The most intriguing artefacts displayed at this well-presented museum were ancient even before Kea's four archaic city-states were formed. The 13 terracotta figurines of bare-breasted women are the best preserved of 50 recovered from a temple at Agia Irini (Vourkari Bay), dating from between 3300 and 1100 BC. Were they goddesses, priestesses or devotees? Nobody knows.
Archaeological Museum of Kea
Cyclades
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.23 MILES
The Ancient Greeks knew how to choose a site for a temple. At Cape Sounion, 70km south of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon stands on a craggy spur that…
5.59 MILES
From the 8th century BC until the 7th century AD, this remote twin cove was the site of the ancient city of Karthaia, one of Kea's four historic city…
-
0.36 MILES
The enigmatic 8m-long Kea Lion, chiselled from schist sometime between the 9th and 6th century BC, lies along the ridge beyond the last of Ioulida’s…
-
27.13 MILES
This partially restored temple to the goddess of the hunt dates from approximately 420 BC, with some earlier remains. Most remarkable is an ancient stone…
-
27.05 MILES
Spread across a 9-acre estate 2km north of Karystos, the Montofoli vineyard is famous for its prize-winning sweet dessert wines produced by owners Danae…
-
15.77 MILES
The island's most famous beach is the exquisite double bay of Kolona, a thin shadeless strip of sand anchoring a small headland to the main island. In…
-
28.01 MILES
A 3km, one-hour walk signposted from upper Myli (4km north of Karystos) leads northeast to an abandoned Roman quarry (Kylindroi, meaning 'cylinder'),…
-
Archaeological Museum of Karystos
26.07 MILES
Karystos' small, insightful museum, opposite the Bourtzi, highlights the region's long history and ancient power. Displays, with multilingual booklets,…
Nearby Cyclades attractions
0.36 MILES
The enigmatic 8m-long Kea Lion, chiselled from schist sometime between the 9th and 6th century BC, lies along the ridge beyond the last of Ioulida’s…
3.47 MILES
From Otzias, a spectacular coastal road runs for 6.5km to this clifftop, 18th-century monastery, offering extraordinary views to the surrounding islands…
5.59 MILES
From the 8th century BC until the 7th century AD, this remote twin cove was the site of the ancient city of Karthaia, one of Kea's four historic city…
12.83 MILES
Located on Cape Kefalos, a 90-minute picturesque ramble northwest from Loutra, these beautifully situated ruins are all that remains of a medieval city of…
15.77 MILES
The island's most famous beach is the exquisite double bay of Kolona, a thin shadeless strip of sand anchoring a small headland to the main island. In…
16.03 MILES
Aprokrousi is a wide strip of gravelly brown sand with a couple of tavernas, a popular beach bar and ample parking.
16.58 MILES
Lavrio's small archaeological museum holds finds from the area, mostly stone carvings. Some date to 5000 BC. Entrance and parking is on the small branch…
16.7 MILES
If you happen to be in town during the museum's limited opening hours, peek in to see fabulous crystals and metals mined from the area, plus learn a bit…