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 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.
phoebe sits directly above the shoreline in melissaki on the island of kea, positioned so close to the water that the movement of the sea becomes part of the atmosphere of the house itself. stone pathways descend through the property toward a private swimming cove below, while the terraces and living spaces remain fully open to the long western view across the aegean. from early afternoon onwards, the light shifts slowly across the bay, settling over the stone walls and terraces before the sun drop s directly into the horizon.
built across two levels and finished in the restrained cycladic palette of local stone, white-painted timber and pale flooring, the villa has been designed around outdoor living and a constant connection to the sea. pergola-covered terraces wrap around the principal façade, creating shaded sitting and dining areas that remain protected from the summer heat while still fully exposed to the view and sea breeze. the house feels calm and informal, with the simplicity of the materials allowing the landscape and water to remain the focal point throughout.
the upper level contains the main living spaces, including a kitchen, dining area and sitting room arranged in an open layout facing outward toward the terraces and pool. white-painted ceiling beams and soft neutral interiors reflect the island light, while large openings allow the exterior spaces to flow naturally into the house. a fireplace anchors the sitting room during the quieter months, though in summer the house lives almost entirely outdoors, with doors left open to the terraces from morning until late evening.
the lower level contains five bedrooms, many of which open directly onto private outdoor areas facing the sea. the rooms remain simple and understated, designed for comfort and airflow rather than formality. a secondary kitchen on this level allows guests or extended family to move independently through the property, making the layout particularly practical for longer summer stays.
the outdoor areas extend across approximately 200 sqm (2,153 sqft) of terraces, unfolding gradually toward the coastline below. dining areas, shaded lounges and quiet corners for reading are positioned around the house, while the infinity pool projects outward toward the sea with uninterrupted views across the bay. in the evening, the terraces take on a different atmosphere entirely: stone still warm from the day, soft lighting beneath the pergolas, and the sound of water moving quietly against the rocks below.
the landscaping remains intentionally natural and consistent with the surrounding kea coastline. olive trees, low mediterranean planting and exposed stone integrate the property into the rocky shoreline rather than separating it from it. the private steps leading directly to the sea reinforce this connection, allowing immediate access to the clear water below the house.
although secluded and peaceful, phoebe remains within easy reach of the port and the main village of kea, allowing the property to function equally well as a private seasonal residence or a comfortable waterfront retreat for extended stays throughout the year.
