Ithaca

Charter in Ithaca: What to Expect

Ithaca sits in the central Ionian chain between Kefalonia and the Greek mainland, and a yacht charter here is defined by contrast: rugged, sparsely populated hillsides above, and a coastline punctuated by deep, sheltered coves below. The island's modest size — roughly 96 square kilometres — means charter guests can move at a genuinely leisurely pace, anchoring in a different bay each morning without ever feeling rushed. There are no international airports and no cruise-ship berths, which keeps visitor numbers refreshingly low and the atmosphere distinctly unspoiled. Vathy, the island's capital, is one of the most picturesque port towns in the Ionian: a horseshoe harbour ringed by neoclassical houses, ideal for an evening ashore after a day on the water.

Anchorages & Highlights

For a yacht charter in Ithaca, the anchorages are the real itinerary. Kioni is widely regarded as one of the finest villages in the Ionian — three restored windmill towers overlooking a compact, yacht-friendly harbour with tavernas that open onto the quayside. Frikes, a short sail north of Kioni, offers a calmer alternative with reliable holding and a relaxed waterfront. On the western coast, Polis Bay carries particular resonance: this sheltered inlet near the village of Stavros is believed by many archaeologists to be the site of ancient Ithaca's principal harbour, and Mycenaean artefacts have been recovered here. To the south, Sarakiniko Bay delivers some of the island's clearest swimming water, with a narrow inlet that opens into a perfectly sheltered pool. The bay of Mourtias, close to Vathy, is a quieter option popular with charter guests seeking an undisturbed overnight anchorage.

Best Time to Charter in Ithaca

The Ionian sailing season opens in April and runs through October, but June through September represents the sweet spot for an Ithaca yacht charter. The Maistro — the north-westerly breeze that characterises Ionian summer afternoons — arrives reliably enough to offer exhilarating passage-making between islands while remaining manageable for most vessel types. July and August bring the warmest sea temperatures and the longest days, though Ithaca never becomes as crowded as Lefkada or Corfu. Shoulder-season charters in May or early October are particularly prized by experienced sailors: lighter traffic, softer light, and the hillsides still carrying the green of spring.

Getting There

The nearest commercial airport is Kefalonia (EFL), approximately 40 nautical miles south-west of Vathy — a short domestic flight from Athens followed by a straightforward ferry crossing or, better, a delivery sail by your charter vessel. Preveza–Aktion Airport (PVK) on the mainland is another efficient entry point, connecting directly to several European cities and placing you within easy reach of the northern Ionian. Aris Drivas Yachting has been organising Ionian charter itineraries from Athens since 1972, and the ADY team handles all logistics — base transfers, provisioning, and preferred berth reservations — so your charter begins the moment you step aboard. Whether you join your yacht at Vathy or incorporate Ithaca as the centrepiece of a wider Ionian passage, contact us to discuss the itinerary that suits your vessel and your schedule.