The enigmatic Kea Lion, chiselled from slate in the 6th century BC, lies across a small valley beyond the last of Ioulida’s houses. The 15-minute walk to reach it is fantastic: follow small wooden signs reading Aρχαίος Λέων from the top of the main street until the path leads you out of town. If you look closely you’ll see the lion across the valley – the surrounding stones are painted white.
The footpath curves past a cemetery and the lion, with its smooth-worn haunches and Cheshire-cat smile, is reached through a gate on the left. The path continues to Otzias.
