel 27
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
See Aegean.
Most approaches to Kea, with the exception of the approach to Koundouros (Kavia), are without danger.
Danger: Be very careful in entering Koundouros Bay about 1/4 nM W of the N promontory is a reef which is not always visible. Also there are many rocks extending from the N promontory. Always give it a wide margin and enter the bay close to its S entrance.
Berthing Options
The island's main harbor, Korissia together with the smaller yacht harbor of Vourkari, are in the large bay of Ayios Nikolaos at the NE side of the island. In addition to these harbors there are several very attractive coves.
Ports
Vourkari
37°40′N, 24°19.5′E
Vourkari (Βουρκάρι) is the main anchorage for yachts. It is at the NE side of the Ayios Nikolaos Bay and a yacht can either anchor off-shore or moor stern-to at the quay. It is very well protected from the meltemi but with strong westerlies there is a very uncomfortable and possible dangerous swell. In that case move to Korissia. The cove is deep but there is good holding but because of the depth use at least 40 m of chain. In the summer months, the anchorage is very crowded, especially during weekends. Make sure that you arrive early. Also keep in mind that most boats are on permanent moorings with a small swing radius.
There are a number of restaurants, an art gallery, few bars and two small stores ashore. They all tend to be overpriced. There are better stores in Korissia. Lately water and electricity can be had via the purchase of a pay card. Ask for it in the stores.
It is the regrettable practice of the restaurants to dump their cooking oil in the sea. This not only pollutes the nice bay but can stick to tenders and ropes. Another improvement though is the biological sewer treatment. Now the small port is much cleaner and odorless. Nevertheless, during the summer months Vourkari is crowded and noisy. For quieter sleep conditions it is advisable to anchor within the large bay.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- June 2010 --Istioploos
- September 2010 -- Beracuda
 The quay in Vourkari |
 Anchoring off at Vourkari |
Korissia
37°39.7′N, 24°18.9′E
Korissia (Κορησσία) is the commercial harbor within the large Bay of Saint Nicholas where the ferries dock. There is room, however for several yachts. You are better off anchoring on the E side of the cove away from the maneuvering ferryboats. It is busy place with several restaurants and stores. There is an excellent bakery here. Deeper into the bay there is the picturesque Vourkari (Βουρκάρι)fishing and tourist spot. Many charter sailing and private motor yachts moor here. Plenty of restaurants, few bars, an art gallery, Food Marquette (expensive), water and electricity on the dock.
Fuel (diesel & gas) can be ordered from Mr. Triantafyllos by calling: +30 22880-21400 and +30 6977-300130. He also sells ice cubes.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- August 2008 -- Beracuda
- June 2010 --Istioploos
Click for larger view
Anchorages
Koundouros
Click for larger view
37°34.7′N, 24°16.6′E
After Vourkari, Koundouros (Κούνδουρος) or Kavia Bay or Ayios Emilianos is the most popular yacht anchorage in the island. It is well protected from the meltemi but it is totally exposed to the S. In the case of southerlies the cove is not tenable. The near by cove of Pises may offer some protection, otherwise, go to Vourkari.
Anchor close to the NE, and if possible take a line ashore and tie to a rock under the little church. Good holding. In 1996 we were holed-in here during a force 8 gale. Just like in Vourkari, during the summer weekends, the bay is crowded with motor cruisers from Athens. It can be hard to find a spot for anchoring. Also it can and usually does get rather noisy. It is best to avoid weekends, but if you must do arrive early.
There are a couple restaurants within walking distance, otherwise there no other facilities. The town of Kea is about 45 minutes by taxi. You can call a taxi (card phone on the road at the E cove) by calling Mr. Antonis at +30 693 25 9435.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- August 2011 --Istioploos
 Moored with a shore line |
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Pisses
37°36′N, 24°16.4′E
Pisses (Ποίσσες) is a small bay about 2 nM N of Koundouros Bay. It is not well protected from the meltemi but it offers some shelter from the SW wind. Sandy bottom, good holding. There is small restaurant ashore.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- June 1997 --Istioploos
Poles
37°33.5′N, 24°20′E
Poles or Polais is a lovely cove on the SE side of the island. It provides fairly good shelter from the meltemi but it is exposed to the SE. In the middle of the cove there is a small island connected to the shore by a sallow reef. The best place is to the E of the island. Sandy bottom, good holding. During weekdays, even in the summer you are liable to have this wonderful place all to yourself but it is popular with the Athenian crowd during weekends.
Ashore are the ruins of the ancient Karthea (Καρθαία), they have been recently cleaned and a cobblestone path from the beach was created. Well worth the walk.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- June 2009 --Istioploos
 The anchorage of Poles |
 Poles from ancient Karthea |
Khalindhoniki
37°39.7′N, 24°24.1′E
This is small and very pleasant cove S of Cape Spathi on the NE side of the island. Good shelter from the meltemi but it is exposed to the SE. Anchor at about 5 m on sandy bottom, good holding. Again, could be crowded during weekends in the summer months. There are a few houses ashore. One can visit the monastery on top of the hill (about 20 minutes on foot), which affords a splendid view.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2001 --Istioploos
Cove S of Poles
37°31.9′N, 24°18.1′E
This a small and wonderful cove between Poles and Cape Tamelos. It is a delightful anchorage but only for calm weather. Sandy bottom, good holding. The shore is deserted.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2007 --Istioploos
Orgias
This is a small cove on the N side of the island. Only for calm weather.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
An new Athletic Nautical Club of Kea - NAOK is being formed. It is anticipated to be operational by Spring 2009 with its premises on the old "Coaling Station" (a.k.a Cocca) area, on the small beach in front of the unused now electricity generating plant, in the north side of the Bay of St. Nicholas. For more: Website
 Nautical Athletic Club of Kea - NAOK |
 Proposed NAOK Athletic facilities |
--Beracuda 12:02, 10 September 2008 (UTC)
Offshore Islands
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
There are two hardware stores in Korissia. Both have basic marine supplies.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
N/A
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- Delivery from a mini-tank can be arranged in Vourkari and Korissia, call: +30 22880-21400 or +30 6977-300130
- Water
- is not available
- Electricity
- is not available
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
 The Town Hall Click for larger view |
 The 4th c BC Tower of Ayia Marina Click for larger view |
In the small peninsula just N of Vourkari is the excavated Bronze Age site of Aghia Eirene. However, there is not much to see as it is enclosed and not always open to the public.
Near the town of Kea there is an Archaeological Museum with a comprehensive exhibits from stone age, and ancient Kea as well as from Karthea (Poles). Across the museum is the delightful miniscule neoclassical Town Hall.
In the town there is also an interesting ancient lion head carved out of rock. Also nearby at Karthaia are the remains of the temples of Apollo and Athena.
A few kilometers from the town of Kea at Ayia Marina (Αγία Μαρίνα) there is a 4 story 4th century BC tower worth a visit.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Food stores only in Korissia (good bakery) and Vourkari.
Eateries
- There are restaurants in Korissia, Kambi, and of course, in Chora
- In Vourkari you can sometimes find fresh lobster but prices are inflated. Maroula has excellent but expensive food
- In Koundouros try the taverna by the there.
Internet/WiFi
Internet café in Chora.
Laundry
N/A (Not Available).
Motorbike & Car Rentals
In Korissia.
Garbage Disposal
Bins in many places.
Transportation
Daily (weather permitting) ferries from Korissia to Lavrio and Rafina.
Routes/Passages To/From
- Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi
- Passages between Athens Region and the North Sporades
- Cruising the Cyclades Islands
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
References & Publications
See Greece.
Personal Notes
This is an island I visit often because my brother Beracuda has a summer house here. --Istioploos
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
See individual ports and anchorages in this page.
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Beracuda |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Aegean Sea | Greece | Kea | |
