Area Spathi
The Name of Spathi
According to local tradition, the area of Spathi is associated with two different stories regarding the origin of its name.
The first suggests that the bay was named after its shape, as the coastline meeting the sea resembles the handle of a sword (spathi in Greek). The second version claims that, in the past, the area was linked to sword production by pirates, which later gave the bay its name.
On the southern slope that naturally encloses the bay, traces of an ancient mining site have also been discovered, adding another layer to the area’s historical character.
Location & Landscape
Spathi is located approximately 17 km from the island’s port, with the final 5 km reached via a dirt road — a route that enhances the sense of seclusion and escape.
Situated on the northeastern side of Kea, the bay is naturally protected from the northern summer winds (meltemia). The beach is among the longest on the island, known for its clear blue waters and open, unspoilt landscape.
If you are lucky enough to meet a local, you may hear stories of carefree times shaped by the area’s former isolation. Until relatively recently, Spathi remained one of the most remote parts of the island — even the dirt road leading here is less than 30 years old.
Stories are told of children spending entire days and nights on the beach, of fishermen welcomed by local families and exchanging their catch for simple goods, and of shared meals prepared with ingredients that came almost entirely from the sea.
These memories reflect a way of life closely connected to nature and the rhythms of the bay.
In the wider area of Spathi, you will find a small number of holiday homes, seaside accommodations and a beachfront destination combining a restaurant and sunbeds, all sharing the calm rhythm of the bay.
Local products are also available in the area, most notably thyme honey from Spathi, along with other small-scale goods connected to the island’s traditions.
For hiking enthusiasts, a scenic trail connects Spathi with Ioulida, covering a distance of approximately 4.8 kilometres. The route offers a rewarding walk through the island’s landscape, linking the coast with the historic heart of Kea.
During the summer months, thanks to the bay’s natural shelter, sailing boats and small vessels are often moored close to the shore, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
Spathi is also considered one of the island’s most beautiful spots to experience the full moon, as it rises above the beach and reflects on the sea.