Ithaca is one of the most famous islands in the world — the home of Odysseus, the destination of the epic journey — and one of the least visited in Greece. It sits just 20-30 minutes by ferry from Kefalonia's Sami port, and yet most visitors to Kefalonia never make the crossing.
That's their loss. Ithaca is small, mountainous, deeply beautiful and almost entirely free of mass tourism. Going there from Kefalonia is one of the most rewarding things you can do on an Ionian islands trip.
Getting There
The ferry from Sami (Kefalonia) to Pisaetos (Ithaca) takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run multiple times daily in summer, with reduced frequency in winter.
From Pisaetos, the main town of Vathy is about 15 minutes by car or taxi. Vathy sits in a deep, sheltered bay surrounded by hills — one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Greece.
Some operators also run day trip boats from Argostoli directly to Ithaca, combining the crossing with stops at sea caves and coves.
What to See in Ithaca
Vathy: The island's capital is small enough to explore on foot in a morning. The waterfront, the Archaeological Museum (finds from across the island's history), the characteristic blue-domed church. The atmosphere is genuinely quiet by Greek island standards — Ithaca receives a fraction of the visitors that Kefalonia does.
The Cave of the Nymphs: A short drive from Vathy, this small cave is associated with the scene in the Odyssey where Odysseus hides the gifts given to him by the Phaeacians. Whether or not the mythological connection is literal, the cave is ancient and worth visiting.
Anogi: A mountain village in the island's interior with a 13th-century church and remarkable views. The drive up is spectacular.
Beaches: Ithaca's beaches are smaller and less developed than Kefalonia's — Filiatro, Sarakiniko and Mnimata are the most accessible. The water is exceptionally clear.
Day Trip or Overnight?
A day trip from Sami is perfectly doable: ferry over in the morning, explore Vathy, lunch at a waterfront taverna, visit the Cave of the Nymphs or a beach, ferry back in the afternoon. You'll cover the island's highlights without rushing.
An overnight stay — even one night in Vathy — gives you something a day trip can't: the island after the day visitors leave. Ithaca in the evening, when the port lights reflect on the water and the tavernas fill with locals, is a different and deeply peaceful experience.
Practical Notes
Hiring a car or scooter on Ithaca is useful but not essential if you're based in Vathy. Taxis are available from the ferry port. Roads are narrow and sometimes steep — drive carefully.
Car rental companies in Kefalonia — specifically Greekstones and Pefanis — allow their vehicles to be taken to Ithaca on the ferry. Confirm this when booking if you want to take your Kefalonia rental across.
Want to plan the perfect Ithaca day trip or overnight from Kefalonia? Ask Memas — we'll help you make the most of both islands.
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