Gialiskari is a small beach on the northwest coast of Kea and comprises the most popular option among the locals living in Ioulida, the island’s capital.

In spite of its size, during the high season, this beach counts on an extra attraction, a cafe bar that provides wonderful views of the beach, to the point that one feels like enjoying a drink or a meal in the middle of the shore.

Gialiskari’s location is very convenient as it is just a 15-minute walk from the taverns at the harbor of Vourkari as well as from the port of Kea in Korrissia. Furthermore, its semi-enclosed location guarantees the calmness of the sea during the summer.

Guests who are into surfing will not like this feature, but travelers who enjoy swimming in serene waters or have children will surely take advantage of that. In fact, Gialiskari tends to gather plenty of kids and teenagers. You can either enjoy the lively atmosphere of this beach during the high season or capitalize on its tranquility during the low season.

The beach of Otzias is a picturesque environment bordered by trees on the north side of Kea, 11 km from Ioulida – the capital. It belongs to a small settlement with many beautiful narrow paths, ideal for strolling in spring.

Otzias beach extends over 700 meters, and one of its main advantages is that it gives the chance of performing windsurfing. Kea, unlike other Greek islands, is not affected by the summer winds of Meltemi. Except for Otzias, most of Kea’s beaches have tranquil waters that are not the best for this sport.

The ruins of some harbor facilities reveal that Otzias beach used to be a port during classical times. Other attractions nearby include some mines about a mile away, on the way to the church of Panagia Kastriani. The importance of this church does not lay just on the fact of being dedicated to the Virgin Mary since the story of its origin is very interesting. It relates to a miracle indicating this was the chosen place for this church. Today, Panagia Kastriani is part of a monastery that includes another bigger and newer church matching the style of the first one, and also a few cathedrals. In addition, the high location of these buildings on top of a rock assures some great views.

Regarding the current facilities of Otzias beach, there are a couple of taverns and cafes. Moreover, the village of Otzias, on the east side of the bay, boasts some establishments where you can have a fun time. After spending a great day on the beach and watching the sunset at one of its bars in the afternoon, you can head to the village to enjoy a tasty meal and some live music.

Pisses is one of the favorite beaches on Kea, located on the southwestern coast at 11 km from Ioulida, the island’s capital.

The trip to this location offers marvelous landscape views. Other beautiful beaches that lie in proximity to Pisses are Koundouros, Kastelakia, Lygia, and Liparo. However, in the case of Pisses, apart from offering a great environment on the way, it has the particularity of being located on a fruit and cypress trees valley with farms and lots of flowers.

Regarding the available facilities, in terms of accommodation, Pisses offers some good options for room rentals, as well as the island’s only organized camping site. Pisses also counts on a tavern serving delicious dishes.

Unlike most of Kea beaches, Pisses can be affected by the summer winds of Meltemi, making the sea a little rough, which is a plus for surfers. Nonetheless, when the waters are calm, they are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

Another interesting detail about this beach is that the village it belongs to, used to be the location of an ancient city called Poiessa or Piiessa, the acropolis of which hosts the temple of Apollo, the church of Panagia Sotira, and the Poiessa fort. The beach also boasts the ruins of another ancient city that used to be on top of a southern mountain that marks one of the valley’s boundaries.

Koundouros beach is in the northwestern part of the island. The location of this beach, 18 km from Ioulida, the capital, makes it a very popular area that usually welcomes many yachts from the mainland during the weekends.

The beach itself has nice features and is very picturesque, with restored stone mills. Among its advantages, we can point out its protection from the north winds and its facilities which include some taverns, as well as good accommodation options.

The area provides bathers with great crystalline waters, a sandy shore, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Those who plan to spend time at Kea and prefer being closer to the beach instead of the town can take advantage of the available options at Koundouros. Then, when it comes to relaxing and appreciating the natural beauty, more tranquil areas that have not been used for massive buildings can be enjoyed. However, many people like the vibe Koundouros offers.

Along the coast, less than 10 minutes away by car, lies the beach of Kambi, which boasts beautiful acorn trees.