Close to Athens but part of the Cyclades island chain, Tzia offers invigorating walks past ancient cities and a wide choice of sandy beaches. Cosmopolitan and friendly Tzia is just an hour away from the port of Lavrio, east of Athens.

Those who know the island – whether as Tzia or its alternative Kea – begin their weekend sojourns in spring, enjoying fresh fish at the tavernas in the marinas. You’ll love discovering its beaches, old churches, Hellenistic towers, watermills and windmills… and trekking its trails that pass no fewer than four ancient cities (Ioulis, Korissia, Poiessa and Karthaia).

Mythology says that the first home of the nymphs was here and it isn’t hard to imagine why. The sandy beaches of Vourkari, Gialiskari, Korissia, Koundouros, Orkos, Pisses and Spathi are shaded by eucalyptus trees, among others, and all boast calm, clear waters.