Inspite of being the capital of the island it is a traditional village reflecting the island’s spirit with donkeys used for transportation and central squares dotted with cafes and restaurants. The Kastro (Castle), with the remains of the Venetian wall and acropolis, the church of Agia Paraskevi, the Episcopi Monastery, the Archeological Museum hosting ancient artifacts from excavations that took place on the island are also sites that one must visit as well as the neoclassical buildings of the city hall and the school, the Agia Anna Monastery, the Church and Tower of Agia Marina and the Cathedral of the Annunciation.

The most important of the 4 city states of Kea in ancient times with the Dorian temple of Athena, the temple of Pithiou Apollo, the temple of Asklipios and the ancient theater. When you get there, it seems that you can actually revive the past; even the road to reach it has remained intect throughout all those centuries and has remained the same as the ancient road that connected old Karthea with the other settlements and towns of the island. The itinerary itself is an attraction as the rich flora and fauna of the island unfolds before the visitor’s eyes while he enters the ancient grounds and sees in the background the endless sea. The temple of Athena is on the north side of the ancient settlement, while the temple of Apollo is on the south. In the same valley, the valley of Vathipotamos, the ancient theatre was discovered and a part of the ancient irrigation system.

The seaside resort of Vourkari, a quaint fishing village with exceptional restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, an art gallery with paintings by local artists and picturesque houses built according to tradition. A great option for nightlife too as most of the best bars on the island are gathered in Vourkari.