Ithaka Cruise from Sami

Vathi village is the largest village of Ithaca and has been the capital and main harbour of the island since the 16th century.

It is the biggest settlement on the island, built like as amphitheatre, a natural horseshoe harbour in the depth of a closed bay.

On the both side of the entrance of the port one can see the ruins of a fort built by the French 1807. as a protection from the powerful fleet of the English. In the middle of the port is a small island, which will attract your attention, called Lazaretto. There you can see the small church of the Saviour, which has been preserved and first built in 1668.

Gidaki beach is an attractive and isolated beach accessed only by boat from the port of Vathy. There is an adventurous hiking trail that locals only use and it is considered very tiring as a result most of the tourists favor the boat service. Gidaki beach consists of white shiny pebbles but no tourist facilities that would disturb this unspoiled environment providing the ultimate summer scenery. It is a paradise with its placid and crystal clear waters coupled with the splendid backdrop. The beach is perfect for a cruise. The promising beach provides the best environment for a relaxing sunbathing and a unique swimming experience.

Kioni is picturesque traditional village of Ithaca. It was built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a mountain, with little tiled roofed white houses and a lovely little port where little fishing boats are quietly mooring. The village was finished by the people who used to live in the mountain village of Anogi, at the end of the 16th century. Very few houses survived the earthquake of 1953, but the few ones remaining are very interesting, with renaissance architectural characteristics.

Sarakiniko beach is situated about 3 km from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. This beach boasts one of the most brilliant natural settings with lush green surroundings and emerald waters. It is very quiet and calm with a dazzling sea and a pebbly beach. Sarakiniko beach has ample shade areas due to the cypresses and the olive trees that dot the landscape. Sunbathing on the pebbly surface is a common feature in this beach. You will notice the lack of tourist facilities preserving the natural beauty of Sarakiniko. It is ignored by most of the tourists but well-appreciated by the nature lovers. Sarakiniko beach is very good for snorkeling due to the clear and transparent water. For the off beat traveler seeking for tranquility, Sarakiniko is an ideal destination.

End of cruise