Will arrive to either island for 5 days, before beginning RS May 2024 tour. We would like to stay on either Santorini or Kea island. Which would you recommend and why? We want some ancient sites, walking, beautiful water, good food, maybe hire a private guide for a day or two. Thanks!
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
If I can understand the choice of Santorini which is a destination dedicated to mass tourism, the choice of Kea questions me...
In my opinion very few people in this forum know Kea. Kea is the complete opposite of Santorini, very few foreign tourists, mainly (rich) Greeks due to its proximity to Athens.
The beaches of Kea are certainly better than those of Santorini, and there is an archaeological site on Kea: the ancient city of Karthaia which is only accessible by a hiking trail. That being said you will not see the usual cycladic white washed houses and blue domes.
So if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, cruise passengers and visit an authentic Greek island, I can only recommend Kea.
But note that there is no ferry connection between Kea and the port of Piraeus. And of course no airport on the island.
To go to Kea you have to leave from the port of Lavrio located 55 kilometers from Athens, the ferry crossing lasts 1 hour
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
JoLui, such helpful info, thank you.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
JoLiu, thank you so much for your comments. I'm only beginning to research islands.
Posted by
France Southwest
2318 posts
Sherry1, there are 22 inhabited and visitable islands in the Cyclades alone. They are all different.
See on https://www.aegeanislands.gr/
and click on Aegean Islands
Or here:
https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/cyclades/
You will have lots of non-commercial information about Kea and all the other islands.