11/06/2026
Looking for a day trip to Ithaca, but not sure where to start? ☀️ Known as the legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca is an island where mythology meets breathtaking natural beauty. With its charming harbours, traditional villages, crystal-clear waters and relaxed pace of life, it's easy to see why this small Ionian gem has inspired travellers for thousands of years.
Catch the 8:15am Ionion Pelagos ferry from Sami and enjoy the short crossing to Ithaca. Start your day in Vathy, the island's beautiful capital, nestled around one of the world's largest natural harbours. With its colourful neoclassical buildings, waterfront cafés, boutique shops and laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect place to slow down and soak up authentic Greek island life. ⛴️☕
Enjoy a coffee by the water before taking a leisurely stroll around the town's charming shops and picturesque harbour.
From Vathy, it's just a scenic 30-minute drive to the pretty fishing village of Frikes, where colourful boats bob in the harbour and waterfront tavernas provide the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch by the sea. 🍽️
After lunch, it's only a 5-minute drive to beautiful Polis Bay, where you can spend a few hours swimming in crystal-clear waters and soaking up the tranquillity of one of Ithaca's most picturesque beaches. 🏖️
When it's time to head home, the drive from Polis Bay to Pisaetos ferry port takes around 20 minutes, leaving plenty of time to catch the 17:15 Levante Ferries sailing back to Sami. ⛴️
Suggested itinerary:
⛴️ 08:15 Ionion Pelagos ferry from Sami to Ithaca
☕ Coffee in Vathy
🛍️ Browse the shops and waterfront in Vathy
🚗 30-minute drive to Frikes
🍽️ Lunch in Frikes
🚗 5-minute drive to Polis Bay
🏖️ Afternoon at Polis Bay
🚗 20-minute drive to Pisaetos Port
⛴️ 17:15 Levante Ferries sailing back to Sami
From harbour cafés and boutique shopping to seaside dining and crystal-clear waters, Ithaca is the perfect escape for a memorable day in the Ionian Islands.