The closest Cycladic island to Athens · one hour from Lavrio
Enter your ports, date and passengers to see live sailings and fares.
Kea, also called Tzia, is the Cycladic island closest to Athens and a favourite weekend escape. Its hill town Ioulida spreads over a hillside, and the stone Lion of Kea, carved in the 6th century BC, rests just outside it. Oak forests, ancient paths and quiet bays make it a great island for walking.
Ferries leave Lavrio every day in about 1 hour: Blue Star from €11.50 and Karystia from €16 (October 2026). Blue Star continues to Kythnos and Syros. Lavrio–Kea route guide.
The port and the yacht harbour next to it, with tavernas by the water.
The old capital, 6 km uphill, for views and a village atmosphere.
All ferries to Kea leave from Lavrio, about 40 minutes from Athens airport. Blue Star sails every day and continues to Kythnos and Syros; Karystia adds sailings on some days.
| From | Companies | Fastest | Fares from | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavrio | Blue Star Ferries, Karystia | 1 h | €11.50 | All year, daily |
| Kythnos | Blue Star Ferries | 1 h 25 m | €6.50 | Some days |
| Syros | Blue Star Ferries | 4 h 25 m | €10 | Some days |
Children travel at reduced fares. Other discounts, such as for students, large families or people with disabilities, apply only to Greek citizens. For a group booking, ask us for a quote.
Related guides: Cyclades islandsIsland hoppingAll destinations
October 2026 Blue Star fares.
Ferries arrive at Korissia, the port village on the north-west coast; Ioulida is 6 km uphill.
Lavrio is about 40 minutes from Athens airport by taxi, with KTEL buses from the airport and from Pedion Areos in central Athens.
Ferries leave from the town quay. Be there 30–45 minutes before departure, or an hour with a vehicle.
Buses and taxis run to Ioulida and the beaches; book a taxi ahead on summer weekends.
A car is useful: the island is hilly and the beaches are spread out.
Friday evening and Sunday afternoon ferries are very busy in summer, especially with cars: book early.
Old paved paths link Ioulida with the coast and the ancient sites.
Taking a camper, motorhome, van or your boat on a trailer to Kea? Big vehicles need a little more planning on Greek ferries. Here is what to know, for holidays and for business.
Give the exact length and height of your camper, van or car with caravan, including bike racks, roof boxes and tow bars. The ferry fare and deck space depend on them, and a vehicle bigger than booked may be refused or charged extra at the port.
Vehicles running on LPG or other gas, and hybrid or electric vehicles, must be declared when you book. Gas tanks may be filled to no more than 50% and EV batteries charged to no more than 40%. Make sure gas bottles are turned off before boarding.
Be at the port at least 1 hour before departure. Large vehicles are loaded in the order set by the port authority, so arriving early helps. Book well ahead in July and August: garage space for big vehicles runs out first.
Only the driver stays with the vehicle to drive it on and off; everyone else boards on foot. Nobody may stay in the vehicle during the crossing, so take what you need for the trip with you.
Taking your own boat? We also book ferry tickets for a car towing a boat trailer. Give the total length of car, trailer and boat together, and the height of the boat on the trailer, including any mast, frame or outboard engine.
Vans carrying goods, tools or equipment for work may be booked as commercial vehicles, with a different fare and different paperwork from a private car. Tell us what the vehicle carries and its weight.
Several vehicles and drivers on the same sailing, or regular crossings for a project? We book them together so your team travels on the same ship.
Length, height and weight decide the category. Include racks, ladders and trailers, and tell us if anything is loaded on the roof.
Commercial vehicles may need to be at the port earlier than cars. We confirm the exact check-in time and gate for your sailing.
Travelling for work? We issue an invoice in your company’s name. Send us the company name, address and VAT number with your quote request.
A 6th-century BC stone lion on the hillside.
A yacht harbour with waterfront tavernas.
Sandy bays on the west coast.
The ruins of an ancient city by the sea, reached on foot.
A sheltered sandy bay.
Kea is relaxed: dinner by the water in Vourkari and Korissia, and a drink in Ioulida’s squares. Weekends are livelier when Athenians arrive.
About 1 hour from Lavrio.
From €11.50 on Blue Star and €16 on Karystia (October 2026).
Yes, every day from Lavrio. Get a vehicle quote.
By KTEL bus from Athens airport or Pedion Areos, or about 40 minutes by taxi from the airport.
