Our most recommended things to do in Vathy

From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour

1. From Agia Effimia: Ithaca Cruise, Gidaki Beach, & Kioni Tour

Sail around the magnificent entire island of Ithaca on this amazing daily cruise! Where you will swim in the sparkling waters of Gidaki beach which is only accessible by boat! Your next stop will be at the charming village of Vathy where you will explore local shops, visit museums and walk along the beautiful harbor! Following along to the village of Kioni, where you will stroll through the flower-filled alleys, taste local sweets, and relax by the cosmopolitan harbor! Your last stop at Ammoudi beach will be the perfect swim to end your daily cruise all around this breathtaking island! Sail around the magnificent entire island of Ithaca on this amazing daily cruise! You will have the opportunity to swim in the unspoiled beaches & discover Homer's homeland!

From Kefalonia: Day Trip to Ithaki Island with a Swim Stop

2. From Kefalonia: Day Trip to Ithaki Island with a Swim Stop

Visit the legendary island of Odysseus, as mentioned by Homer, on a day cruise from Poros Kefalonia. Your first stop will be at the capital town of Vathi, where you will feel the nostalgic atmosphere of an old town, visit museums and enjoy coffee or shopping in the alleys and backstreets of the beautiful Ionian town. Later the boat will continue on to take you for swimming to the marvellous Gidaki beach which is only accessible by boat! Swim in the crystal clear waters! Your last stop of the day will be at the picturesque village of Kioni known for its charming seaside taverns & many more! After that the boat will return to Poros in Kefalonia.

From Kefalonia: Ithaca Island Full Day Bus Tour

3. From Kefalonia: Ithaca Island Full Day Bus Tour

Together we will visit the capital of the island Vathy, where you can join the locals to take coffee at the main square, explore the quaint narrow streets or visit the local museum. As the home of the Greek King, Odysseus, Ithaca is stepped in Greek mythology ready for you to discover! At the highest point of the island sits Kathara Monastery, which provides the perfect setting for you to take incredible photographs of the whole island before we head down to the idyllic town of Stavros; a typical village where you can truly appreciate the local charm of this amazing island, where it appears that time stood still. Some of the sights in Stavros are the beautiful church of Sotiras which stands in the central square of the village and the archaeological museum. Lunch will be enjoyed in the harbour side town Κioni. Here you will be met with a wonderful choice of traditional taverns where you can have lunch next to the sea. Seeing the place gives you a better understanding of what you have read about it, it is clear why Ithaca, a rough and rugged land surrounded by magic and colourful coves, gave birth to the brilliant, resourceful, ingenious Odysseus.

Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks

4. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Trip with Swimming and Snacks

Ithaca island is famous for its picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and amazing scenery! The cruise will kick off from Sami port at 9:00 AM, your first stop will be at Filiatro beach where you will enjoy your first swim stop of the day! You will continue on to Vathi village the capital of the island where you will have the opportunity to stroll around the charming streets, interact with the locals and visit lovely shops. Your next stop will be at Lazarato island to take photos and learn the history of this small island. In the meantime, you can enjoy the snacks that are provided by the crew. The last stop will be at the famous Gidaki beach which you can only access by boat! Swim, and relax at this breathtaking beach!

Ithaca Island Tour with Bus & Swim Stops

5. Ithaca Island Tour with Bus & Swim Stops

Legend says it was ruled over by Odysseus, who returned to its shores after fighting against Troy. Hear more mythical tales as you cruise over to the island and tour its highlights. Explore the capital of Vathi, with its horseshoe-shaped harbor. Then, take the boat for a mini cruise to Kioni, one of the island’s prettiest ports, with flower-decked houses and a picturesque harbor. It’s absolutely charming. Enjoy a boat ride and swim on a beautiful secluded beach. A great chance to be a part of Odysseus' myth! Enjoy the scenic cruise route from Vathi to Kioni. Pass by the Stavros village for a coffee stop on our way back to Piso Aetos port.

Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Snacks

6. Sami: Ithaca Island Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Snacks

Spend the day sailing around Ithaca in a classic wooden boat. Enjoy traditional Greek snacks onboard and fresh seasonal fruits and juice. Take stops at Pera Pigadi, Filiatro and Gidaki beach for swimming and snorkeling. Discover those pebble beaches with stunning water - transparent and clean with a gentle turquoise hue. Visit Vathy village, the capital of Ithaca, an attractive settlement with a pronounced Venetian influence, pretty houses with tiled roofs, imposing mansions and picturesque stone-paved alleys. Take beautiful pictures of "Lazaretto", a small island situated in the bay of Vathy. It is covered with pine trees and has only one erected building: the chapel of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

From Kefalonia: Discover Ithaca Private Tour

7. From Kefalonia: Discover Ithaca Private Tour

Starting from Kefalonia this private tour is about visiting to our sister island of Ithaca, home of the mythological hero Odysseus, one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. Departing from Sami it’s just a 35 minute ferry ride to Ithaca arriving in the port of Pisso Aetos. We first of all make our way to the capital town of Vathy where you have time for shopping, an ideal opportunity to purchase some of the hand made lace produced by the local ladies or to pay a visit to the towns archaeological or folklore museums. Admire the breathtaking view of the Monastery of Panagia Katharon (distance 10 km.), located on the Mt. Neritos at a height of 600 meters (1,967 feet), with its spectacular views to the whole of the Southern part of Ithaca. Continue to the nearby (distance 2 km.) village of Anoghi with its renowned church of Panagia, known to have renovated to its current form at the end of the 17th century but believed to be dating back to the 12th century. The church is dedicated to Panagia and its interior features notable and impressively preserved Byzantine frescos. Explore the unique village of Stavros (distance 5 km.). This is the biggest town in the northern part of the island, having Ulysses’ effigy in the main square, and an interesting archaeological museum. The findings of the excavations that took place in the area are exhibited here and you will have the chance to have a short liik at this small yet most interesting collection dating from the Mycenean and Corinthian Periods. Discover the north, to the piscturesque village of Kioni (distance 5 km.). This traditional settlement is one of the loveliest in Ithaca with typical houses built amphitheatrically round a small wind protected cove. Here, you will have some free time to explore the souvenir shops or quaint cafes, before boarding your vehicle for the return trip back to the port of Piso Aetos, [with a photo stop at the narrowest part of Ithaca (650 m.) Chani with simultaneous views to Kefalonia and mainland Greece], there should you want you can explore this beautiful

Explore Ithaca Full Day Private Tour

8. Explore Ithaca Full Day Private Tour

Starting from Kefalonia this private tour is about visiting to our sister island of Ithaca, home of the mythological hero Odysseus, one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. Departing from Sami it’s just a 30 minute ferry ride to Ithaca arriving in the port of Pisso Aetos. We first of all make our way to the Monastery of Panagia Katharon (distance 10 km.), located on the Mt. Neritos at a height of 600 meters (1,967 feet), with its spectacular views to the whole of the Southern part of Ithaca. From there, you continue to the nearby (distance 2 km.) village of Anoghi with its renowned church of Panagia, known to have renovated to its current form at the end of the 17th century but believed to be dating back to the 12th century. The church is dedicated to Panagia and its interior features notable and impressively preserved Byzantine frescos. From there, you continue to the village of Stavros (distance 5 km.). This is the biggest town in the northern part of the island, having Ulysses’ effigy in the main square, and an interesting archaeological museum. The findings of the excavations that took place in the area are exhibited here and you will have the chance to have a short liik at this small yet most interesting collection dating from the Mycenean and Corinthian Periods. You will then continue further to the north, to the piscturesque village of Kioni (distance 5 km.). This traditional settlement is one of the loveliest in Ithaca with typical houses built amphitheatrically round a small wind protected cove. Here, you will have some free time to explore the souvenir shops or quaint cafes, before boarding your vehicle for the return trip back to the port of Piso Aetos, [with a photo stop at the narrowest part of Ithaca (650 m.) Chani with simultaneous views to Kefalonia and mainland Greece], there should you want you can explore this beautiful traditional town with the fine architecture, small narrow roads, beautiful shops and a very interesting and organized naval/cultural museum. Next , time to swim to Filiatro Beach .Filiatro is the most cosmopolitan beach of Ithaca.The beach is pebbled and the water is amazing: transparent, turquoise and clear all year round, even when the beach is crowded ! Last you will explore the capital town of Vathy where you have time for shopping, an ideal opportunity to purchase some of the hand made lace produced by the local ladies or to pay a visit to the towns archaeological or folklore museums. Ferry boat departs from Sami at 08:15 and returns back to Sami at 17:30

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What people are saying about Vathy

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

The tour is very nice. The bays where you stop for a swim are enchanting. Little time dedicated to the largest city while disproportionate time to the second city. Perhaps deliberately to allow restaurateurs to trade, with very high prices. Too bad only for this. But it deserves so much to do it anyway.

Overall it was a good experience. Very friendly staff. I would prefer less places to visit and stay longer to each place. We went for swimming to two different beaches, very nice water and visited two cities of Ithaca, Vathy and Kioni but we didn’t stay long.

Definitely the best way to see Itaka in a day. The only flaw was the bathroom breaks which lasted 30 minutes each, I would have preferred a longer stop for a swim rather than for lunch. Overall however positive experience