Getting from Donoussa to Ithaca

If you are heading to Ithaca from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to an island in the Ionian Sea, on the opposite side of Greece. 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 Donoussa to Ithaca. No Aegean island is connected by sea to any Ionian island. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours, and then either flying to Kefalonia and taking the short ferry from Sami to Ithaca, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes, or driving to Astakos for the direct ferry to Ithaca, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Alternatively take the ferry from Donoussa to Naxos and fly from Naxos to Athens, though the direct Piraeus ferry is more practical.

Getting there by air

Ithaca has no airport. The nearest airport is Kefalonia. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Kefalonia, followed by the short ferry from Sami to Ithaca, gives a total journey time of around 12 to 14 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Kefalonia, then take the short ferry across to Ithaca from Sami. It is the most practical approach. Check the Donoussa to Piraeus departure days before planning as the service runs a limited number of times per week and you may need to time your trip around the schedule. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and drive to Astakos or Patras for the ferry across to Ithaca.