The Cyclades island complex in the Aegean is a popular destination for foreign and Greek tourists alike. Small islands, traditional villages and towns, sandy beaches and plenty of … cultural events every summer!

• Kea Island - Fairy Tales Festival

The 8th Fairy Tales Festival is being held on the island of Kea (or Tzia), from July 17 to 25.

This Europe-wide institution gives the opportunity to Greek and foreign artists to present their work. Under the title "Metamorphoses," this year’s programme includes fairy-tale narratives, musical-art events, art exhibitions, puppet shows, shadow theatre, as well as workshops for children and adults.

• Kea’s Walking Trails

The exceptionally picturesque island of Kea (or Tzia) lies very close to the south-east coast of Attica and for this reason it is one of the most popular destinations of Athenians.

The island’s capital, Hora or Ioulida, has maintained its Cycladic idiom intact. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre, at the site of ancient Ioulis, it offers the visitor an impressive sight of two-storey houses, steep cobbled alleyways, and splendid churches.

Not far from Hora, on an old stone road, lies the Lion of Kea, an archaic structure (6th Century) carved out in stone. On the western side, there is Aghios Nikolaos bay, which is considered to be one of the safest harbours in the Mediterranean, and Vourkari, a cosmopolitan fishing village. Kea is also a walker’s haven, as it has a wide network (36 kilometers) of mostly stone-paved old trails and footpaths.

Athens Plus (02.07.10): Kea-Walking trails (p. 36)