Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IoulidaΙουλίδα
POP 1536
Ioulida (ee-oo-
lee
-tha) is Kea's gem. Its pretty scramble of narrow alleyways and inter-
esting buildings drapes across two hilltops. Once a substantial settlement of ancient
Greece it now has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel at weekends.
The bus turnaround is on a square just at the edge of town, from where an archway
leads into the village. (Park in the car park below the square.) Beyond the archway, turn
right and uphill along Ioulida's main street for its shops and cafes and to reach the famed
Kea Lion.
Sights
Kea Lion
MONUMENT
The enigmatic Kea Lion, chiselled from slate in the 6th century BC, lies across a small
valley beyond the last of Ioulida's houses. The walk itself is fantastic. Follow wooden
signs reading Αρχαίος Λέων from the top of the main street until the path leads you out
of town (you'll see the lion if you look closely, across the valley). The footpath curves
past a cemetery and the lion, with its smooth-worn haunches and Cheshire cat smile, is
reached through a gate on the left.
The path continues to Otzias.
Archaeological Museum
MUSEUM
( 22880 22079; adult/child €2/free; 8am-3pm Tue-Sat Jun-Sep)
Find intriguing artefacts,
including some superb terracotta figurines, mostly from Agia Irini. Just before the post
office on the main thoroughfare.
Sleeping & Eating
Ask about rooms at tavernas. The best spot to eat by far is
Estiatorio I Piatsa
( 22880
22195; mains €7.50-9; lunch & dinner)
just inside the archway where packed tables full of
gregarious locals sup on grilled meat, shrimp and taverna favourites.
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Around Kea
