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WHY IONIAN ISLAND HOLIDAYS?

We are proud winners of the British Travel Awards for "Best Travel Company to Hellenic Europe" & "Best Travel Company for Villa Holidays" - award winning holiday since 2011.

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

Our prices are per person with no hidden extras. We include:
  • Flights with 20kg luggage allowance
  • Fuel Surcharges
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers (where applicable)
  • Car Hire (where specified)
  • Welcome Pack (where applicable)
Plus, we offer an additional 10% off for under 16's on most holidays!

EXPERT ADVICE

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable advisers are here to make your holiday to the Greek islands memorable - and for the right reasons!
ABTA AITO ATOL BA
Your holiday booking is financially protected through our ATOL 5853
 
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
  • Slideshow - islands-ITH

ITHAKA VILLA HOLIDAYS

Melissa's House
MELISSA'S HOUSE
KIONI, ITHAKA
Waterside apartments with wonderful panoramic views close to Kioni village
1 bed and 2 bed apartment close to the sea
Villa Kalosirthes
VILLA KALOSIRTHES
VATHY, ITHAKA
An idyllic villa in an elevated position above Vathy with glorious views
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Captain Yiannis Hotel
CAPTAIN YIANNIS HOTEL
VATHY, ITHAKA
Perfectly positioned stylish hotel overlooking the picturesque Vathy Bay
25 Room Hotel with shared pool
Villa Green
VILLA GREEN
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
Elegantly furnished stylish countryside villa set in an aromatic herb garden
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Ino
VILLA INO
PERAHORI, ITHAKA
Secluded countryside villa in a glorious setting with extensive sea views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Semeli
VILLA SEMELI
PERAHORI, ITHAKA
A Ithakian countryside villa with its own pool and magnificent far-reaching views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Blue
VILLA BLUE
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A beautiful romantic hideaway with a pool and hot tub all in a secluded setting
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Naias
VILLA NAIAS
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A traditional stone-built family villa with a fabulous pool in a lush rural setting. Idyllic!
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Nereus
VILLA NEREUS
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
This lovely island style stone villa with a fabulous pool in a beautiful rural setting
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Red
VILLA RED
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A chic beautifully appointed family villa in picturesque countryside setting
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Limone Loft Cottage
LIMONE LOFT COTTAGE
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
An exquisite modern cottage for two with its own plunge pool in a blissful setting
1 bedroom cottage with private plunge pool
Villa Kalimera
VILLA KALIMERA
VATHY, ITHAKA
Perfectly located villa above Vathy harbour benefitting from stunning views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Kalypso
VILLA KALYPSO
VATHY, ITHAKA
Ideally located above the marina on the east side of Vathy with stunning views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Rigoni Apartments
RIGONI APARTMENTS
KIONI, ITHAKA
Stylish apartments, beautiful sunrises with easy access to the village of Kioni
3 apartments in Kioni close to the beach
Eleni Apartments
ELENI APARTMENTS
KIONI, ITHAKA
Idyllically located apartments with breathtaking views above Kioni
5 Apartments in Kioni overlooking the bay
Eleni Apartments
ELENI APARTMENTS
KIONI, ITHAKA
Idyllically located apartments with breathtaking views above Kioni
5 Apartments in Kioni overlooking the bay
Likoudis Apartments
LIKOUDIS APARTMENTS
KIONI, ITHAKA
Charming apartments located in one of Ithaka’s popular waterside hamlets, Kioni.
6 Apartments overlooking the bay in Kioni
Melissa's House
MELISSA'S HOUSE
KIONI, ITHAKA
Waterside apartments with wonderful panoramic views close to Kioni village
1 bed and 2 bed apartment close to the sea
Rigoni Apartments
RIGONI APARTMENTS
KIONI, ITHAKA
Stylish apartments, beautiful sunrises with easy access to the village of Kioni
3 apartments in Kioni close to the beach
Villa Kalosirthes
VILLA KALOSIRTHES
VATHY, ITHAKA
An idyllic villa in an elevated position above Vathy with glorious views
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Limone Loft Cottage
LIMONE LOFT COTTAGE
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
An exquisite modern cottage for two with its own plunge pool in a blissful setting
1 bedroom cottage with private plunge pool
Villa Blue
VILLA BLUE
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A beautiful romantic hideaway with a pool and hot tub all in a secluded setting
1 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Green
VILLA GREEN
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
Elegantly furnished stylish countryside villa set in an aromatic herb garden
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Ino
VILLA INO
PERAHORI, ITHAKA
Secluded countryside villa in a glorious setting with extensive sea views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Kalypso
VILLA KALYPSO
VATHY, ITHAKA
Ideally located above the marina on the east side of Vathy with stunning views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Kirki
VILLA KIRKI
VATHY, ITHAKA
Situated above the marina on the east side of Vathy with breathtaking views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Kalimera
VILLA KALIMERA
VATHY, ITHAKA
Perfectly located villa above Vathy harbour benefitting from stunning views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Nereus
VILLA NEREUS
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
This lovely island style stone villa with a fabulous pool in a beautiful rural setting
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Lefki
VILLA LEFKI
NEAR STAVROS, ITHAKA
A charming villa nestled amongst the pine trees with lovely views towards Kefalonia
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Porto Bello
VILLA PORTO BELLO
VATHY, ITHAKA
Delightful seafront villa with spectacular views of Vathy town and harbour
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Nona's House
NONA'S HOUSE
KIONI, ITHAKA
A charming rustic Ithakian village house with exceptional views close to Kioni
2 Bedroom House
Villa Semeli
VILLA SEMELI
PERAHORI, ITHAKA
A Ithakian countryside villa with its own pool and magnificent far-reaching views
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Eos
VILLA EOS
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
On the Ithakian hillside this fabulous villa has its own pool set in lovely grounds
2 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Joanna
VILLA JOANNA
NEAR KIONI, ITHAKA
A delightful setting with glorious sea views and close to the picturesque Kioni
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Marina
VILLA MARINA
NEAR KIONI, ITHAKA
A delightful village setting with glorious views across the Ionian and close to Kioni
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Naias
VILLA NAIAS
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A traditional stone-built family villa with a fabulous pool in a lush rural setting. Idyllic!
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Villa Red
VILLA RED
NEAR VATHY, ITHAKA
A chic beautifully appointed family villa in picturesque countryside setting
3 bedroom villa with private swimming pool
Captain Yiannis Hotel
CAPTAIN YIANNIS HOTEL
VATHY, ITHAKA
Perfectly positioned stylish hotel overlooking the picturesque Vathy Bay
25 Room Hotel with shared pool
Perantzada 1811 Hotel
PERANTZADA 1811 HOTEL
Exquisite and stylish hotel with wonderful views across Vathy harbour
17 room boutique hotel with shared pool

First there is the Ithaka that you can see. It is the sixth largest of the seven Ionian islands, two mountains joined by a narrow ridge, rugged in the west, with a more gentle and fertile eastern shore, indented with bays and sheltered harbours. Only 3000 Ithakians live on the island, but you will find thousands living as far as Melbourne, Cape Town and New York. They are a people who for hundreds of generations have gone to sea, as did their illustrious forebear Odysseus. Ithakian sailors opened up the trade on the River Danube in the early 19th century and when Aristotle Onassis built his huge fleet of tankers after the war, it was to Ithaka that he came to find his crews. Even today the island’s high school offers courses in navigation and marine engineering to its senior students.

Homer described the island as “rocky and unfit for horses, but fertile… a good place for goats”. Drive along the island’s single main road and you will understand. The Ithakian goat will stand firmly in the middle of the road and fixing you with her beady eye, defying you to pass, until she deigns to move, the bell jingling at her neck. The main road connects the small capital town of Vathy, at the head of a fjord-like bay in the south, with the scattered settlements in the north. Kioni lies at the end of the road, an idyllic jumble of pretty houses above a sheltered cove, guarded by the remains of three prominent windmills on the headland. Elegant Venetian houses that have survived war, earthquake and mass emigration, are now fully restored and once again inhabited by locals and visitors.

A loop road branches off above the beach at Aetos, zigzagging up to the lonely 16th century monastery of Kathara, high on the slopes of Neritos the island’s highest mountain. From the bell tower near the church, the eagle’s eye view of Molos Bay and Vathy harbour far below is magical. The view across the sparkling sea to the Gulf of Corinth and the Peleponnese mountains, is one of the finest in the whole of Greece. Further on the road passes through the isolated village of Anoghi, where an unassuming small church contains a magnificent series of late 15th century frescoes.

Vathy is a thriving port and administrative centre where the visitor is made to feel part of the community. Small hotels and apartment houses sit side by side with homes that have been lived in by the same families for generations. Most of the tavernas and kafenions are situated near the large plateia on the waterfront. They are popular gathering points where parents can sit, under shaded awnings, whilst a game of football is played by the children on the flagstones.

The second Ithaka is the mythical home of King Odysseus, conqueror of Troy and hero of Homer’s epic tale. The island is full of Odyssean associations, and many are easily reached by car or on foot. Eumaius’ Cave, Arethusa’s Spring, Laertes Field are all real places to be explored. Without doubt the Mycenians built their fortresses here over 3,500 years ago, but it is no wonder that the massive blocks of the Acropolis walls at Aetos have been called Cyclopian. Only a giant from the earliest myths could have placed them one upon the other!

On Ithaka the boundaries between fact and fiction are tantalisingly blurred. All the natural beauty and mystery of the Ionian is encapsulated in this one small island, making it a paradise for walkers, artists, photographers and all lovers of wild places. There are a hundred beaches, most of them small and secluded, consisting of dazzling pebbles and translucent water. Many can only be reached by boat. Only two or three have bars and one of these, at Dexia, has recently won a coveted Blue Flag for clean water and environmental protection. The final Ithaka cannot be seen for it is found in the heart. A poet described it as the feeling inside when we think of coming home, a sigh deep in the soul at the end journey. Whether you stay for one week or a thousand years you will undoubtedly feel it.

“Ithaka gave you a marvellous journey without her you would never have set out. Wise you have become, full of experience And now will understand what these Ithakans mean.” Extracts from “Ithaka” by C.P Kavafy

  • Experience the amazing panorama at the top of Mount Neritos (809m)
  • Explore secluded coves around Kioni and Vathy in your own motor boat
  • Snorkelling tour with the Marine Adventure
  • Swim at the ‘Blue Flag’ Dexia Beach
  • Visit the Archaeological museum in Vathy
  • Visit Exoghi and its church Agia Marina for ancient walks and amazing views
  • Odysseus Museum
  • Visit the Monastery of Kathariotissa named after the islands saint. It has a wonderful panoramic view of southern Ithaka
  • Celebrate the panagiri or festival of Sotiros (the Saviour) over the 5th and 6th August, food, music, dance and fun
  • Kioni ‘feast’ day on 20th July with live traditional music, food, wine & dance.

Vathy is one of the more spectacular natural harbours in Greece. Almost invisible from the sea, its narrow fjord-like entrance, guarded by twin headlands, each with the ruins of Venetian gun emplacements, is protected by the huge bulk of Mt Neritos, the island’s highest peak. Once inside the bay opens up to reveal a small town clustered around the far shore.

Although much of Vathy was devastated in the great earthquake of 1953, when many of its classic Venetian style mansions were destroyed, planning controls have ensured that the town has kept its character with well-proportioned houses, carefully painted facades and traditional roofs. It is the administrative capital and main ferry port for Kefalonia and Patras on the mainland.

The countryside in the immediate vicinity is glorious. Quiet lanes and tracks lead up the fertile valley behind the town from where newly opened footpaths can be taken to places straight out of Homer’s Odyssey.

The town itself contains fascinating alleyways and stepped paths often lined with the walls of elegant ruins, their archways and windows covered in wisteria.

On summer evenings everyone makes their way to the plateia beside the harbour, the road is closed off to traffic except where children on their bicycles race ahead of their parents enjoying a traditional ‘volta’ or stroll before their evening meal.

Ithaka is really two islands connected by the narrow ridge of Aetos. The north ‘island’, dominated by Mt Neritos, with the historic Kathara monastery and the Venetian village of Anoghi on its broad flanks, has a whole series of sheltered bays on its eastern shore.

It is hard to believe that this idyllic coastline was once the domain of merciless pirates and, only after the Venetians had gained control of the islands, in 16th and 17th century, was it possible for fishing villages like Kioni and Frikes to be established.

Stavros is the largest of a number of settlements scattered across the north end of the island. The large central plateia beside the church is pleasantly tree-lined and contains the only statue of Odysseus on the island. Just outside the village is the small archaeological museum that contains a fascinating collection of artifacts found in the nearby excavations at the School of Homer and Platreithias.

From Stavros the road drops down a valley to the tiny harbour and port of Frikes with its scattering of waterside tavernas. High above, the hamlet of Exoghi clings to the mountain. The name means ‘the outland’, and it certainly is an away-from-it all community of about twenty people plus a few more summer residents, only reached by a narrow, twisting lane or a series of recently restored mule trails.

Beyond Frikes, the road twists and turns around a series of delightful bays, before a short sharp ascent reveals the picturesque and atmospheric harbour of Kioni with its unspoilt cafes and harbourside tavernas.

The fantastic array of tiny coves and bays around Kioni are mostly only accessible by sea, therefore hiring a motorboat can only enhance your holiday.

Flights for this season

Saturday departures for direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham

KEFALONIA (EFL): for Kefalonia and Ithaka
SATURDAY FLIGHTS
Scroll left/right
FROM TO OUTBOUND
FLIGHT
INBOUND
FLIGHT
FLIGHT
DETAILS
DEPARTURE
TERMINAL
DEPARTURE
DATES
London Heathrow Kefalonia Dep: 10:10hrs
Arr: 15:50hrs
Dep: 16:45hrs
Arr: 18:20hrs
British Airways
BA 0646/7
Terminal 5 From: 25th May
To: 3rd Oct
London Heathrow Kefalonia Dep: 13:40hrs
Arr: 19:20hrs
Dep: 20:25hrs
Arr: 22:00hrs
British Airways
BA 0642/3
Terminal 5 From: 25th May
To: 21st Sep
London Gatwick Kefalonia Dep: 06:20hrs
Arr: 12:00hrs
Dep: 12:50hrs
Arr: 14:25hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8195/96
North Terminal From: 27th Apr
To: 26th Oct
London Gatwick Kefalonia Dep: 12:15hrs
Arr: 17:45hrs
Dep: 18:25hrs
Arr: 20:00hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8199/200
North Terminal From: 1st Jun
To: 26th Oct
Manchester Kefalonia Dep: 07:05hrs
Arr: 12:30hrs
Dep: 13:55hrs
Arr: 15:40hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1795/6
T1 From: 4th May
To: 5th Oct
Birmingham Kefalonia Dep: 08:05hrs
Arr: 13:50hrs
Dep: 14:40hrs
Arr: 16:35hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1253/4
Main Terminal From: 4th May
To: 5th Oct
These timings are quoted in local time and may be subject to alteration. Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK. Check-in time for UK is 2 hours prior to departure and in resort, due to security requirements, check-in should be 3 hours prior to departure.

Flights for 2025

Saturday departures for direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham

KEFALONIA (EFL): for Kefalonia and Ithaka
SATURDAY FLIGHTS
Scroll left/right
FROM TO OUTBOUND
FLIGHT
INBOUND
FLIGHT
FLIGHT
DETAILS
DEPARTURE
TERMINAL
DEPARTURE
DATES
London Heathrow Kefalonia Dep: 10:10hrs
Arr: 15:50hrs
Dep: 16:45hrs
Arr: 18:20hrs
British Airways
BA 0646/7
Terminal 5 From: 31st May
To: 4th Oct
London Heathrow Kefalonia Dep: 13:40hrs
Arr: 19:20hrs
Dep: 20:25hrs
Arr: 22:00hrs
British Airways
BA 0642/3
Terminal 5 From: 31st May
To: 4th Oct
London Gatwick Kefalonia Dep: 06:30hrs
Arr: 12:00hrs
Dep: 12:50hrs
Arr: 14:25hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8195/6
North Terminal From: 26th Apr
To: 18th Oct
London Gatwick Kefalonia Dep: 12:15hrs
Arr: 17:45hrs
Dep: 18:25hrs
Arr: 20:00hrs
Easyjet
EZY 8199/200
North Terminal From: 17th May
To: 18th Oct
Manchester Kefalonia Dep: 07:10hrs
Arr: 13:00hrs
Dep: 13:55hrs
Arr: 15:40hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1795/6
T1 From: 3rd May
To: 11th Oct
Bristol Kefalonia Dep: 16:50hrs
Arr: 22:20hrs
Dep: 23:00hrs
Arr: 00:35hrs
Easyjet
EZY 2809/10
Main Terminal From: 24th May
To: 18th Oct
Birmingham Kefalonia Dep: 08:05hrs
Arr: 13:50hrs
Dep: 14:40hrs
Arr: 16:35hrs
Jet2 Airlines
LS 1253/4
Main Terminal From: 10th May
To: 4th Oct
These timings are quoted in local time and may be subject to alteration. Greece is 2 hours ahead of the UK. Check-in time for UK is 2 hours prior to departure and in resort, due to security requirements, check-in should be 3 hours prior to departure.

TRANSFERS

Coach transfer to Sami then an onward sea crossing to Piso Aetos on our charter boat. Where applicable, hire cars will be waiting at Piso Aetos otherwise you will be transferred by taxi or minibus to your accommodation.

Approx transfer time: 1 hours 30 mins

PRE-BOOKING YOUR AIRCRAFT SEAT

To pre book your seat please contact the airline directly quoting Ionian Island Holidays as your tour operator, your booking reference number, flight number, date of departure and specific flight request. In some cases you will also require the airline booking reference. Payments for these seats are direct with the airline.
Please allow 24-48 hours after booking to allow your booking to be processed.

AIRLINE CONTACT DETAILS

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Please check your e-ticket for the luggage allowance that is included on your flights as this represents the actual confirmed allowance you are entitled to.

Most of our flights have checked baggage allowance of 20kg & 5kg hand baggage included.
In some cases, certain airlines may have different allowances but again, please check your e-ticket:

Security restrictions may apply, please contact the airline, the airport or ourselves before departure.

FLIGHT ONLY

We are able to offer a limited number of flights direct to Kefalonia, Preveza and Corfu. Contact out UK office for further details on 020 8459 0777.

AIRPORT ASSISTANCE

Please also fully inform us of any disability or walking difficulty you may have, so we can provide assistance at the airport. This must be made at least 7 days before departure.