Boring autumn days in beautiful Kea
A bad trip
Before I start writing anything, I must say that the photos you see in this post are from two one-day visits to the island of Kea (or Tzia) in late autumn, in winter weather.
New destinations always attract me, and I can't wait to capture their unique essence through my lens. Kea is a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea, with the great advantage of being close to Athens. You can get there in less than two hours from the city center. Many people have their vacation homes there, and even more visit it for weekend summer swims.
However, my experiences there are far from the vivid images I had imagined. In this post, unfortunately, you will see a few pictures showing a deserted, barren place and a photographer who was not particularly inspired during the few hours he spent there.
The charm of Kea: I didn’t find it
Kea, also known as Tzia, is a Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago, about an hour by boat from Lavrio. Its charming villages, ancient ruins, and tranquil beaches have long been renowned. The island's warm Mediterranean climate offers mild temperatures and clear skies, making it an attractive destination for travelers and photographers.
The island's landscape, with its hilly terrain and dry climate, seemed ideal for finding beautiful images. However, my experience was anything but ideal.
It all started to go wrong from the moment I boarded the small ferry from Lavrio to cross over. Although it looks like child's play at a glance on the map, believe me, it's not if you happen to encounter 7-force winds in a small open car ferry.
Once we made it across, I started exploring a small part of the island. I met very few people, and they didn't seem very friendly. The alleys, which I imagine are lively in the summer, were deserted, and moisture and mold had covered even the steps of the houses. It was a rather eerie experience, even though we were so close to Athens.
“Greece is a good place to look at the moon, isn’t it?”
Autumn in Kea: A season of transition
Autumn in Kea is characterized by moderate temperatures and reduced rainfall. Personally, I was rather unlucky with the bitter cold and the howling wind, especially the first time.
The colors around me were dull and lifeless, and I couldn't find many subjects to photograph.
At least the second time around, I was lucky and the sun came out strong, despite the persistent cold. I managed to take some photos that look more "spring-like," but don't be fooled: the wind was still freezing.
Lessons learned
Reflecting on my brief experience on the island, I realize that not all places are beautiful in all seasons, and that no matter how open your eyes are, sometimes the gods of photography will not grant your wishes.
The island did not move me as I had hoped. Every trip offers opportunities to improve yourself, and no trip is ever a waste of time.
Once again, I have to mention that I stayed there just for a few hours each day, so I didn’t really experienced all the perks this island has to offer.
I won't lie; both times I was very happy to leave. I was looking forward to returning to Athens more than usual.
If you are thinking of visiting Kea in the fall, send me a message, maybe the third time will be the charm.
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