Getting from Naxos to Ithaca

If you are heading to Ithaca from Naxos you are making your way 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 Naxos to Ithaca. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by sea means taking the ferry from Naxos to Piraeus and then travelling by road to Astakos or Patras for the onward ferry to Ithaca, making the total journey the better part of two days.

Getting there by air

Ithaca has no airport. The nearest airport is Kefalonia, which has connections from Athens. Flying from Naxos to Athens takes around 45 minutes and then Athens to Kefalonia takes around 50 minutes, followed by the short ferry from Kefalonia to Ithaca taking around 20 to 30 minutes. Total travel time is around 3 to 4 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly to Kefalonia via Athens and take the short ferry across to Ithaca. It is the most time efficient approach. If you are travelling with a car, take the ferry from Naxos to Piraeus and then drive to Kylini for the ferry to Kefalonia, followed by the short crossing to Ithaca.