Kea, Greece Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Kea, Greece?
- Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens, with a distance of only 40km from the mainland.
- Kea is home to the ancient cities of Ioulis and Karthaia, both of which have been inhabited since prehistoric times.
- The island was a major maritime power in the ancient world and played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War.
- Kea is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Cyclades, with crystal clear waters and white sand.
- Kea is an important stopover for migratory birds and is a popular destination for birdwatching.
Kea, Greece Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
| January |
57° F
|
° F
|
| February |
58° F
|
° F
|
| March |
59° F
|
° F
|
| April |
63° F
|
° F
|
| May |
69° F
|
° F
|
| June |
75° F
|
° F
|
| July |
79° F
|
° F
|
| August |
80° F
|
° F
|
| September |
76° F
|
° F
|
| October |
71° F
|
° F
|
| November |
65° F
|
° F
|
| December |
60° F
|
° F
|
Average Rainfall
| January |
3.5 inches
|
| February |
2.6 inches
|
| March |
1.7 inches
|
| April |
0.6 inches
|
| May |
0.3 inches
|
| June |
0.1 inches
|
| July |
0 inches
|
| August |
0.1 inches
|
| September |
0.6 inches
|
| October |
0.9 inches
|
| November |
1.6 inches
|
| December |
2.8 inches
|
Transportation on Kea, Greece
Getting to Kea, Greece and getting around. Our transportation tips will
help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
- Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
- Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.
Departure Tax
A departure tax of €12 applies for flights leaving Greece. It is usually included in airfare but confirm with your carrier.
Driving
- Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Driving Side: Right-hand side.
- Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and steep, especially in Santorini and other mountainous areas.
- Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
- Traffic Rules: Be cautious of scooters, ATVs, and heavy pedestrian traffic in towns. Parking can be limited in busy areas like Oia in Santorini or Mykonos Town.
Know Before You Go...® - Kea, Greece Travel Tips
Before making their way to Kea, Greece , vacationers like
to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a
look at our travel tips to make your time in villas
in Kea, Greece even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Ermoupoli (on Syros Island) |
| Population: |
120,000 (estimated) |
| Size: |
1,000 square miles (estimated across all islands) |
| Electric Current: |
230 |
| Official Language: |
Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. |
| Currency: |
- The official currency is the Euro (EUR).
- ATMs are available in towns and tourist areas, though it’s advisable to carry cash on smaller islands.
- Credit/debit cards are accepted at most establishments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
- Contactless payments are common in restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
|
| Tipping and Taxes: |
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% of the bill is customary.
- Tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are also common.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): 24% is typically included in the price of goods and services, though some islands benefit from reduced VAT rates.
|
| Dress Code: |
The Cyclades have a casual yet stylish Mediterranean dress code. Lightweight clothing is ideal for the warm climate. Swimwear is suitable for beaches but should be covered in towns. Smart casual attire is recommended for dining or nightlife in places like Mykonos or Santorini. |
| Topography: |
The Cyclades are renowned for their iconic whitewashed villages, clear waters, and stunning landscapes. From volcanic cliffs in Santorini to golden beaches in Paros and windmills in Mykonos, the islands are a blend of natural beauty and rich history. |
| Telephone: |
* Telephone Country Code: +30
* Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage on larger islands; connectivity may vary on smaller or remote islands.
* Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, though speeds may vary. |
Kea, Greece Weddings and Honeymoons
In the Cyclades, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.
Apply for a marriage license at the local Dimarchio (Town Hall) on the island where the ceremony will take place.
Required documents include:
- Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
- Birth certificates (translated into Greek and certified with an Apostille).
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage or single status certificate (translated into Greek).
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
- Application form provided by the Town Hall.
Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Greek by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Greek.
Costs: Marriage fees vary by island but typically range from €100 to €300. Additional costs may apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements.
Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: The Cyclades offer incredible venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including cliffside chapels, private villas, and beachfront settings. Popular spots include the caldera views in Santorini, windmills in Mykonos, and serene beaches in Naxos. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.
