Getting from Athens to Kea

If you are heading to Kea from Athens you are going to the closest Cycladic island to the capital and one of the most underrated in the group. Kea sits at the western edge of the Cyclades, 35 kilometres from the port of Lavrio on the Attica coast, and has a character shaped by its proximity to Athens. The permanent residents are a mix of locals and Athenians who have been coming for generations. The Chora is built in the Cycladic style but quieter and less visited than almost anywhere else in the group. The ancient stone lion carved into the hillside above the town is one of the strangest and most compelling ancient monuments in the islands. The beaches are good, the food is excellent and the island remains genuinely unhurried.

Take the ferry

The Lavrio to Kea ferry is one of the most frequent and convenient island connections from Athens, with up to 7 daily crossings in summer taking around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Lavrio is around 60 kilometres from central Athens and around 35 kilometres from Athens Airport, making it the most convenient port for anyone arriving by air. The ferry cannot be booked far in advance so check the schedule on Ferryhopper close to your travel date.

Getting there by air

Kea has no airport. The Lavrio ferry is the only option and at under 1 hour it is one of the shortest island crossings from Athens.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Lavrio. If you are arriving at Athens Airport, Lavrio is a short taxi or bus ride from the terminal and avoids crossing the city to Piraeus entirely. Up to 7 daily crossings in summer means you rarely need to plan far in advance. The island is close enough to Athens to visit in a weekend but good enough to stay longer.