Travel Guide for Ithaca, Greece: Best Beaches & Things to Do (2026)

This complete Ithaca travel guide offers a personal look at one of the most impressive Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Here, you can enjoy stunning turquoise beaches with crystal-clear water, explore the charming harbor town of Vathy, discover hidden coves, and take in breathtaking coastal views—all without the overwhelming crowds found on other Greek islands.

Despite being the legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca remains one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Due to its smaller size and quieter atmosphere, it is often overlooked by tourists in favor of other Ionian islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada – which is exactly what makes it special.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Ithaca trip: how to get there, the best areas to stay, top things to do in Ithaca, must-visit beaches in Ithaca, hidden gems and practical travel tips for island hopping in the Ionian Sea.

You can easily combine Ithaca with a visit to neighboring Kefalonia—read our complete Kefalonia travel guide for tips on getting there and what to see.

Key Facts :

• Best time to visit Ithaca: Early June to early September
• Recommended stay: 2 to 5 days
• Budget: Low to moderate
• Best for: Travelers seeking peace and seclusion

A Brief Introduction to Ithaca

Ithaca is an Ionian island located next to Kefalonia and Lefkada. The island has a permanent population of only about 1,500 residents. Its landscape is mountainous and very green. What sets it apart is its vast number of small coves, making it especially attractive for those exploring by yacht. Most beaches are pebbly, the sea is almost always calm, and the water is a clean, turquoise blue. Ithaca was immortalized by the ancient Greek poet Homer in his epic poem, “The Odyssey,” as the homeland of the mythical hero Odysseus.

Getting to Ithaca Island

Ithaca does not have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry. The easiest and fastest ferry connections are from Astakos on the Greek mainland or from the neighboring islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia. The closest international airport is in the neighbouring Kefalonia island.

Getting around Ithaca Island

A rental car is essential for exploring Ithaca, as the island has limited public transportation and many beaches are spread across its mountainous terrain. The island can be driven across in about an hour, but the roads are narrow and steep in places, so drive cautiously. We recommend refueling before taking the ferry to Ithaca, as fuel prices on the island are noticeably higher than on the mainland.

If you decide to rent a car, you can compare prices and offers from dozens of car rental companies on the DiscoverCars website:

How Long to Stay in Ithaca

For those planning a trip, it is highly recommended to combine your stay in Ithaca with a visit to Kefalonia or Lefkada. As a small island, Ithaca can be driven across in about an hour. If you are looking for a more dynamic holiday, a stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended. However, if you prefer to relax in one place and enjoy the Mediterranean beaches and slow pace of life, Ithaca is a wonderful destination for a longer vacation.

Where to Stay in Ithaca and What to do

The most beautiful villages in Ithaca are also the best places to stay. Prices do not vary significantly across the island, so your choice depends more on whether you prefer seclusion or proximity to taverns, shops, and places to walk.

Vathy, the Capital of Ithaca

Vathy is a charming village nestled in a beautiful bay in the southern part of the island. It is the recommended place to stay, as it has the highest concentration of hotels, rental apartments, taverns, and shops. Vathy features a long, scenic promenade lined with colorful houses in the Ionian-Venetian style, perched on the hills of the bay. Its only drawback is the lack of a town beach, as the entire coastline is used as a port for boats and yachts. However, this is not a major issue, as several beaches, including the popular Filiatro Beach, are just a few minutes away by car.

Kioni and Frikes

These two charming coastal villages are located close to each other in the northern part of the island. Even if you don’t stay here, they are worth a visit, especially Kioni, for its beautiful nearby beaches. Kioni is much smaller and quieter than Vathy, offering a few taverns and cafes. Its main advantage is its proximity to Kantina Beach.

Rent a Boat

Due to the mountainous terrain of Ithaca, many of its coves and beaches are only accessible by water. If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a boat or taking a boat taxi is highly recommended to explore some of the island’s most stunning spots. By sea, you can reach breathtaking beaches and coves that are among the most beautiful in Greece.

Visit the Monastery of Panagia Eleousa

This ancient monastery is located not far from Kioni. The complex is beautiful, but reaching it is a challenge due to a very narrow road. Once there, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the southern part of Ithaca and the island of Kefalonia.

Hotel recommendations on Ithaca Island:

Before our trip, we made a detailed research and here are some recommendations for hotels Booking.com in Vathy, Ithaca’s capital:

The Best Beaches in Ithaca

Before highlighting the most beautiful beaches in Ithaca, it’s important to note that most Ithaca beaches are pebbly rather than sandy. We strongly recommend bringing water shoes and a beach umbrella, as only a few beaches offer sunbed and umbrella rentals. On the other hand, you can easily find natural shade under a pine tree or rock at many of the island’s secluded beaches.

If you’re a snorkeling fan, definitely bring your gear – the beaches of Ithaca are rich in crystal-clear waters and beautiful underwater sights. The best beaches for snorkeling include several hidden coves along the coastline where you can explore marine life in pristine conditions.

Filiatro Beach

If you can only visit one beach, make it Filiatro. Hidden in a small, beautiful bay, the water is clear, turquoise, and so calm it feels like swimming in a pool. Filiatro Beach is located near Vathy (about a 10-minute drive) and has a small free parking lot, a bar, a restaurant, showers, and restrooms. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for a fee. The beach also has olive trees that provide all-day shade, making it very suitable for families with children.

Kantina Beach

This lovely beach is located near Kioni and, as its name suggests, has a small restaurant that offers delicious food, coffee, and other amenities. Like most beaches on the island, Kantina is in a small bay, is not crowded, and has turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are no sunbeds for rent, but trees provide ample shade. Reaching Kantina Beach is a bit of a challenge, as the road from Kioni is a single-lane, two-way road with a descent to the coast. Parking is very limited, so arriving early is recommended. Alternatively, you can park in Kioni and walk for 10-15 minutes.

Kourvoulia Beach

If you are in the northern part of the island and looking for an easily accessible wild beach, Kourvoulia is perfect. The beach is located near the road between Frikes and Kioni and is a true paradise.

Gidaki Beach

 This is one of the most famous beaches on the island, and for good reason. The sea shines in various shades of blue, surrounded by high cliffs, offering some of the most beautiful views on the island. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas at reasonable prices, as well as a small kiosk with food and drinks. Unfortunately, the beach is difficult to access. You can get there by boat or, if you’re an adventurer, via a 30-40 minute hike along a forest path from Skinos beach.

• By boat: The most budget-friendly option is to take a boat taxi from Vathy.
• On foot: The hike from Skinos Beach is relatively easy, but be sure to wear proper shoes and bring water.

Restaurant Recommendations in Ithaca

Ithaca boasts a distinctive cuisine with local specialties, and its taverns compete to offer the best moussaka.

• Chani: Located in the central part of the island on the road between Vathy and Kioni, this restaurant offers incredible views, especially at sunset. The cuisine is traditional Greek, but prices are in the higher range.
• Trehantiri Taverna, Vathy This spot serves one of the best moussakas you will ever taste.
• La Familia restaurant, Vathy: Traditional Greek food. The restaurant is located right by the sea with breathtaking views of the bay and the colorful village across the water.

• Poseidon, Vathy: Focusing on seafood, this restaurant is known for its very tasty seafood pasta.

• Servos Sweets, Vathy: A pastry shop where you can try Ithaca’s local sweet, Rovani. It resembles revani but is made with rice, honey, olive oil, and almonds.
• Kantina beach: This is the establishment on the beach of the same name. The place is modest, but the food is delicious, and the setting is priceless. The tables are almost on the beach, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sea with tasty, well-priced food.

Tips for Your Trip to Ithaca

• For the best prices and a wider selection, book your accommodation at least a few months in advance.
• Combine your trip to Ithaca with another island in the area, especially Kefalonia.
• The island’s roads are generally good, though narrow and steep in places.
• If you are visiting the island by car, it is recommended to refuel before taking the ferry, as there is a noticeable difference in fuel prices on the island.

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