Although it’s the closest island to the Greek mainland, Kea often gets overlooked for the more popular Cyclades islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Nevertheless, it has its own merits. Upon arriving from Athens, you’ll find a church to the Virgin Mary built into a cave, ancient mule paths full of monuments, a neoclassical town hall, and the ruins of a medieval castle. Kea is full of fascinating historic sites to explore, including numerous shipwrecks just off the coast like the HMHS Britannic.