Choosing where to stay in Ithaca is less about distance and more about atmosphere. Although the island is small, its villages feel noticeably different. Vathy is the most convenient and practical base, Kioni is the most scenic and romantic, and Stavros works best for exploring the quieter north. This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Ithaca, who each one suits, and the hotels I would prioritize in each base.
Quick answer
Where to Stay in Ithaca
For most travelers, the best places to stay in Ithaca are Vathy, Kioni, and Stavros. Choose Vathy for the most convenient all-round base, Kioni for the most scenic and romantic harbor setting, and Stavros for easier access to the quieter north.
Best overall
Vathy
Best for first-time visitors who want the easiest base, the widest choice of restaurants, and the most practical access to southern beaches, boat rentals, and everyday services.
Best picks: Korina Gallery Hotel · Mentor Hotel
Most atmospheric
Kioni
Best for couples and travelers who care more about harbor views, village charm, and memorable evening atmosphere than having the island’s most practical base.
Best picks: Captain’s Apartments · Pebbles of Kioni
Best for exploring the north
Stavros
Best for travelers focused on northern beaches, hiking routes, and Homeric sites, with a more local feel and easier access to Ithaca’s quieter side.
Best pick: Oniro Villas
My recommendation: choose Vathy if you want the easiest and most flexible base, Kioni if atmosphere matters more than convenience, and Stavros if you plan to spend more time exploring northern Ithaca.
For the best things to do, how to get to Ithaca, and more, see my main Ithaca travel guide.
Table of Contents
Vathy: The Most Convenient Base for First‑Time Visitors
Vathy curves around one of the most protected natural harbors in the Ionian Sea. The town has cafés, tavernas, bakeries, small shops and two museums, all within walking distance. It is the only place on the island where you can step out in the evening and have several dining options without getting in a car.
Staying in Vathy makes logistics simple. The southern beaches are close, boat rentals depart from the harbor and most hiking routes in the south start within a short drive. The town is lively in summer but never overwhelming, and the waterfront stays active until late with people strolling, eating or having a drink by the water.
Accommodation ranges from small hotels to self‑catered apartments. Many places have balconies overlooking the bay, and the atmosphere is relaxed even in peak season.
Best places to stay in Vathy, Ithaca
Vathy works well for travelers who want comfort, walkability and easy access to the island’s southern beaches.
Kioni: A Romantic Harbor Village with Sea Views
Kioni is one of the most photographed villages in the Ionian Sea. Pastel houses descend the hillside toward a small harbor, and old windmills stand at the entrance to the bay. The village has strict building rules that have preserved its traditional look, and the result is a place that feels timeless without being staged.
The harbor is lined with tavernas and cafés, and evenings here are especially atmospheric when the boats settle in and the lights reflect on the water. Kioni is also a great base for swimming, since several coves are within walking distance or a short drive. Renting a small boat is common, and many visitors spend their days exploring the coastline before returning to the village for dinner.
Accommodation in Kioni is mostly small apartments and boutique rooms, often with terraces overlooking the bay.
Best places to stay in Kioni, Ithaca
Kioni suits travelers who want a quiet, scenic base with good food and easy access to the water.
Stavros: A Northern Hub with Strong Local Character
Stavros sits inland on the northern part of the island and has a very different feel from the coastal villages. It is the cultural center of the north, with a lively square, small shops and a strong connection to Ithaca’s Homeric heritage. The Odysseus Museum is here, and Pilikata Hill, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites, is nearby.
Stavros is a practical base if you want to explore the northern beaches, visit Homeric sites or hike the mountain paths around Exogi and Anogi. The village is quieter than Vathy but has enough tavernas and cafés to make evenings easy. In August, the main square becomes one of the liveliest places on the island during the annual festival.
Accommodation here is simple and comfortable, often with views over the surrounding hills.
Best places to stay in Stavros, Ithaca
Stavros works well for travelers who want a central northern base with quick access to beaches, hiking routes and archaeological sites.
Frikes: A Small Fishing Village with a Calm Harbor
Frikes is a compact harbor village on the northeast coast. Fishing boats line the quay, and a handful of tavernas sit right on the water. The pace is slow, and the village has a low‑key charm that appeals to travelers who prefer quiet evenings and simple routines.
Frikes is also a ferry point with seasonal connections to Lefkada and Kefalonia, which makes it convenient for island‑hopping. Several beaches, including Marmakas and the Kourvoulia coves, are close by. The village is small, so everything is within a short walk.
Accommodation is mostly small apartments and guesthouses, many with balconies facing the harbor or the hills.
Frikes suits travelers who want a peaceful base with easy access to northern beaches and boat routes.
Best places to stay in Frikes, Ithaca
Perachori: A Hillside Village with Wide Views and Access to Trails
Perachori sits above Vathy and looks out across the bay and the Ionian Sea. The village is quiet, with a few tavernas and houses scattered along the hillside. It is the starting point for hikes into the Afentikos Logos forest and the ruins of Paliochora, the island’s medieval capital.
Staying in Perachori gives you a sense of rural Ithaca. The air is cooler in the evenings, the views are wide and the village feels far removed from the busier waterfront. It is a good base for travelers who enjoy walking and want a peaceful setting without being far from Vathy. Accommodation here is limited, usually small houses or apartments with terraces overlooking the valley.
Perachori works well for visitors who want quiet surroundings and easy access to hiking routes.
Anogi: A Mountain Village with History and Solitude
Anogi is one of the oldest villages on the island, perched high in the mountains. It is known for its monoliths scattered across the landscape and for the Church of the Panagia, which contains Byzantine frescoes. The village is small and quiet, with a single taverna that stays open in summer.
Staying in Anogi is a very different experience from the coastal villages. The air is cooler, the nights are silent and the views stretch across the Ionian. It is a good base for travelers who want solitude, history and access to mountain paths. The walk from Anogi to Kioni is one of the most popular routes on the island. Accommodation here is also limited as well; just a few small houses rented by locals.
Anogi suits travelers who want a remote, traditional setting with strong historical character.
Which Area of Ithaca Fits Your Trip
If you want the easiest and most versatile base, stay in Vathy. It is the best choice for first-time visitors, especially if you want walkability, more restaurant options, and easy day-to-day logistics. If you are drawn to postcard harbor views and a more romantic atmosphere, Kioni is the most memorable place to stay. If your priority is exploring northern Ithaca, including its beaches, hiking routes, and Homeric sites, Stavros is the most practical base. Frikes suits travelers who want a quieter harbor setting, while Perachori and Anogi are better for visitors who value views, rural character, and access to walking trails over convenience.
Once you have chosen your accommodation in Ithaca, check my detailed Ithaca island Greece guide for things to do, best restaurants and more.
Last Updated on 08/09/2026 by Panos
