Day Trip: Athens – Kea Island
I received an email from Ryanair: “Due to the current situation, the flight has been canceled.”
It didn’t take me long to realize that this was actually an opportunity — maybe it was a good time to go to an island and change the atmosphere a bit. There’s a ferry that leaves at 9:30 AM from Lavrio port.
I went to bed early, but I was so excited about the trip to the island that I couldn’t fall asleep — or at least that’s how it felt. I got out of bed before the alarm even rang. A quick shower, coffee, and I entered the destination into the GPS.
7:30 in the morning. I’m already riding toward the town of Lavrio. A 45-minute ride on the highway. I turn left into the port. In front of me is the ticket booth. €32 for me and the motorcycle.
The ferry is waiting and boarding is open. The crew ties down the motorcycle with a rope to keep it from moving. I head up to the deck and sit on a chair near the counter that sells drinks and snacks. I buy a coffee, sip it slowly, and enjoy the pleasant weather and the open blue sea. Along the way, we pass by a large uninhabited island. After an hour of sailing, the island comes into view. The ferry slows down, turns around, and docks at the small island port. Vehicles disembark one after another onto a street lined with white stone buildings on the right side.
I park near the ticket office and buy a return ticket to Lavrio for 5:45 PM. Now I have the whole day to explore the island.
It’s so beautiful here. Narrow roads follow the coastline, climb up into the hills, and descend again to other beaches. A true playground — I ride with no destination.
The road takes me along the sea, which flows into a stunning bay. I follow the road as it climbs up the mountain. From here, the view of the bay is even more breathtaking. I turn right onto a dirt road that winds through spectacular scenery.
Oops — I’ve reached the other side of the island. What a joy! It’s a small island — in just two hours of riding, you can circle the whole island, and with a few more hours, you can venture into the small roads that pass through amazing villages.
I continue along a narrow, winding road toward the town of Loulis — the island’s main town. I park the motorcycle outside the town; vehicles aren’t allowed in. As I walk through the town’s streets, I understand why — the streets are narrow and picturesque, with no roads for cars. The town is built on a hillside. You can get around on foot or by donkey. There are small, charming cafés and little restaurants, and everything feels quiet and pleasant.
It’s lunchtime — a good time to sit down and eat something. I order souvlaki and grilled cheese that looks similar to halloumi. Two cats stick close to my table, waiting for leftovers. I take my time. After all, the island sets its own pace. You can’t just hop on the road and burn through kilometers — and that’s the beauty of this place. You can turn onto countless small paths that lead to coves you can only imagine. You can explore every corner of the island.
It’s a good time to find a beach and enjoy the island.
I get back on the motorcycle and ride to one of the island’s coves. Amazing — the island is empty of tourists, and it’s such a pleasure.
After a conversation with one of the locals, I learn that during the tourist season, it’s mostly Greek vacationers who come here. That’s what gives the place its unique, uncommercialized character.
Time flies — it’s already 4:30 PM. I ride to the port and find a café facing the spot where the ferry is supposed to dock. I’m not even done with my double espresso when I see the ferry entering the port.
There’s no need to rush — first, the vehicles and passengers need to disembark. I show my ticket to the crew member checking them and ride into the belly of the ship.
One more hour of sailing, another 50 minutes of riding — and there I am, back on the streets of Athens, heading home.
