The tiny island Thimena offers a serene escape from mass tourism. The tranquil atmosphere, impressive nature, and beautiful beaches make it a one-of-a-kind destination.
A rocky island in the Fourni archipelago, Thimena boasts stunning beaches and a peaceful environment. Its secluded location also makes it ideal for hiking and relaxing.
1. To Spiti Sti Hora
Located in the far east of the Fourni complex, Thimena is a secluded island with magnificent beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike the more famous islands in the group, it has no mass tourism and remains true to its Greek heritage. It is a perfect escape for day trippers who want to experience authentic Greek life away from the crowds and tourist traps.
One of the best places to eat in Thimena is To Spiti Sti Hora. Located at the top of Ioulida, this traditional restaurant offers delicious food and stunning views. The chef’s creative touch is evident throughout the menu and highlights the fresh ingredients from Kea. They serve delicious salads, meat-based dishes, desserts and drinks. They also make their own loza, which is a traditional local deli meat that you can’t miss out on trying.
The bar at To Spiti Sti Hora takes on a whole different dimension at sunset. You can enjoy cocktails, ouzo and jazz music in a relaxing setting while overlooking the village. It is a place where you can truly relax and let your troubles melt away.
In addition to To Spiti Sti Hora, there are many other excellent places to eat on Kea. In Vourkari, there is the Seirios restaurant where you can have a delicious Mediterranean meal while enjoying the sea breeze. In Ioulida, you can try the psistaria-ouzeri at Spathi Beach and Guevsi Apolavsi for pizzas and pastas. The new Gustosa Trattoria is also worth checking out, as they offer a variety of pasta dishes and have a wonderful view of Ioulida.
If you’re looking for something quick, try Cafe O Filakias near the Piatsa restaurant. They serve great coffee, deserts and cocktails. For a more sit-down option, Ioulis House is a good choice with loukoumades, gelato and lots of other pastries and coffee.
2. Cafes En Lefko
The beautiful island of Thimena is a hidden gem, a place where time stands still and beauty abounds. Located in the Fourni archipelago, the island is home to a number of stunning beaches, and offers a peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The island is also known for its traditional coffee shops and scrumptious sweets. In addition to this, the island is a great place for those looking for a bit of adventure, with a variety of hiking trails criss-crossing the landscape.
The second largest island in the Fourni complex, Thimena is a quiet island with only 150 residents and a slow pace of life. The island is a paradise of secret beaches and coves, with crystal clear waters and lush vegetation. Its name derives from the thyme plants that grow everywhere on the island and fill the air with their scent. Visiting Thimena is like stepping into a different world, with its small picturesque houses and hospitable people.
Visitors can spend their days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Thimena or exploring the coves and trails that criss-cross the landscape. The most popular beach on the island is Keramidou, which is within walking distance of the village. Other beaches on the island include Lakkos and Spiti Sti Hora, both of which offer stunning views of the sea and crystal clear waters.
For those who want to dine in style, Yefsis and Lefko is one of the best places to eat in Thimena. The restaurant features a lovely view of the harbor and offers delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes. The menu includes a variety of fresh seafood and pasta, as well as a range of appetizers, including warm Greek pitta bread in olive oil and oregano, cheese balls, kefalotyri saganaki (fried hard cheese), and mikrolimano prawns. The restaurant is also known for its wine selection, and guests can enjoy a glass of Retsina or Tsipouro with their meal.
3. Panorama Zacharaoplastion
The rocky island of Thimena is the perfect destination for a day trip to experience the raw and unspoiled beauty of Greece. The island’s only village has a small population of 150 inhabitants and offers a peaceful escape from the mainland. The island is surrounded by steep cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and crystal clear waters. Visitors can spend the day exploring the hiking trails or relaxing on one of the many stunning beaches. The most popular beach is Keramidou, which is located within walking distance of the village.
The island takes its name from the thyme that grows abundantly throughout the area, and it has a secluded location that makes it a peaceful oasis away from mass tourism. The main village has a few family-run hotels and casual taverns that serve traditional Greek food.
Thimena is the hidden gem of Fourni that you’ve been searching for. The beautiful beaches, secluded environment, and natural beauty of the island make it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The island is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits!
4. Cafe O Filakias
Thimena is a hidden treasure, untouched by mass tourism and surrounded by stunning beaches. Visiting the village offers a truly authentic Greek experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a natural paradise where they can relax and recharge their batteries. The quaint island is also home to a number of impressive nature trails, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
In the heart of Ioulida, Cafe O Filakias serves delicious food and refreshing cocktails in a playful setting. The restaurant has a small number of tables scattered around the paved alley and on the small terrace, offering diners a unique view of the beautiful village. The menu is limited but well executed, with a good selection of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean spices.
The highlight of this popular local spot is the delicious saganaki, a dish made of freshly grilled shrimp covered in melted cheese and served with tomatoes and feta sauce. Another must-try is the grilled lamb chops, which are cooked to perfection. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and welcoming.
Cafe O Filakias is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is a great place to visit any time of the day. They have a nice variety of drinks and deserts on the menu and are sure to satisfy your craving for Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to Café O Filakias, there are a number of other great places to eat in Thimena. The Otzias Taverna, formerly owned by Yannis Stefas, is the best sea-side fish taverna on the island, serving dishes like grilled sardines and fried gavros. Alternatively, you can try the new Gustosa Trattoria for pizzas and pastas with a rooftop view of Ioulida.
5. Ioulis House
Ioulis House is a unique example of a modern independent townhouse aesthetically integrated at a privileged location within a Cycladic island’s capital or “chora”. The property offers mesmerizing vistas, breathtaking sunsets, luxury and serenity.
This quaint house, which accommodates up to 3 guests, is located in the highest point of the traditional village of Ioulis. It features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, a full kitchen and all the comforts of home. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities and services, including private parking, a bakery, mini-market and a restaurant famous for its gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.
The best thing about this small, cozy house is that it’s only a few steps away from the evocative stone-paved alleyways of Ioulis, where you can find a number of quaint shops and restaurants serving local dishes. You can also visit the archeological museum, which is only a short walking distance from the house.
Kea has a number of ancient sites to visit and picturesque villages steeped in traditional customs. You can walk around the cobbled narrow streets, visit a medieval tower and unusual old churches, or stop by traditional kafenias and casual tavernas. The island’s beaches are equally impressive, featuring crystal clear waters and a peaceful environment.
One of the best places to eat in Thimena is Panormos, a mother/daughter run restaurant that serves non-traditional Greek options. The menu includes fresh seafood dishes and tasty pizzas. Another great option is Meltemi, which offers cold drinks and snacks. The cafe has a great view of the sea and is a good place to refuel after a long hike. The owners are extremely friendly and can offer you helpful tips about the island.