The legendary home of Odysseus rises from the Ionian Sea in a mosaic of emerald hills and electric-blue coves. Unspoiled by mass tourism, Ithaca rewards unhurried exploration with genuine Greek hospitality, mythic landscapes, and the quietest harbourfront you'll find on any Greek itinerary.
Ithaca has no deep-water cruise pier — all ships anchor in Vathy Bay and run tenders to the town quay.
💡 Pro move: Very small luxury or boutique vessels (Windstar, Ponant-style yachts) may dock directly at the town quay — check your ship's daily programme.
Ithaca is a tender port; all standard cruise ships anchor in Vathy Bay.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (mid-size & large ships) | Anchor in Vathy Bay📍 | Tendered |
| Small luxury / boutique yachts | Vathy town quay📍 | Docked |
Ithaca packs mythology, hidden beaches, and mountain villages into a compact island perfectly suited to a shore-day.
Head to the northern village of Exogi to visit the Mycenaean ruins at Agios Athanasios, long associated with the legendary palace of Odysseus. Combine with panoramic views from Kathara Monastery.
Find Ithaca history tours →The island's most stunning beach is accessible only by sea. A 10–15 minute water taxi from Vathy delivers you to white cliffs, turquoise water, and a small beach shack — completely car-free.
Book Gidaki water taxi →Stroll the horseshoe harbour promenade, admire the rebuilt Venetian-style townhouses, and visit the small Archaeological Museum with finds from the Geometric to Roman periods including Odysseus-cult votives.
Explore Vathy tours →Dexa Beach (Odysseus's mythic landing spot) is a 25-minute walk or 5-minute taxi; Filiatro is 10 minutes by taxi with sunbeds and a beach bar. Both offer the trademark Ionian pebble-and-crystal combo.
Find Ithaca beach excursions →With 8+ hours in port, a tour to the postcard-perfect fishing village of Kioni and the Byzantine tower at Anogi reveals the wilder, quieter side of Ithaca. Roads are mountainous — book a taxi with a local driver.
Book Ithaca island tours →Vathy's flat waterfront is instantly walkable from the tender quay; Dexa Beach is the best natural extension on foot.
From the tender landing walk the full arc of the harbour promenade past the Statue of Odysseus, the town square (Plateia), and the Maritime Museum. Duck into the back lanes to find the Archaeological Museum and local bakeries.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Follow the coastal road south out of Vathy toward the bay entrance to reach Dexa Beach, where mythology says the Phaeacians left Odysseus sleeping on his homecoming. Pebble shore with olive-tree shade.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Ithaca Island, Ionian Islands, Greece (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 14 | 7:26 AM | 5:16 PM |
| Feb | 58°F / 14°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 | 7:01 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Mar | 61°F / 16°C | 51°F / 11°C | 11 | 6:23 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Apr | 67°F / 19°C | 56°F / 13°C | 7 | 6:37 AM | 7:47 PM |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 63°F / 17°C | 5 | 6:02 AM | 8:14 PM |
| Jun | 83°F / 28°C | 70°F / 21°C | 4 | 5:49 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Jul | 90°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:02 AM | 8:33 PM |
| Aug | 90°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 1 | 6:27 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 71°F / 22°C | 2 | 6:54 AM | 7:19 PM |
| Oct | 74°F / 23°C | 64°F / 18°C | 4 | 7:20 AM | 6:34 PM |
| Nov | 66°F / 19°C | 58°F / 14°C | 10 | 6:52 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Dec | 59°F / 15°C | 52°F / 11°C | 12 | 7:20 AM | 4:54 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Ithaca Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.