Ionian · George Yachts
Yacht Charter Ithaca
Odysseus's home. The quietest, most-mythical Ionian island. UHNW-favoured for the privacy.
Why Ithaca
Ithaca is **Odysseus's home in Homer**, the destination of the world's most famous voyage, and quietly one of the most exclusive charter destinations in the Greek Ionian. The island is small (96 sq km), low-population (3,200 year-round), and almost entirely free of mass tourism. The **harbour of Vathy** is sheltered, the **village of Kioni** in the north has the most-photographed Ionian taverna scenes, and **Frikes** anchorage gives access to the quietest beaches in the entire Ionian. From a yacht perspective, Ithaca works as a 2-day component of any Ionian charter (Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca are typically clustered together) and is the destination repeat clients ask to return to most often.
Yachts Ideal for Ithaca
8 yachts from the fleet
When to Visit Ithaca
May to October with June and September as the sweet spots. Ithaca is even quieter than Kefalonia next door — the lack of an airport (you fly into Kefalonia or arrive by yacht) keeps mass tourism away. Even peak August feels uncrowded by Greek charter standards.
George's Insider Tips for Ithaca
- Anchor at Kioni harbour for at least one evening. The taverna scene around the bay is the most picturesque in the Ionian.
- Vathy is the main harbour but Kioni is the more photogenic stop. Most charters do both.
- The drive from Vathy to the Cathedral of Ithaca (top of the island) is 30 minutes and gives the panoramic view of the Ithaca-Kefalonia channel.
- Loizos and Trehantiri are the yacht-set restaurants in Vathy. Family-run, traditional, excellent.
- Ithaca and Kefalonia together make the strongest Ionian charter; don't choose between them.
Frequently Asked
About chartering in Ithaca
How do we get to Ithaca?
Ithaca has no airport. You arrive by yacht (typical charter pattern from Lefkada or Kefalonia) or by ferry from Kefalonia (Sami port, 20 minutes by sea) which connects to Kefalonia airport.
Is Ithaca worth a full charter day?
Yes — at least 2 days as part of a larger Ionian charter. Vathy harbour, Kioni for dinner, Frikes for quieter water. Most Ionian charters include Ithaca as a 2-3 day stop.
What's the best anchorage on Ithaca?
Kioni harbour for the evening (small, sheltered, restaurant access). Vathy for boarding and provisioning. Sarakiniko Bay on the east coast for quiet daytime anchoring.
Is Ithaca too quiet for a one-week charter?
Alone, possibly — Ithaca is small. As part of a 7-day Ionian loop (Lefkada-Kefalonia-Ithaca-back) it's the perfect quiet center of the trip.
Are there fine dining restaurants on Ithaca?
Not in the strict sense. Family-run tavernas dominate (Loizos, Trehantiri, Mythos in Vathy; Calypso in Kioni). Quality is high; ambition is traditional rather than experimental.