Kea’s proximity to the Greek mainland, as well as its connection to the smaller port of Lavrio (rather than Pireaus), has left it unsullied by the heavy tourist developments of many of its compatriots. The ferry remains half empty throughout the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy their approach in peace and quiet, whilst Ioulis, the main town, is a jumble of white and ochre houses piled onto the mountainside, and is pleasantly car-free. The few visitors to be found meandering its winding streets tend to be cosmopolitan Athenian weekenders, who come to eat well and relax on the island’s many untouched beaches.
Kea’s landscape is unique amongst the Cycladic islands, being as it is blanketed in ancient oak forests. The island is known for its tasty honey – find the best at Anthea’s World, alongside local pasteli and organic prickly pears. Look out for the Kea Lion, carved from slate in the 6th Century BC and lounging in a valley beyond Ioulida.
A highlight of the island is its rich scuba-diving opportunities, providing excellent visibility and rich marine life. The wreck of a 19th-century steamship is a particular favourite for recreational divers and the average sea temperatures of 20°-26°c help Kea is also a hikers paradise, with a network of trails crisscrossing the island.
Look out for the new One & Only Kea Island, currently being development by Kerzner and Dolphin Capital and sure to inject a luxury vibe to this rustic island.
set into the rugged hillsides of kea, overlooking the open aegean and the historic kefalas peninsula, this contemporary stone residence combines cycladic simplicity with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. positioned approximately 65 metres above sea level and just 200 metres from the shoreline, the house faces uninterrupted sea views that extend across the deep blue water and the raw terrain of the island’s northeastern coast.
constructed in local stone and whitewashed volumes, the architecture follows the natural contours of the hillside rather than imposing upon it. clean horizontal lines, shaded terraces and sheltered outdoor living areas create a discreet transition between interior and exterior spaces, while the restrained palette of pale timber, stone and soft earth tones reflects the dry landscape surrounding the property.
the main living spaces are arranged in an open-plan configuration, filled with natural light through wide openings that frame the sea throughout the day. the sitting area, dining space and kitchen remain visually connected, yet each retains its own atmosphere through subtle changes in level, material and orientation. large sliding openings allow the terraces and interior spaces to function as one continuous environment during the warmer months, with the sea breeze moving naturally through the house in the evening hours.
four bedrooms are positioned to maximise privacy and light, each with its own bathroom and direct connection to outdoor terraces or views across the coastline. the interiors remain deliberately understated, allowing the changing colours of the sea and sky to become the focal point from nearly every room. in the early morning, sunlight enters softly across the pale floors and white surfaces, while sunset introduces warmer tones that reflect against the stone walls surrounding the terraces.
at the centre of the outdoor spaces lies the heated swimming pool, designed as a long horizontal element aligned with the horizon beyond. the pool can also be covered when required, allowing for extended seasonal use. around it, shaded dining areas, built-in seating and open terraces create several distinct outdoor settings throughout the day, from exposed sun decks to protected evening spaces framed by stone walls and pergolas.
the positioning of the residence allows it to remain sheltered from stronger northern winds while preserving open views toward the sea. the surrounding terrain remains largely untouched, characterised by dry hillsides, low vegetation and the sharp geological textures typical of kea. beyond the property, the kefalas peninsula carries archaeological significance as one of the earliest organised settlements of cycladic civilisation, dating back to around 3300 bc, lending the landscape an unusual historical depth alongside its natural beauty.
as dusk settles over the island, the terraces become almost entirely silent apart from the movement of wind across the hillside and the distant sound of the sea below. the final light of the day lingers across the horizon long after sunset, reflected softly across the water and the surface of the pool.
eligible for the greek golden visa and non dom programme.
