The Lion of Kea is an ancient stone-carved statue on a hillside just beyond Ioulida, on the island of Kea in the Cyclades. Follow the marked path out of town for a short walk with views back towards Ioulida; the lion can be seen from the trail. Steep steps lead down to the carving, so the final approach is not wheelchair accessible. Visit for the statue and the walk, especially near sunset when the view across the valley opens towards the Aegean.
A stone lion above Ioulida
The Lion of Kea is carved from slate and dates to the 6th century BC. It lies across a small valley beyond the last houses of Ioulida. The carving’s enigmatic expression has inspired legends, including a story that a fierce lion drove the island’s nymphs away and brought drought. The lion is also known as a guard and emblem of Kea.
The reason for the carving is uncertain. Its age and setting are part of the visit: the statue sits outdoors on the hillside, reached by a path rather than a formal entrance.
The walk from town
From the top of Ioulida’s main street, follow the small wooden signs marked Αρχαίος Λέων. The trail leads out of town and across the valley; look closely and you can spot the lion from the path, with white-painted stones around it. The walk takes about 15 minutes, depending on where you start and your pace.
The route is easy to follow, but steep steps descend to the statue at the end. Those steps make the final approach unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you drive, the road to the small parking area is rough, though large trees provide shade there and a water fountain is available.
Views towards the Aegean
The trail is a reason to visit in its own right, with views back towards Ioulida. Near sunset, the town appears across the valley with the sun dipping towards the Aegean. Allow time to pause along the path, whether or not you choose to go down the final steps to the carving.
Kea’s wider trail network
The Lion’s path is one of more than 80 kilometres of trails on Kea. Other routes pass landmarks and reach parts of the island that are inaccessible by car. Bike rentals and guided tours are available through Kea Terra Active for visitors who want to explore beyond the walk from Ioulida.
Häufige Fragen
How do you get to the Lion of Kea?
From the top of Ioulida’s main street, follow the wooden signs marked Αρχαίος Λέων. The trail crosses a small valley and takes about 15 minutes from town.
How long does the walk take?
The walk from Ioulida takes about 15 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. Allow extra time to stop for the views and visit the statue.
Is the path wheelchair accessible?
No. Steep steps lead down to the statue, although you can stay on the path without taking those steps.
When is a good time to visit the Lion of Kea?
Go about 30 to 60 minutes before sunset for views of Ioulida and the Aegean from the trail.
