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Kea
Species of bird endemic to New Zealand

Kea

The kea is a species of large parrot in the family Strigopidae that is endemic to the forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand.

Plan a trip to Kea→

About 48 cm (19 in) long, it is mostly olive-green, with brilliant orange under its wings, and has a large, narrow, curved, grey-brown upper beak. Its omnivorous diet consists mainly of roots, leaves, berries, nectar, and insects, but also includes carrion. It was once killed for bounty due to concern by sheep farmers that it attacked livestock, especially sheep. The kea is now uncommon, and received absolute protection under the Wildlife Act in 1986.

Get in

Getting to Kea

Kea can be reached from Lavrio on the Greek mainland by ferry. The ferry takes around 1 hour, runs several times per day (more frequently in summer), and is able to transport vehicles. The ferry docks at Korissia on Kea. Kythnos can also be reached by ferry from Kea. The closest airport is Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, close to Athens on the Greek mainland.

See

Worth seeing

  1. 01
    Lion

    Carved from a single block of local stone around the 6th century BC, the Lion of Kea is the island's most famous monument.

  2. 02
    Archaeological Museum of Kea

    Located in Ioulida, the museum displays artefacts spanning thousands of years of the island's history.

  3. 03
    Ancient Karthea

    One of the finest archaeological sites in the Cyclades, Ancient Karthea occupies a spectacular coastal location reached by hiking trail or boat.

  4. 04
    Ayia Irini Archaeological Site

    This important Bronze Age settlement flourished during the Cycladic and Mycenaean periods and is one of Greece's most significant prehistoric sites.

  5. 05
    Monastery of Panagia Kastriani

    Perched dramatically on cliffs above the sea, this 18th-century monastery is Kea's most important religious site.

  6. 06
    Tower of Agia Marina

    The remarkably well-preserved Tower of Agia Marina is a 4th-century-BC Hellenistic watchtower in Kea’s interior, between the ancient cities of Korissia and Poiessa.

Do

Things to do

  1. 01
    Otzias Beach

    Kea’s longest beach is a broad, sandy bay with shallow water, natural shade and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

  2. 02
    Gialiskari Beach

    Close to Korissia and Vourkari, Gialiskari is a small, attractive sandy beach with calm, clear water.

  3. 03
    Koundouros Beach

    Koundouros is one of Kea’s best-equipped beaches, with sunbeds, beach bars and a choice of water sports nearby.

  4. 04
    Pisses Beach

    Pisses is a long, sandy beach on the west coast, framed by hills and backed by tamarisk trees.

  5. 05
    Spathi Beach

    Spathi is a beautiful sandy beach on Kea’s more remote eastern coast, reached via a partly unpaved road.

  6. 06
    Xyla Beach

    Around 4 km south of Korissia, Xyla is a striking beach with exceptionally clear water and a more natural feel.

Eat

Where to eat

Restaurants and Taverns can be found in Ioulis, Korissia and Vourkari. Acorn cookies are a signature snack of the island, which get their name because they are made with acorn flour. They can be found shops across the island.

How locals move

Getting around Kea the local way

  • Get inKea can be reached from Lavrio on the Greek mainland by ferry.
  • Get inThe ferry takes around 1 hour, runs several times per day (more frequently in summer), and is able to transport vehicles.
  • Get inKythnos can also be reached by ferry from Kea.

From Wikivoyage: Kea, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-07.

Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.