Kioni, Ithaca – Visual Sailing Guide
Kioni is one of the most picturesque harbors in Ithaca and one of the best-known village stops in the Ionian.
With its classic colorful houses, amphitheatrical setting, and deep natural bay, it combines visual charm with
practical shelter for visiting yachts.
This is a harbor that feels lively without losing its authenticity. On approach, the bay opens gently between
wooded slopes, revealing a compact waterfront village, moored yachts, and a distinctly Ionian atmosphere.
Approach to Kioni
Kioni lies about 4 nautical miles south of Frikes and is easy to identify from seaward. On the south side of
the bay, ruined windmills and houses on the hillside offer useful visual references on arrival.
The entrance is straightforward in settled weather, but local wind effects should not be underestimated.
In northwesterly conditions, strong gusts can push into the bay, and the harbor is also uncomfortable in
strong NE, E, and SE winds.
What to watch for on arrival
- Ruined windmills and hillside houses on the south side of the bay
- Strong gusts in the bay with NW winds
- Exposure in strong NE, E, and SE conditions
- Rocks on the SE side of the concrete pier
- Night ferry wash outside the bay, especially if your beam faces the opening
Mooring, Anchoring & Parking
In season, it is best to arrive early in order to choose your spot. Kioni is popular, and available space can
become limited later in the day.
Town Quay
You can moor on the town quay, which offers water but no electricity and no showers on the quay itself.
A port fee applies. This is the most convenient option for direct access to the village.
- Port fee: Yes
- Electricity: No
- Water: Yes
- Showers: No
- Caution: Mind the rocks on the SE side of the concrete pier
Long Lines Ashore
A very practical option is to anchor and take a long line ashore to the rocks on the west side of the bay.
There is plenty of room for this style of mooring, and closer to the town there are even rings available.
Do not tie to trees, lanterns, or stairs.
Anchor Freely
There is room for around 6 to 8 boats to anchor freely, depending on the season and spacing. The bottom drops
away quickly as you move south from the port, so depth awareness is important when choosing your position.
On the south-southwest side, you can anchor bow or stern to the quay, or face the port with a long line ashore
in about 6–8 meters. In calm weather, anchoring in the southeast is also possible.
Holding
Holding is generally fair to good on a bottom of sand and weed. As always in mixed bottom conditions, make sure
the anchor is properly set before leaving the boat or staying overnight.
Protection & Conditions
Kioni is a beautiful stop, but comfort depends on wind direction. The harbor is not a place to treat casually
in stronger weather, especially when the exposed directions begin to funnel into the bay.
Protection summary
- Stay away in strong NE, E, and SE winds
- Expect strong gusts inside the bay with NW winds
- More settled and attractive in calmer summer conditions
- Night ferry movement outside the bay can create noticeable wash
Facilities in Kioni
For such a compact harbor, Kioni offers a very useful range of shoreside services. This makes it attractive not
only as a scenic stop, but also as a practical village for a short stay.
- Supermarket
- Coffee bar
- ATM
- Jewellery shops
- Restaurants
- Trash disposal on the south side along the road
Water Supply
Water is available in Kioni. When docked on the quay, or when lying on long lines:
Water contact: Nikos – +30 697 968 7862
Transport
Taxi, minivan, and bus arrangements can be made locally. A practical local contact is:
Taxi: +30 694 429 6623 / 694 428 9428
From Kioni, it is easy to organize onward visits to Frikes, Stavros, Homer’s School, or the archaeological
collection near Myrtia restaurant.
Restaurants, Bars & Local Favourites
Kioni’s waterfront and terraces make dining part of the experience. The village offers a relaxed mix of tavernas,
cocktails, and local artisan shops.
Lizzy’s
Set on terraces above the bay, Lizzy’s offers a fresh take on Greek cuisine with Mediterranean touches. It is a
good choice for creative dishes, cocktails, and one of the best elevated views over Kioni.
Contact: Panos – +30 698 683 9455 (WhatsApp)
Mills Restaurant
A strong practical recommendation for visiting sailors. SeaTV currently highlights Mills as a great restaurant,
and showers are also available there, making it useful beyond dining alone.
Spavento
For a great coffee or cocktails, whisky, visit Spavento
easygoing atmosphere. It is a favorite social stop for both locals and sailors.
Pantopoleion
A very useful village supermarket for provisioning, with fresh produce and a broad range of everyday essentials.
Especially convenient for crews needing a quick restock without leaving the harbor area.
Jewellery & Local Shopping
Odyssey Jewelry
Odyssey Jewelry in Kioni offers handmade jewellery and ceramics created by local designers. Beyond the objects
themselves, the shop adds a personal, place-based character to the village and makes a meaningful stop for those
looking for something local rather than generic souvenirs.
What to Do Ashore
Kioni is more than a harbor stop. It is a very enjoyable place to walk, dine, provision lightly, and use as a
base for short explorations inland.
Activities
- Trek inland on marked routes through Ithaca’s natural forest
- Stroll the waterfront and village lanes
- Enjoy classic Ionian architecture and colorful houses
- Use Kioni as a base for short local taxi excursions
Why Visit Kioni
- Traditional Ionian harbor with colorful houses and a classic village setting
- Very lively atmosphere for a harbor of its size
- Useful stop for water, restaurants, and light provisioning
- A beautiful combination of practical mooring and visual charm
SeaTV Visual Pilot – Kioni Ithaca
Watching the visual pilot before arrival helps you understand the shape of the bay, the layout of the quay,
long-line options, and the feel of the harbor before entering. In a place like Kioni, where available space,
depth, and wind angle all matter, that visual context is especially valuable.
Watch the full SeaTV video for Kioni Ithaca to see the harbor from the sailor’s point of view.











































