Shared Day Trip from Kefalonia around Ithaca island

A Detailed Look at the Shared Day Trip Around Ithaca from Kefalonia

If you’re considering a day trip from Kefalonia to explore the nearby island of Ithaca, this sailing adventure promises a mix of stunning scenery, charming villages, and some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. The tour, offered by BoatsAdvisor Hub&Events, lasts around 10 hours and covers three key stops, giving you a well-rounded taste of Ithaca’s natural and cultural highlights.

What really attracts travelers is the intimate boat experience—small groups, snorkeling gear, and a good dose of free snacks and wine. However, with a price tag of around $256 per person, it’s worth considering whether the value matches your expectations for a full day of sightseeing by sea.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can influence the itinerary and departure times. While flexibility is built into the tour, this might mean changing plans on some days. Overall, it’s an experience best suited for those eager to explore Greece’s coastlines from a boat, enjoying the relaxed pace and scenic vistas.

Key Points

• Intimate, small-group experience enhances the feeling of exclusivity and personalized attention.
• Stunning beaches and villages like Aspros Gialos, Kioni, and Gidaki are the main highlights.
• All-inclusive amenities such as snacks, lunch, beverages, and snorkeling gear add convenience.
• Flexible itinerary that adapts to weather conditions, with rescheduling options.
• Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking authentic, less crowded spots.
• Excellent value considering the full day of sailing, sightseeing, and onboard amenities.

The Overall Experience

This day trip around Ithaca from Kefalonia strikes a fine balance between adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. The journey begins early, with boarding at 8:30 am at Agia Effimia Port, a convenient meeting point on Kefalonia. From here, the boat sets out across the waters, with the promise of discovering some of Greece’s less touched coastlines.

The experience centers on being on the water, which makes it stand out from typical land-based tours. The boat’s size, accommodating up to 18 travelers, ensures a cozy environment that’s perfect for conversations and making new friends. The captain and deckhand are multilingual, adding a helpful touch for international visitors.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Aspros Gialos Beach

The adventure kicks off on the west coast of Ithaca at Aspros Gialos, a pebbled beach offering views across to Kefalonia. The highlight here is the crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. The reviewer Laura_O mentioned the “marvellous view” and the seclusion, noting that it feels like a private paradise, even with a few other yachts nearby.

Expect about two hours here, which is enough to enjoy a swim and a snack or drink without feeling rushed. The tour provides a light refreshment, often a bruschetta snack, which complements the scenic setting.

Stop 2: Kioni Village

Next, the boat glides along Ithaca’s coast to Kioni, a charming neoclassical village. The description of Kioni as “flowing amphitheatrically down to the sea” is spot-on. It’s a place where traditional stone houses, narrow winding streets, and vibrant tavernas create an authentic Greek island feel.

Travelers love the longer stop here—about three hours—to wander the village, enjoy local cafes, or simply admire the views. The trip highlights the contrast between Ithaca and Kefalonia, with Fiscardo in Kefalonia visible across the water, giving a sense of the proximity of these islands and their diverse personalities.

Stop 3: Gidaki Beach

Finally, the boat heads east to Gidaki Beach, often hailed as one of the best beaches in Greece. Its turquoise waters and lush surroundings make it a true highlight. The beach is pebbly, with larger stones on the western side and sand on the eastern side, offering a unique swimming experience from one side to the other.

Guests have appreciated the scenic landscape—a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing with a drink. The reviewer Laura_O pointed out that the snorkeling equipment was a plus, allowing you to explore the underwater world in this open bay. The typical stay here lasts about two hours, enough to unwind and take in the views.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

This tour offers a wealth of amenities that ensure comfort and fun throughout the day. Snacks, a hearty lunch, soft drinks, beers or wine—these are all part of the package, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs or bringing your own refreshments. The inclusion of snorkeling gear means you can easily explore beneath the surface, adding an adventurous touch to the trip.

A GoPro camera is available for capturing the moments, which is handy given the stunning scenery. The multilingual captain and deckhand are there to make sure your experience runs smoothly, answering questions and helping with safety.

Practical Details and Logistics

Starting at 8:30 am from Kefalonia’s Agia Effimia Port, the tour lasts approximately 10 hours, wrapping up around 6:30 pm back at the same spot. Given the timing, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day at sea. The tour is capped at 18 participants, maintaining an intimate atmosphere, which many travelers find enhances the overall experience.

Be aware that the boat used may differ from the pictures, depending on availability, and the itinerary could shift due to weather. The tour is flexible, with the potential to reschedule if weather conditions are poor, ensuring safety and comfort.

The cost of $255.98 might seem steep at first glance, but considering the included meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the all-day sailing experience, it offers good value for a carefully curated adventure. For anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to swim, explore, and enjoy Greece’s coast, this is a strong choice.

The Authenticity and Value

From the one review available, the feedback is glowing: “Lovely yacht with smaller group of 9 people. We cruised to 3 beautiful beaches on Ithaca which were very secluded with a few other yachts. Snorkel equipment and paddle boards provided as well as bruschetta snack, lunch, wine, soft drinks.”

This reply hints at the exclusivity and personalized feel of the tour, which many travelers seek. The small group size minimizes crowding, and the focus on natural beauty ensures a more genuine experience away from overly touristy spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers looking to combine scenic sailing with authentic island charm. Nature lovers will appreciate the unspoiled beaches and clear waters, while those who enjoy local culture will relish the village stopovers. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time to unwind.

If you’re after a day of sun, sea, and spectacular vistas, this tour offers a well-rounded slice of Greece’s coastal beauty. The inclusion of food and drinks makes it a convenient option, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing your own excursions.

Final Thoughts

This shared day trip around Ithaca from Kefalonia offers a thoughtful balance of scenic sailing, cultural discovery, and leisure. The small group size, coupled with the stunning stops, makes it an engaging way to experience Greece’s lesser-known coastlines. While the weather can influence the day’s flow, the flexible approach and inclusive amenities help ensure a memorable outing.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, picturesque day amidst Greece’s beautiful islands, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and explore charming villages, this tour is well worth considering. The price, while on the higher side, reflects the comfort, exclusivity, and quality of experience you receive—a good investment for a memorable Greek adventure.

FAQ

What is the starting point for this tour?
The tour begins at Kefalonia’s Agia Effimia Port, where you’ll meet at 8:30 am.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is approximately 10 hours, ending back at the port around 6:30 pm.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, snacks, lunch, soft drinks, beers, or wine are all part of the package.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the clear waters of Ithaca’s beaches make for great underwater exploring.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and any personal items you might need for a full day outdoors.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, especially those comfortable on a boat and with a moderate level of mobility. The group size is small, which helps keep things manageable.

This day trip offers a well-balanced mix of sailing, sightseeing, and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to see some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches and villages without the hassle of land-based tours.