Where Should I Stay on Ithaca?

Ithaca splits mainly between the capital and two northern harbor villages, and the choice comes down to convenience, romance, or a quieter pace closer to the island's hiking trails.

Ithaca's Vathy, the capital, gives the most convenient base, with the widest choice of restaurants, shops, and the Archaeological and Folkloric Museums close to the harbor. It suits first-time visitors and anyone wanting straightforward logistics, with beaches like Loutsa and Sarakiniko just a few minutes away by car.

Kioni, on the island's northern side, gives the most memorable harbor setting, its horseshoe-shaped bay lined with cafes and tavernas and surrounded by greenery that gives the water a distinct blue-green color. It suits couples wanting a romantic, low-key base, and a short drive connects to Frikes for a change of scenery in the evening.

Stavros and Frikes, both in the north, give the most practical base for exploring that side of the island, with easier access to Polis Bay, hiking routes, and sites tied to the Odysseus legend. Frikes also serves as the ferry connection to Lefkada, and its bay draws windsurfers for its steady conditions.

Once a base is decided, hotels and places to stay on Ithaca span Vathy, Kioni, and the Stavros and Frikes area, so the choice comes down to convenience, romance, or northern hiking and beach access.

Ithaca has no airport, and most travelers arrive by ferry through Kefalonia, Patras, or Lefkada, so it's worth taking time to check ferry schedules and book tickets ahead of a summer visit. Vathy suits most first-time visitors, Kioni suits couples wanting a scenic, romantic base, and Stavros or Frikes suit travelers prioritizing the island's quieter north.