The
island of Kea (Tzia) is mostly barren with patches of cultivated and wooded ground
near the coast. The lyric poets Simonides and Bacchlides come from
this island. The picturesque hamlet of Vourkari is most popular
and has excellent restaurants.
The large protected bay was once
important as a coaling station for steamers. The beautiful 'Chora'
on the hill, a huddle of glaring white houses, is well worth a visit.
A large lion carved from the rock face is attributed to an Ionian
sculptor from around 600 BC.