Taking the Ferry to Ithaca
Ferry routes to Ithaca require a quick 30-minute crossing from neighboring ports. Levante Ferries runs these daily car-carrying vessels out of Sami, providing the island’s most vital transport link. Check the ferry map above to plan your broader Ionian trip south to Zakynthos or north to Lefkada.
From Greece to Ithaca
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The Ionian Secret: Taking the ferry to Ithaca
Ithaca is a quiet, rocky island next to the much larger island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea. The largest ferry operators in the region include Levante Ferries and Ionion P. Lines. It sees far fewer tourists than its neighbors, keeping the passenger numbers low and the ferry rides very relaxed.
Here are 3 tips for getting to Ithaca by ferry:
- 1. No direct Athens boat: You cannot take a boat directly from the main port in Athens to Ithaca. You have to drive or take a bus to the west coast of Greece first, usually to the port of Astakos or Patras.
- 2. The Kefalonia hop: The easiest way to get there is to fly into Kefalonia. From Kefalonia, you can catch a short ferry from the town of Sami to Ithaca. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- 3. Bring cash for snacks: The short local boats do not have big cafeterias. Buy water and snacks at the port before you get on board.
Most ferries arrive at the port of Pisaetos. Calling it a port is a stretch; it is basically a dock on a steep hill. There is no village there. You absolutely must arrange a taxi or a rental car in advance, or you will be stuck sitting on your bags.
“If you rent a car on Kefalonia to take over to Ithaca, read your rental contract first. Many local car companies will not let you put their cars on the ferry because their insurance does not cover the crossing.”
