Ithaca: a guide to Odysseus's island, next to Kefalonia
Little Ithaca, Odysseus's island in tradition, is one of the quietest and loveliest in the Ionian: no airport and no crowds, just picturesque harbours and clear bays.
- Ithaca has no airport; most visitors take a 45-minute ferry from Sami on Kefalonia to Vathy or Frikes.
- Key places: Vathy, the capital; Kioni and Frikes, fishing villages in the north; and Stavros, with its Odysseus museum.
- Best months: April–May and September–October. Allow 3–5 days and hire a car (about €25–35 a day, per Greek Trip Planner).
Ithaca combines perfectly with a Kefalonia holiday: fly to Kefalonia, sail over for a few days and return. It suits couples and families after quiet, not nightlife.
Ithaca, Greece: where is it and why go?
Ithaca is a small Ionian island east of Kefalonia. In Greek tradition it is the home of Odysseus, hero of Homer's Odyssey, who returned there after ten years of wandering. Today it is quiet, green and hilly, with small harbours and clear bays, and no big resorts or nightlife. This guide draws on Greek Trip Planner's Ithaca guide.
Vathy, Kioni and Frikes
- Vathy: the capital and main port, set in a deep, sheltered bay, with a waterfront of tavernas, cafés and small shops. A handy base without a car.
- Kioni: a picturesque fishing village in the north-east, with colourful houses around a small harbour; often called the island's prettiest.
- Frikes: a small northern harbour with a few waterside tavernas; ferries from Kefalonia arrive here too.
- Stavros: a northern village with a small museum dedicated to Odysseus; nearby is the Pilikata site, which some link to Odysseus's palace.
Ithaca beaches
According to Greek Trip Planner, these stand out:
- Filiatro: a bay with clear water and pine trees, not far from Vathy.
- Dexa: very close to Vathy and easy for families.
- Gidaki: a beautiful, secluded beach reached on foot or by boat.
- Polis: a quiet, green bay near Stavros.
Most Ithaca beaches are small and pebbly, so water shoes help.
How to get to Ithaca
Ithaca has no airport. The usual route is to fly to Kefalonia, drive to Sami port and take a ferry of about 45 minutes to Vathy or Frikes. In summer there are also ferries from Astakos on the mainland. Check timetables in advance, as frequency drops out of season.
For the flight: flights from Israel to Kefalonia. For a base next door: where to stay in Kefalonia.
How many days do you need in Ithaca?
According to Greek Trip Planner, 3–5 days cover Vathy, the northern villages and the main beaches. A day trip from Kefalonia is possible, but you will only see a small part.
Practical tips
- Car: roads wind and the northern villages are far from Vathy. Greek Trip Planner puts car hire at about €25–35 a day.
- When to go: April–May and September–October are pleasant, green and quiet. July and August are hotter, with more yachts in the harbours.
- Weather: the climate is similar to neighbouring Kefalonia; see Kefalonia weather by month.
- With kids: there are no big attractions, but the calm bays suit children. See also Kefalonia with kids.
FAQ
Does Ithaca have an airport? No. Fly to Kefalonia and take the 45-minute ferry from Sami to Vathy or Frikes.
How many days do you need in Ithaca? Three to five days cover the capital, the northern villages and the main beaches.
Is Ithaca good for nightlife? Not really. The island is quiet, with tavernas and cafés in the harbours, and suits couples and families.
When is the best time to visit Ithaca? April–May and September–October, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors.
