I recently spent a full day exploring Kea (or Tzia), visiting Ioulida, Otzias, Gialiskari, and Korissia, and one thing became very clear: where you stay can make a big difference to your trip.
You can stay among the traditional streets and endless steps of Ioulida or close to the ferry in Korissia.
If you prefer being by the sea, look at Otzias, Vourkari, or Koundouros for beaches, restaurants, and a more relaxed stay.
In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Kea based on what you want from your trip, and I’ll share some of the best hotels and apartments in each area.
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Where to Stay in Kea: Best Areas at a Glance
|
Area |
Distance |
Best For |
What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ioulida |
5.5 km / 3.4 mi |
Traditional atmosphere & sightseeing |
Hilltop Chora, narrow streets, restaurants and the Lion of Kea |
|
Korissia |
0 km / 0 mi |
First-time visitors & short stays |
Ferry port, shops, restaurants and easy access to Gialiskari |
|
Vourkari |
2 km / 1.2 mi |
Couples & evenings out |
Waterfront restaurants, yachts and a lively summer atmosphere |
|
Otzias |
5.5–6 km / 3.4–3.7 mi |
Families & beach stays |
Long sandy beach, relaxed atmosphere and stays near the sea |
|
Koundouros |
20 km / 12.4 mi |
Beach lovers & villas |
Organized beaches, villas, water sports and a resort-style stay |
My tip: If you’re visiting Kea without a car or only staying for a night or two, Korissia is one of the easiest bases.
Still planning your trip? See my guide to the best things to do in Kea for beaches, villages, archaeological sites, and more ideas for your stay.
Best Places to Stay in Kea
Now that you have an idea of the different areas, let’s take a closer look at what it’s like to stay in each one and some of the best accommodation options.
Where to Stay in Ioulida – Best for Traditional Kea
If you want atmosphere and a traditional Cycladic village atmosphere rather than staying by the beach, Ioulida (Chora), Kea’s hilltop capital, is my favorite choice.
I spent several hours exploring it on my recent trip, walking up and down what felt like endless steps and narrow lanes before hiking out to the ancient Lion of Kea.
Because the village sits high on the hillside, you’ll also find stunning views over the surrounding landscape and out to the sea.
Staying here puts you close to cafés, tavernas and the Archaeological Museum, and the village is especially lovely when the day-trippers have gone.
Just keep in mind that Ioulida is built on a hillside and is car-free in the center, so be prepared for plenty of walking and steps.
Best for: Couples, walkers & traditional village atmosphere
Keep in mind: No beach in the village and lots of steps.
If Ioulida sounds like the right base for you, here are three places to stay that are worth checking out:
- Kea Village Suites & Villas: A great choice for panoramic Aegean views, spacious suites and villas, and a swimming pool at the top of Ioulida.
- Serie: A small, highly rated hotel just outside Ioulida, with private balconies, beautiful views, homemade breakfast, and free parking.
- Petit Sunset: A good apartment-style option in Ioulida for travelers who prefer a more independent stay.
Thinking about staying in Ioulida? My walking video below gives you a good idea of what the town is really like, including its car-free streets, numerous steps, traditional neighborhoods, and the walk to the Lion of Kea.
Where to Stay in Korissia – Best for Convenience & Short Stays
Korissia is Kea’s main port, so it’s one of the easiest places to stay if you’re visiting for just a couple of days or you don’t want to travel far after getting off the ferry.
I spent some time here before taking my ferry back to Athens, and I found it practical but still pleasant enough to enjoy rather than simply being a port.
You’ll find cafés, tavernas, bakeries, shops and a beach nearby, while Gialiskari Beach is also within walking distance.
Korissia is a particularly useful base if you’re visiting Kea without a car, although buses and taxis can take you to other parts of the island.
Best for: Short stays, ferry convenience & visitors without a car
Keep in mind: It doesn’t have the traditional village atmosphere and dramatic views of Ioulida.
If Korissia sounds like the right base for you, here are two places worth checking out:
- KEOS by the sea — A great choice if you want sea views while staying within walking distance of Korissia port and nearby beaches.
- Anastasia Apartments — A good beachfront apartment option in Korissia, with kitchen facilities, balconies, and Gialiskari Beach about a 12-minute walk away.
Where to Stay in Vourkari – Best for Couples & Evenings Out
Vourkari is a great choice if you like the idea of staying by the water, with fishing boats and yachts in the harbor and plenty of places to eat and have a drink in the evening.
It has a livelier and more cosmopolitan feel than Ioulida or Otzias, especially during summer.
Vourkari works particularly well for couples and anyone who wants restaurants and evening life within easy reach, while still being close to the port.
Best for: Couples, dining & evenings by the sea
Keep in mind: It can feel busier during the summer.
If Vourkari sounds like the right base for you, here are three places to stay near the harbor and Gialiskari Beach:
- Ydor Hotel & Spa by Sandglass: A luxurious 5-star option with beautiful Aegean views, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and Gialiskari Beach just a short walk away.
- oKEAnõs: A small beachfront stay with just four cabanas, an infinity pool, and wonderful views over the sea and Vourkari harbor.
- Lithos Kea: A quieter apartment-style stay with a garden, terraces and kitchenettes, around 1.8 km from Otzias Beach.
Where to Stay in Otzias – Best for Beach Stays & Families
If you want to be close to the beach, Otzias is one of my favorite places to stay in Kea. I spent part of my day here swimming in the clear water with little fish around me, and I loved the relaxed feel of the bay.
Otzias has a long sandy beach with shallow water, tamarisk trees for natural shade, and a few places to eat nearby. It is partially organized.
It’s a much quieter base than Korissia or Vourkari and works especially well if you want your Kea holiday to be mostly about swimming and relaxing by the sea.
Best for: Families, couples & beach lovers
Keep in mind: A car is useful if you want to explore more of Kea.
If you’d like to stay close to Otzias Beach, here are three places worth checking out:
- Lygia: A peaceful apartment-style stay near Otzias, ideal if you prefer a quieter base and a little more independence.
- Anemousa Studios: A great family option just 100 meters from Otzias Beach, with self-catering apartments, two pools and a children’s playground.
- Holiday Rooms: A relaxed apartment option about a 6-minute walk from the beach, with kitchen facilities, a pool and free parking.
Where to Stay in Koundouros – Best for Beaches & Villas
Koundouros is a good choice if you want to spend most of your holiday close to the sea.
On Kea’s southwest coast, it has a beautiful sandy beach, clear water, beach facilities, restaurants, and some of the island’s most impressive villas.
The bay is also relatively sheltered from the strong northern summer winds, which can be a real advantage on Kea. Nearby Koundouraki Beach is another option if you’re interested in water sports.
Best for: Beach lovers, families & villa stays
It’s around 20 km (12.4 mi) from Korissia, so having a car is useful.
If Koundouros sounds like your kind of beach stay, here are three places worth checking out:
The Traditional Stone Villa: A beautiful traditional stone property with private terraces and wide sea and sunset views, about a 10-minute walk from Koundouros Beach.
Villa Ligia Beach: A beachfront villa with direct access to the sea, a garden and terraces overlooking the water — a great choice if you want to be as close to the sea as possible.
Konstantinos and Eleni’s Apartment: A spacious three-bedroom apartment with a large sea-view balcony and fully equipped kitchen, just a 5-minute walk from Koundouros Beach.
Do You Need a Car in Kea?
You can visit Kea without a car, especially if you stay in Korissia or Vourkari, but having one gives you much more freedom. The island is quite spread out, and many beaches, hiking trails, and smaller villages are much easier to reach by car.
Your ferry arrives in Korissia, and if you’re staying elsewhere on the island, you can continue to your accommodation by rental car, taxi, or seasonal bus.
You’ll find buses and taxis at the port, and you can also rent a car there. If you’re traveling with luggage or staying farther away, especially in Koundouros, I’d arrange your transportation in advance.
Local buses connect Korissia with places such as Ioulida, Vourkari, Otzias, and Koundouros, but schedules vary by season, so check the current timetable when planning your trip.
I had transportation for my day on Kea, and I was glad I did. It made it possible to visit Ioulida, Otzias, Gialiskari, and Korissia in the same day without worrying about bus times.
Check out Ferryhopper here for routes and prices to Kea.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Kea
What is the best area to stay in Kea for first-time visitors?
For a first trip, I’d choose Korissia, Vourkari, or Ioulida. Korissia is the most convenient for the ferry, Vourkari is great for restaurants and evenings by the water, and Ioulida gives you more of Kea’s traditional character.
Where should I stay in Kea without a car?
Korissia is probably the easiest choice, especially for a short stay. Vourkari is only about 2 km away, and Ioulida can also work because it is connected to the port by seasonal buses.
Where is the best place to stay in Kea for beaches?
I’d look at Otzias or Koundouros. Otzias has a long sandy beach and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, while Koundouros has organized beaches, villas and water sports.
Is it better to stay in Ioulida or by the sea?
Choose Ioulida if you love traditional villages, walking, restaurants and beautiful views. If swimming is going to be a big part of your holiday, I’d stay closer to the coast in Otzias, Vourkari or Koundouros.
How many nights should I stay in Kea?
I’d recommend at least 2–3 nights if you want time for the villages, beaches and some exploring without rushing. Kea is close to Athens, but there’s enough to see that it deserves more than a quick day trip.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Kea
Kea may be a small island, but where you stay can really change the feel of your trip.
Kea is surprisingly easy to reach from Athens, but once you start exploring beyond Korissia, the island feels much farther away from the city.
More About Kea
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Happy and safe travels,
Evgenia
