Ferries Ithaca

Most ferry companies operating routes to and from Ithaca offer fixed discounts of up to 50% for specific passenger categories, such as:

• Children 5-10/12 years olds
• Students (Greek public university)
• Large families
• People with disabilities

Usually, children up to 4 years old travel for free on ferries to Ithaca.

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, you just need to select the route that suits you, choose the discount you are eligible for, and it will be applied to the final ticket price.

The frequency of ferry routes and the number of ports connected to Ithaca depend on when you plan to visit the island. Your trip date will also determine the best time to book your tickets.

Summer months (June-September): this is the peak season for trips to Ithaca, with the highest demand and number of routes to and from the island. We recommend booking your tickets well in advance (1-2 months before your travel date) if you plan to spend your summer vacation in Ithaca.

Other months: the rest of the year, ferry ticket availability is higher, but routes are less frequent and do not serve all ports connected to Ithaca during the summer season. Therefore, check for available routes on Ferryhopper, even if booking far in advance is not necessary.

To paraphrase the famous poem by C.P. Cavafy, as you set out for Ithaka, your travels may not be long, but your destination will be full of magnificent discoveries! Because Ithaca offers an unforgettable travel experience, a unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and exquisite gastronomy.

Its beaches, such as Filiatro and Gidaki, will impress you with their turquoise Ionian waters and lush vegetation reaching down to the shore. Its picturesque villages, like Vathy, Stavros, and Kioni, will enchant you with their traditional architecture and authentic island atmosphere. In its archaeological sites, you'll feel as if you have traveled back in time, while the local cuisine, with dishes like bourgeto and sofigado, will reward you after a hike on Ithaca’s many verdant trails.

Ithaca is a beloved destination among Greeks and international visitors who seize every opportunity to return to its shores. And who could blame them as this small Ionian island seems made for total relaxation amidst breathtaking natural landscapes? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Ithaca.

• Various ports in mainland Greece connect to Ithaca, with the best port option depending on your trip’s starting point. If you travel from Athens, the port of Patras is the closest one. If you travel from Northern Greece, then the port of Astakos is best for you. If you plan an Ionian islands adventure, there are regular routes to Ithaca from Kefalonia.
• If you want easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transportation, we advise you to stay in Vathy. From there, buses run routes daily to the northern villages of Ithaca.
• To explore every inch of the island, we suggest traveling with your vehicle or renting one in Ithaca.
• Many of Ithaca’s beaches are accessible only by sea. Don't let that make you miss the chance to swim in their crystal-clear waters! Small boats depart mainly from Vathy to take you there. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour around the island for an unforgettable experience.
• Want to switch from tranquil Ithaca to the more cosmopolitan Kefalonia? It’s simple: take the direct Kefalonia - Ithaca route, and you’ll reach your destination in less than 1 hour.

The vessels traveling to Ithaca are primarily conventional ferries, with onboard services depending on the ferry company.

Due to the short travel duration, which varies based on the departure port, ferries to and from Ithaca do not offer cabins, only standard deck/lounge seats.

Most ferries to Ithaca provide:

• Bars serving snacks and refreshments
• Accessibility infrastructure for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly areas

Ithaca has two main ports. Piso Aetos (Pisaetos) is the island’s primary port, serving most ferry routes from Patras, Kefalonia, and Astakos. Vathy, Ithaca’s capital, has a second port mainly catering to sailboats, tourist boats, and small ferries from nearby islands such as Lefkada.

There are also smaller harbors in Frikes and Kioni that receive sailboats and excursion boats.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Ithaca, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.