Getting from Alexandroupoli to Ithaca

If you are heading to Ithaca from Alexandroupoli you are making your way from the far northeastern corner of Greece to an island in the Ionian Sea on the opposite side of the country. It is the legendary home of Odysseus with a deep central bay at Vathy that is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Ionian.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Alexandroupoli to Ithaca. No Aegean port is connected by sea to Ithaca directly. Getting there by sea means traveling to Patras or Kyllini on the western mainland first, then taking the ferry to Ithaca via Kefalonia. From Alexandroupoli the drive to Patras takes around 8 to 9 hours. The ferry from Patras to Piso Aetos in Ithaca runs twice daily in summer and takes around 3 hours with a stop at Kefalonia.

Getting there by air

Ithaca has no airport. The nearest airport is Kefalonia. Alexandroupoli has its own airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Alexandroupoli to Athens and then Athens to Kefalonia, followed by the short ferry from Sami to Ithaca taking around 20 to 30 minutes, gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours.

Your best option

Fly from Alexandroupoli to Athens and then fly to Kefalonia, then take the short ferry across to Ithaca from Sami. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, drive from Alexandroupoli to Patras via the Egnatia motorway and E75, then take the ferry from Patras to Ithaca. The drive takes around 8 to 9 hours and the ferry adds another 3 hours.