Just across a narrow strait from Kefalonia's eastern shore lies Ithaca — the legendary home of Odysseus, and one of the most rewarding day trips you can make from the island. While you can reach Ithaca by the regular ferry, the boat tours are something else entirely: a full day on the water, sailing the coastline, swimming in coves you could never reach by car, and stepping ashore in the island's quiet, green harbours.
For many visitors it is the most memorable day of their Kefalonia holiday — a proper little adventure to a real, inhabited island, wrapped in hours of Ionian sailing and swimming.
What an Ithaca Boat Tour Is Like
Most tours set off in the morning from the northern and eastern harbours and cross the strait toward Ithaca, often with the first swim stop along Kefalonia's own coast before you even arrive. The crossing itself is short and beautiful, with the green hills of both islands rising on either side.
Once at Ithaca, the day usually mixes time ashore with time at anchor: a stop in one of the harbours for lunch and a wander, and one or two swim stops in the clear bays that ring the island. The pace is unhurried — this is a day to swim, eat, doze on deck, and watch the coastline drift by, not a rushed sightseeing dash.
The Harbours You'll See
Ithaca is small, and its harbours are its charm. Vathy, the main town, curls around one of the Ionian's most sheltered natural harbours, with cafés and tavernas along the waterfront. Frikes is a tiny, pretty fishing port in the north, and nearby Kioni — a cluster of pastel houses around a horseshoe bay — is one of the most photographed spots in the Ionian. Which harbours your tour visits depends on the route, so it is worth checking before you book if there is one you particularly want to see.
Where Tours Depart From
Ithaca boat tours leave mainly from Kefalonia's east and north: Fiskardo, the elegant northern harbour, is the closest launch point and a beautiful place to start the day; Sami and Agia Efimia on the east coast are the other main departure points, well placed for the crossing. As always, the easiest choice is the harbour nearest where you are staying.
Who It's For
An Ithaca boat tour suits travellers who want a real day out rather than a quick excursion — families, couples and groups all enjoy them, and the mix of sailing, swimming and time ashore keeps everyone happy. Strong swimmers love the open-water swim stops; those who just want to relax can stay on deck. If you have even a passing interest in Homer and the Odyssey, setting foot on Ithaca itself adds a quiet thrill to the day.
Tips for the Best Trip
Book ahead in July and August — the popular Ithaca tours fill quickly in peak season. Bring sun protection, a hat, a towel and a swimsuit you are already wearing, plus water shoes if you have them, as some swim stops are off rocky coves. Take cash for lunch and drinks ashore, and something waterproof for your phone. And if a particular harbour — Kioni, especially — is on your wish list, confirm the route covers it before booking.
Ready to sail to Homer's island? Compare and book the top-rated Ithaca boat tours from Kefalonia below, or ask Memas, our AI island guide, which departure point and route suit where you are staying.
For the full picture of getting out on the water here, see our complete guide to Kefalonia boat trips and cruises.
Part of our complete guide: Kefalonia Boat Trips & Cruises
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