A stone's throw from Cape Sounion, Kea, the westernmost of the Cyclades, naturally attracts many Athenians, especially at the weekend. And yet it has retained a strong peasant identity, with fertile agricultural land and a small community happily settled in Ioulis, the superb capital. Kea also boasts ancient vestiges, testimony to its brilliant past civilisation. For keen hikers, its lush nature promises lovely walks.