YachtSailingYachtSailing

Sailing destination

Kea

Island group
Cyclades islands
Best time to sail
May – October
How
Private crewed catamaran
Explore Kea

Although Kea could have been one of the fanciest and popular island destination of the Cyclades, she has remained silent and mysteriously hidden from the chaos of mainstream tourism. Home to unlimited sandy beaches all leading to crystal clear waters, picturesque little homes and villages perched atop the mountains, a variety of gastronomical pleasures and local Greek wines. There are many hiking trails and archeological sites to explore, which are all trademarks of the island. Kea has managed to keep hold of her ancient charm and traditions till this very day! Like an ancient queen of the past, she has no need to advertise 5 star hotels and fancy facilities in order to attract visitors.

How your week works

There's no fixed route - your week bends to you.

Every charter is private and fully custom. Your captain shapes each day around the weather, the sea and what you feel like - more swimming or more towns, an early start or a slow morning. Anything you read here about Kea is inspiration, not a schedule; you can change plans anytime on board.

Planned with you daily

The route is set together, each morning.

Weather-led

Always the calmest, most beautiful option.

Your call

Linger longer wherever you fall in love.

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Kea - THE FIRST STOP OF YOUR SAILING TRIP
01 · Kea

THE FIRST STOP OF YOUR SAILING TRIP

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Kea - sailing
02 · Kea

A window into its past, Ioulida, is a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea. Made up of old mansions, town houses, intricate alleys, fountains, traditional architecture and a castle which is still partially intact. Spend some time exploring the neoclassical Town Hall, which is the work of architect' Ernst Ziller, visit the archeological museum believed to be one of the most significant in the Cyclades and also here lie the remains of the Temple of Apollo as well as others dating back to 530 BC. Walk past the town hall, all the way to the monastery, where you can relax and enjoy a nice meal on the rooftop restaurant overlooking the dreamy view of the horizon.

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Kea - sailing
03 · Kea

Kea has an impressive display of relics which lay hidden in the depths of her seas. If you are a certified diver you will have the opportunity to visit ship wrecks dating back to World War I with the help and guidance of KEA diving center. For those with less or no experience, you will be guided to other interesting spots on the island, where the waters are more shallow and safe. This island is home to the underwater wreck of a German Junkers 52 aircraft from WWII and the shipwrecks of the HMHS Britannic, the sister of the Titanic, the Greek paddle steamer Patris and the luxurious ocean liner SS Burdigala. These very interesting historical artifacts all lay on the seabed available for divers to explore when visiting the island.

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Kea - sailing
04 · Kea

Ancient Karthaia was one of the major cities of Kea and archeological discoveries have brought to light the high level of culture and prosperity people had in this area. As mentioned earlier, it was the only place besides Delos allowed to host the primary Olympic games. The city had its own currency based on coins and was considered to be one of the most powerful and prestigious places in antiquity. The ancient ruins of Karthaia will remind its visitors how time passes over the ages, while the location will bring out sensations of mystery and serenity. Although the area can be accessed by foot, there is an opportunity to have an interesting Greek Island experience by riding a donkey up to the ruins. Your furry companion with guide you safely up to the top and back down.

Kea offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, combining natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Make sure to explore the unique town of Ioulis, wandering through her maze like alleys and interesting town squares. Don't skip on visiting Ancient Karthaia and the Kea lion statue.

YachtSailing
Highlights

What to see & do in Kea

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Waterfront tavernas

Kea is known for its rugged coastline and hidden coves, therefore exploring this island on a catamaran provides a unique and delightful experience, allowing you to appreciate the island's beauty from the vantage point of the Aegean Sea. Sailing around offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and the freedom to explore the Cyclades at your own pace. It's a unique way to appreciate the island's landscapes, secluded beaches, and vibrant culture from a different perspective. When docking in Kea's main port, Korissia, you will discover local tavernas, sample fresh seafood, and immerse yourself in the island's culture.

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Well Sheltered From

Well sheltered from northern winds and located in the northwestern part of Kea. Sandy with crystal clear waters, this is a lovely area to enjoy when sailing on a yacht. There are restaurants available and you may choose to stay the night if seeking shelter from high winds and big swells.

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Sunset views

This is a lovely little beach in the south west of Kea, having turquoise waters and pretty scenery with valleys, flowers and trees. Its location offers great sunset views, however not ideal when seeking shelter from northern winds or avoiding big crowds in the peak of summer.

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Secluded Beach

A secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs, with bright golden sand and deep blue waters. For those who need, there are sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire. The beach is accessible via a short hike down a steep path or by boat. The soothing vibe and the extraordinary view make it a perfect stop during your sailing vacation.

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Beaches & swimming

A gorgeous beach with incredible sand and pristine waters. It is not accessible from land, making it a perfect getaway when exploring by yacht. There are no facilities in the area, which provide the great opportunity to enjoy nature and the elements while diving and snorkeling in the area.

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Beaches & swimming

Located in the corner of Vourkari bay, lies the charming, stone built lighthouse, which is a point of reference for sailors as well as the inhabitants of the island and one of the main attractions. An excellent setting to enjoy the view of the sun disappear into the horizon!

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Ancient sites

The Lion of Kea was carved in ancient times prior to 600 BC. It is a massive rock around 6 meters long created by an unidentified artist as well as undefined time of creation. The lion stone with its peculiar smile is meant to represent a mythical lion said to have almost demolished the island of Kea in favor of the Gods.

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Ancient sites

One of the most significant of the Cyclades museums as many of the findings of ancient Kea are still located here. Definitely worth visiting!

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Waterfront tavernas

"Aristos" tavern in Vourkari is known to be one of the most popular places for Athenians arriving on the weekend to enjoy local seafood and other delicious dishes.

Frequently asked questions

01Is the itinerary fixed, or can we customize our route? +

All our trips are fully customizable. There is no fixed itinerary. The final route is shaped together with you, based on your preferences (how many hours you wish to sail per day, sightseeing or relaxation, hiking, swimming, local cuisine, etc.) and - most importantly - the weather at the time of your trip. The captain adjusts the plan daily to keep the experience relaxed, safe and enjoyable, and you can stay longer at places you love.

02Cyclades or Saronic Islands – what’s the difference and which do you recommend? +

The Cyclades offer iconic whitewashed villages, dramatic landscapes and longer open-water crossings - ideal for experienced cruisers and classic Greek scenery. The Saronic is calmer, greener and closer to Athens, with short hops between historic islands - perfect for relaxed sailing and families. We recommend based on your dates, group and pace.

03Can we visit Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, or other specific islands in one week? +

Yes - within reason. A one-week route comfortably covers a cluster of nearby islands. Combining far-apart highlights (e.g. Mykonos and Santorini) is possible but means longer sailing days. We’ll design a realistic route that includes your must-see islands without rushing.

04What happens if the weather is bad? Will the trip be canceled? +

Trips are very rarely canceled. The captain monitors conditions daily and adapts the route to keep you in sheltered, comfortable waters. Safety and enjoyment always come first, and the flexible itinerary means there is almost always a great alternative nearby.

05Are prices per person or for the entire boat? +

Prices are for the entire boat - you charter the whole catamaran for your group, not per person. This makes it excellent value for families and groups of friends sharing the experience.

06What additional costs should we expect beyond the yacht price? +

Typical extras include fuel, marina/port fees, food and drinks, and the crew gratuity. We provide a clear breakdown in advance so there are no surprises, and you can choose your provisioning and dining preferences.

07How many islands will we visit during the week? +

Usually 5–7 islands or anchorages in a week, depending on distances and your pace. We balance moving and relaxing so you experience variety without spending all day at sea.

08Can we decide where to stop each day, or is it decided in advance? +

Both. We agree a flexible plan before departure, then fine-tune it day by day with your captain based on weather and what you’re enjoying. You stay in control of your holiday.

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Our fleet

Featured yachts

Queen of Hearts, 52 ft

Graceful living areas and a warm, social layout for memorable Aegean weeks - seven cabins that host up to twelve guests, refit in 2024. An easy boat to fill with family or friends without anyone feeling crowded.

Staterooms 7 • Up to 12 Guests • Refit 2024

from / week
€15,000
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Royal Flush, 52 ft

Confident lines and refined interiors for effortless island-hopping - seven cabins that sleep up to twelve guests, refit in 2024. A steady, well-kept catamaran that makes moving between islands feel easy.

Staterooms 7 • Up to 12 Guests • Refit 2024

from / week
€15,540
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Ace of Diamonds, 52 ft

Bright, open decks and a flybridge made for sunset moments under sail - six cabins for up to ten guests, refit in 2025. The flybridge is where the evenings end up, drink in hand, islands going gold.

Staterooms 6 • Up to 10 Guests • Refit 2025

from / week
€14,590
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View all yachts
Kea
Plan your sailing holiday

Ready to explore Kea?

Talk to our team and we'll tailor the perfect one-week catamaran itinerary around Kea - skipper, hostess and all.

Ask an advisor

Get in touch

Contact usSend an enquiry, a real advisor replies personally Arrange a video callPick a time that works for you Call us+30 693 723 4566 WhatsApp usAlso available on the same number