KEA is only 15 miles away from Attica, and it is the first island belonging to the Cycladian group. It is also known as TZIA and this name remains from the Venetian era. The total surface of the island is 131 sq. km (the 6^th largest island after Naxos, Andros, Paros, Tinos and Milos). Its circumference is 86 km and it has a population of 1.787 permanent inhabitants (census 1991). The port of KEA is 40 miles away from Piraeus, 16 miles from Lavrion and 33 miles from the capital of the Cyclades, Hermoupolis in Syra.

The island is rather mountainous but it does not lack fertile valleys and hills, such as the Valley of Milopotamos and Otzias in the north, the valley of Poiessa (Pisses) in the west and the valley of Spathi in the east. The highest mountain on the island is Profitis Elias (568m.)

When one sees the island from far away it seems barren, but in reality there are plenty of oak trees. Many years ago the acorn-shells of these trees were used for tanning purposes and that was a great source of income for the residents of the island.

The basic occupation of the islanders was, and still is, cattle rasing. The cows of KEA are of the best; pigs, goats and sheep are also raised on the island. Apart from dairy products (milk, cheese, butter etc), KEA also produces vegetables, fruit and nuts of high quality.

Bee-keeping is another occupation of the residents. The Kean thyme honey is famous. Pasteli is a speciality of the island nad it is made with sesame seed and honey.

In older times, the island had excellent wine and olive oil but nowadays the quantity of these products is rather limited.

The capital of the island is IOULIS (Hora), built amphitheatrically, on the side of a mountain, on the site of the ancient city. It is 5,5 km from Korissia (Livadi) the main port of the island.

Other villages worth mentioning are : Vourkari, a typical fishing village near Korissia, Otzias, Helinika, Katomeria and Perameria.

Included in the Municipality of KEA is the island of Makronissos. It is a barren, rocky island of 18 sq. km located between KEA and Attica.

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