Best Beaches in Kea — Real-Time Wind Conditions

Swimming in Kea

Kea (also called Tzia) is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, just an hour's ferry from Lavrio. Its position at the western edge of the Cyclades gives it a slightly different wind profile — the Meltemi here is often milder than on islands further east in the chain.

The island's beaches are scattered around a deeply indented coastline, with protected coves that offer excellent swimming conditions. The south and west coasts tend to be calmest, while the northeast gets more wind exposure.

Swimming season runs from late May to October. Kea is popular with Athenians for weekend trips, so beaches can be busy on summer weekends but blissfully quiet midweek. The water is clean and the crowds are manageable — a great alternative to the more famous Cycladic islands.

Swimming season: Late May to October