ORGANIZED BOAT TOUR
Our daily cruises, also ideal for families with children and people with reduced mobility, include both stops for swimming and visits to small ports and traditional villages to admire the natural beauty of Ithaca and perceive its characteristic atmosphere while waiting for a next, more in-depth visit. The boats used can carry about 40 guests and are equipped with seats (shaded and not), toilets and equipment for swimming and snorkelling. Departure is from the port of Poros at 9:00. After a stop for a swim at a location of the captain’s choice, the first stop on land is in the capital of Ithaca, Vathy, where there are numerous references to Ulysses and his adventures (about 1 hour on land). Museums, cafes and pedestrian streets make the town perfect for a day dedicated to culture and relaxation. Entering and exiting the port you can see the island of Sotiras, Lazareto, with its 17th century church and the sanctuary of 1817. The navigation continues towards Kioni for a second stop on land; it is impossible not to fall in love with this romantic village built in an amphitheatre, with stone houses, small cafes and restaurants by the sea! The cruise ends with a final stop on a beach of the captain’s choice before returning to Poros around 5:00 pm. The boat tour to Ithaca takes place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays of every week and costs €/adult 55.00 - €/child € 30.00 (calendar, program and prices may change from year to year, please contact us for updated information).
ORGANIZED BUS TOUR
Designed for those who do not have a car during their stay, our bus tour begins with the pick-up of guests at their accommodation or a previously agreed meeting point. During the journey to Sami, the port of departure for Ithaca, on board a comfortable air-conditioned bus, you will listen to the mythological stories of Ulysses and his adventures. An expert and prepared travel guide will accompany you to Vathi, the capital of Ithaca with a famous horseshoe-shaped port, where you can enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace. You will then embark on a mini cruise to the village of Kioni, one of the most picturesque ports on the island, and to Gidaki beach for a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters. Gidaki is a true paradise with calm and turquoise waters, sheltered and exclusive because it is accessible only by sea. Kioni is instead a pretty traditional village built on the slopes of a mountain, with small stone houses and a small fishing port with taverns and cafes. Once landed here, there will be free time for lunch or a relaxing break. The last stop of the tour is at the village of Stavros, a charming town located at the foot of the Neritos hill overlooking the bay of Polis, before returning by ferry to Sami and the bus transfer to the return point. The cost (to be defined for the 2025 season) includes bus, guide, ferry tickets, mini boat cruise to Kioni and Gidaki, insurance. Lunch, drinks and any personal expenses are not included. We recommend bringing comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit and a towel for the bath.
DIY TOUR
Every traveller returns from Ithaca richer, just as Cavafy says, with memories and experiences. What they take away with them, however, is knowledge based on their own perceptions, on a program made according to their interests and the needs of their travel companions. So how do you plan the schedule of your very personal day in Ithaca? We have created an itinerary for you here based on the most popular stops and the most frequent recommendations, but we submit it to you together with a very hot piece of advice: follow it only in part, as an indicative track to adapt to your times. Enjoy the island as it presents itself to you at the moment in all its magic, letting yourself be surprised by unexpected views and roads that seem to call you to be traveled. Enjoy the adventure more than the destination and remember, Ithaca managed to bring home even a wandering spirit like Ulysses. We bet it will be able to bring you back for a second and more in-depth visit as well!
- The first ferry connecting Sami to Ithaca – Pisaetos is at 08.15. The crossing lasts only about twenty minutes but it is preferable to leave as early as possible to dedicate all the time available to Ithaca! Information and complete ferry schedules are available on the website of the Ionion Pelagos company at this link: https://ionionpelagos.com/en/content/110.
- A journey to discover Ithaca can only start from its capital, Vathi, located just 15 minutes from the port of Pisaetos. The town develops on a horseshoe-shaped bay that throughout history has provided a safe shelter to boats from all over the Mediterranean and is still chosen as a landing point by countless travellers discovering the Ionian Islands. A walk along the seafront among cafes and taverns, a photo of the famous statue dedicated to Ulysses and a visit to the city archaeological museum are among the favourite stops for visitors.
- The beaches of Sarakiniko and Filiathro are just a few minutes’ drive from Vathi. For a quick stop we suggest the most popular one, the exotic and cosmopolitan Filiathro. You will find umbrellas, showers and toilets on site, as well as a convenient car park and a tavern. There are many things to see in a few hours but a swim and a cold coffee are absolutely necessary to regenerate from the summer heat! Remember to bring your rock shoes with you, the beach is pebbly.
- The Monastery of Katharon, located at the highest point of the island, offers a breathtaking view of Ithaca and Kefalonia. Although it is at sunset that the colours are most suggestive, it is possible to take wonderful photos and let yourself be conquered by the peace of the place at any time of the day.
- Anogi is about 10 minutes from the monastery of Katharon and is the oldest village on the island. It hosts remains from the Venetian period (the bell tower and the church dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, with frescoes from the 17th century that have resisted time and earthquakes on the island) and interesting megaliths up to 8 meters high, silent witnesses of how Ithaca was already inhabited in ancient times.
- Kioni is one of the main tourist spots on the island. The local economy revolves around the port, which thanks to its picturesque appearance, the houses (re)built in Ionian style and the many taverns is a regular destination for excursions, private boats and yachts. In summer the village is pedestrianized, so it is necessary to park outside the village to take a short walk and take some photographs before heading to the less touristy Frikes.
- A small fishing port with a small village behind it, Frikes is wonderfully “just” that. Despite the increase in tourists in recent years, the village still has the authentic face and relaxed atmosphere of the Ionian Islands. Why not stop here for a traditional lunch before continuing?
- A few minutes’ drive will take you to Stavros, one of the largest and most historically significant villages on the island. A bust of Ulysses stands in the main square, and finds in the area near the village suggest that the king’s palace was located here. A scale model of the palace (known as the School of Homer) can be visited, along with a small archaeological museum.
- If you still have some time before taking the ferry, a final swim will be especially welcome for the little ones. The last recommended stop is at Aspros Gialos beach, with small, light-coloured pebbles, turquoise waters, and an inevitable backdrop of pine, cypress, and olive trees that make the scenery even more idyllic. A short 5/10-minute walk on a dirt path is required to reach the beach.
- The ferry leaves from Pisaetos at 4:45 p.m., so you need to arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes beforehand.
Photo credit: discovergreece.com
