Cross the turquoise strait between ports, where Homer's hero finally returned
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 3 ferry experiences from 12 reviewed
Verified partners for Kefalonia to Ithaca Boat Trip tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
8 hr 30 min
Full-day boat journey to Ithaca's secret beaches, capital town, and turquoise swimming spots
Reserve
8 hr
Sail to Odysseus' mythical homeland with swimming, village exploration, and seaside dining opportunities
Reserve
10 hr
Explore the mythical homeland of Odysseus with visits to charming villages, monasteries, and scenic harbors
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Kefalonia to Ithaca Boat Trip tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The primary port town is famous for its natural amphitheater design and bustling waterfront
Cave of the Nymphs
Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa
Stavros Village
Gidaki Beach
Every Kefalonia to Ithaca Boat Trip tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | Duration | Rating | Skip-the-line | Guide | Small group | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Guided Experience Most popular
Ithaca Hidden Coves Cruise from Kefalonia
|
8 hr 30 min | ★ 4.6 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $63 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Ithaca Island Full-Day Boat Excursion with Beach Breaks
|
8 hr | ★ 4.4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $58 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Ithaca Island Full-Day Excursion from Kefalonia
|
10 hr | ★ 4.5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $59 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
Private charters offer superior freedom for exploring the Ionian Sea, whereas the ferry provides a reliable and cost-effective connection for travelers. Most visitors who experience both note that the ferry serves as the practical backbone for inter-island transit while charters provide a personalized maritime excursion.
| Feature | Top pick Standard Ferry | Private Boat Charters |
|---|---|---|
Cost |
4.5 EUR per person | 300–800 EUR per vessel |
Itinerary Flexibility |
Fixed schedule | Fully customizable routes |
Capacity |
Large passenger ferry | Typically 2–12 guests |
Comfort Level |
Standard seating | Exclusive lounge areas |
Booking Process |
Online via official site | Direct via private operators |
| See tickets → |
Verdict: Choose the ferry if you prefer economical kefalonia to ithaca boat trip tours, or select a private charter if you desire exclusive access to secluded coves and flexible kefalonia to ithaca boat trip tickets for your group.
Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.
Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Kefalonia to Ithaca Boat Trip tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Kefalonia, Greece
Main departure point for Ithaca
Open in Google MapsFollow the main road signs to Port of Sami for your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Casual attire is appropriate for this sea voyage. Comfortable footwear is recommended for navigating the ship decks and port areas.
Passengers are allowed up to 50 kg of luggage. Store bags in designated areas or keep them with you on the deck during your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Photography is encouraged on the open deck, providing excellent views of the Ionian Sea. Capture the scenic approach to the harbor during your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Modern vessels serving this route provide facilities for passengers with disabilities. Notify the operator in advance to ensure necessary assistance during your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Mobile phone use is permitted throughout the crossing. Roaming charges may apply depending on your provider as you travel during the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
The ferry experience is family-friendly with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Children under 5 typically travel free, making this an accessible kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Snacks and refreshments are available on board the conventional ferries. It is advisable to bring water for your short kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Pets are welcome on the vessel free of charge. Owners must ensure proper hygiene and safety for their pets while on board during the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Foot passengers are advised to pre-book taxis at the arrival port. This ensures a seamless continuation of your island exploration after the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Best time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make this an ideal time for your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Pisaetos port lacks public transport, so secure a taxi in advance for your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Ancient site tied to the story of Odysseus
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Ticket cancellation rules vary by operator; please verify booking terms on the official site for specific refund eligibility. A standard one-way ticket is 4.5 EUR.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Vibrant town center with harbor views
The narrow strait separating Kefalonia and Ithaca measures less than four kilometres at its closest point, yet its waters have carried vessels for three millennia.
Ancient mariners knew these currents well—Homer placed Odysseus's palace on Ithaca's northern slopes, and archaeological digs near Stavros have unearthed Bronze Age pottery that suggests continuous habitation since 1500 BCE. The modern ferry route between Sami and Pisaetos follows the same sheltered passage that Phoenician traders and Venetian galleys once navigated, threading between limestone cliffs that rise vertically from the sea.
Today's kefalonia to ithaca boat trip operates as a vehicular ferry service managed by Levante Ferries, the sole licensed carrier on this route since 2018. The crossing takes thirty-five minutes in calm conditions, though autumn winds can extend the journey to fifty. The vessel—a roll-on, roll-off craft built in Norway in 2012—accommodates forty-two vehicles and two hundred foot passengers. Its open upper deck provides unobstructed views of Mount Ainos to the south and the Bay of Polis to the north, where underwater caves once sheltered Mycenaean sailors.
Pisaetos港remains one of the Ionian's smallest working harbours. The pier extends only sixty metres, and the single waiting room holds thirty people. Most passengers continuing to Vathy, Ithaca's capital, transfer to the local bus that meets each ferry arrival. The Sami departure terminal, rebuilt in 2015 after subsidence damaged the original quay, offers covered seating and a ticket kiosk that opens one hour before the first sailing. Early morning crossings often coincide with fishing boats returning from overnight trawls, their decks stacked with crates of red mullet and octopus bound for Argostoli's market.
The route's strategic importance persists beyond tourism. Island residents commute weekly to Kefalonia for medical appointments and grocery runs that Ithaca's three thousand inhabitants cannot support locally. During summer, the ferry schedule expands to accommodate day-trippers visiting Kioni's harbour and the monastery at Kathara, though the base timetable runs year-round. Weather permissionsoccasionally suspend service—winter storms in the Ionian can generate three-metre swells that make docking at Pisaetos unsafe. The last cancellation occurred in February 2025, when a low-pressure system stalled over the strait for four days.
"The narrow strait separating Kefalonia and Ithaca measures less than four kilometres at its closest point, yet its waters have carried vessels for three millennia."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Kefalonia to Ithaca Boat Trip tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You board at Sami's ferry terminal thirty minutes before departure, presenting your mobile voucher at the boarding gate. The ramp clangs under your feet as you ascend to the upper deck, where plastic seating faces forward toward Ithaca's grey-green slopes.
The diesel engines rumble beneath as the vessel backs away from the quay at precisely 07:05, turning north into the strait.
The crossing begins in Sami Bay, where the water is glassy and turquoise. Within ten minutes, you pass the entrance to Melissani Cave on your right—the limestone dome is visible from the deck if you stand at the starboard rail. The boat maintains a steady twelve knots, and the wake trails white against the cobalt depths. Halfway across, Mount Ainos recedes behind you while Ithaca's western cliffs grow distinct. You can count the switchbacks on the road climbing from Pisaetos to Vathy.
The approach to Pisaetos港takes five minutes. The captain cuts speed as the bow swings toward the small concrete pier. You feel the hull bump gently against the fenders, and the crew secures the mooring lines. The ramp lowers, and you walk onto Ithaca's shore thirty-five minutes after leaving Kefalonia. The bus to Vathy idles in the gravel lot, its engine ticking.
Ferries run daily between Sami and Ithaca, with multiple departures available to accommodate your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip plans.
Standard one-way tickets for the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip are 4.5 EUR.
Yes, you can bring a vehicle on your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip to explore the island conveniently.
The crossing is very family-friendly, making the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip a popular choice for all ages.
You will arrive at the Port of Pisaetos, the main maritime entry point for your kefalonia to ithaca boat trip.
Yes, organized kefalonia to ithaca boat trip tours can be booked through local agencies for guided exploration.
Pets are allowed on board the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip free of charge.
Early morning or mid-day sailings are best for the kefalonia to ithaca boat trip to avoid crowds.
