At an altitude of 395m on the east side of the island, within a protected (“NATURA 2000”) royal oak forest, a 100+ year old renovated traditional cycladic stone hut is available for renting.
Under a maple tree, an old stable for cows, chicken and hogs has been transformed into a cave-like residence. Fully equipped to be used as an ideal mini cottage.
The old hearth, stone benches, troughs, walls and slabs are living reminders of its original form. The inhabitants enjoy the calmness of the interior and its’ courtyard, enclosed by a high stone wall, makes the settlement a really private place to relax.
Retaining its purposefulness as a down to the basics architectural approach with a high attention to craftsmanship, this old rural building encompasses the motto “less is more”.
It all adds up as you watch the sun rising from the deep blue sea in front of you…
Croft
The hut is surrounded by 2,000 sq.m. of land that overlooks the Eastern Cyclades, such as Andros, Tinos, Mykonos & Kythnos. The eastern orientation allows you to enjoy many hours of sunshine and the moon rise during the night as the starry sky is all yours to dream on.
The old threshing floor is in the highest spot of the plot overseeing the closer inner island mountain ranges. A rainfed vegetable garden is cultivated with traditional varieties of Greek fruits and vegetables.The olive trees, maple, almond and wild pear trees, a wild fig tree, a lemon verbena, greek herbs (oregano, thyme, marjoram), shrubbery and thistle are your silent green neighbours in need of human alliance:
The area is often visited by wily goats, gluttonous sheep and jumpy rabbits. Luckily for them we are pro-wool and the occasional sheep bell rings nicely to our ears.
Depending on the season various birds fly upon us: falcons, bee-eaters, goldfinches, woodpeckers, robins and if you are lucky enough 2 pairs of eagles. All in all, what you see and hear is entirely welcomed, not much can be done other than birdwatching if things get edgy…It is their territory and a good chance to make feathery friends.
Where
In order to reach Lavrio port you need approx 40 min from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. The ferry boat trip from Lavrio to Kea's port, Korissia, is a pleasant one hour as you pass by the unpopulated island of Makronissos and its old lighthouse on the east and the Temple of Poseidon at cape Sounion on the west.
Having arrived at the small and welcoming port of Kea you can find anything you need: super markets that accept credit cards, fish & meat tavernas, bank & ATM, pharmacy, travel agency, bakery, etc.
Travelling towards the capital of the island, Ioulis or Chora you will need 10min to reach it. After Chora, at 1,2km you will reach a junction that directs you towards Ellinika & Kato Meria or Koundouros. You opt for the first (Ellinia & Kato Meria) and you travel for another 10km (approx 10min) where you head towards the hamlet of Ellinika. Before the entrance to Ellinika, on the external side of the apex stands a house and a stable which are "guarding" a dirt road. You carefully cross the road and join the dirt road. After approx 1km you meet another junction. You take the direction to the right and at the end of the road with the most beautiful view (approx 1km) you reach the end of the road.
Welcome!!!
-Useful information:
Flights to Athens with Aegean or British Airways (Two or three ferries a day between Lavrio and Kea, €12); The easiest way is to prebook a car from the airport. Alternatively, you can reach Lavrio port from the airport by a taxi which you can also prebook from the airport (about €50 for an airport taxi). If you wish you can rent a car from the island.
-How far away from essentials?
10min from Kato Meria hamlet (mini market/no credit cards, tavern) and 10 min from Ioulis, island’s main city (super market, taverns & restaurants, butcher, bakery, bar, ATM, Health Center, pharmacy, etc).
-10min (3km) to the closest beach (Tylegraphos), 4X4 car required.
-Approx 25min for most beaches around the island.
Kea
Kea, modern Tzia, is a northern island of the Cyclades in the Aegean archipelago and it is the closest to Attica. From Eleftherios Venizelos airport to Lavrio port it takes about 40 minutes by car and one hour by ferry to Korissia port, Kea.
After suffering depopulation for many decades, Kea has been recently rediscovered by Athenians for yachting trips and as a convenient destination for holidays. The fact that it is largely ignored by island travellers because it has no connection with Piraeus port makes life more relaxed…
Its capital, Ioulis (Chora) is inland at a high altitude (like most ancient cycladic settlements, for fear of pirates) and is picturesque.
The island’s topography can be better understood through its ancient walking routes; its physical and cultural personality, such as the distinctive cycladic architecture which is the work of human hands and toil, is unfolded as you explore the inland.
Monasteries and old country churches, significant archaelogical sights and museum, fountain houses, water mills and wind mills. Stables and farmhouses, agricultural households, beekepers and owners of small livestock.
Despite the fact there is comparatively little water, the land is quite rich. Green high valleys, almond and olive groves, vineyards, barley crops and the ancient self-sown oak forest constitute the scenery. In the subsoil of Kea the deposits of iron, lead and hematite enhance the antithesis between the color of the land and the sky.
The option is difficult but in both cases blue; stay at home under the deep blue sky or go to the beaches and swim in the crystal blue Aegean sea…
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