Explore Kioni, the seaside village
What to see and do in Kioni – the most popular destination
Kioni is situated at the northernmost part of the island, at a distance of 25 km to Ithaca’s capital, Vathy. It is a preserved traditional settlement which captures the visitor with its quaintness and its idyllic landscape.
Kioni is the most popular tourist destination of Ithaca and it deservedly claims to be one of the most beautiful in Greece, since it has amazingly succeeded to maintain its exquisite traditional colour and its unique identity.
Though Kioni receives plenty of visitors each year, still breathes a tranquil peacefulness to mind and senses, and it is an ideal shelter for those who wish to relax even at the peak of the tourist season in a peaceful and majestic environment, escaping from the noisy routine and the stress.
It is built amphitheatrically in verdant hills which end to a natural cove, in the entrance of which 3 stone windmills are standing. The natural small port was erstwhile base of pirates while today is a charming shelter for many fishing boats, sailing ships, even luxurious yachts, since Kioni is a favourite resort, especially among yacht owners and not only, offering plenty of choices concerning accommodation, entertainment but also isolation.
Activities
Nurture your adventurous spirit with experiences and activities which you will remember for a lifetime. Kioni is a traditional settlement of immense natural beauty. It offers a range of activities for the select few who travel there. Walking Here you can exercise your body and your soul and can find inner peace. Wearing suitable footwear and long trousers you can explore the ancient footpaths around Kioni. The best time of year for this is either Spring or Autumn. The changing landscape, the panoramic views from the mountain tops, the intoxicating aromas, fresh air with a hint of sea salt … all will charm and fascinate you. Ithaka has 55 kilometres of organized footpaths and you can find details of these on:
On, By Or Under
The Water You can explore hidden beaches with white pebbles and turquoise water. By renting a small motorized boat from Kioni beach (ask for George) you can visit isolated bays which would otherwise be inaccessible. Even at the height of the summer you can find a beach entirely to yourself … well, yourself and the gulls! Ithaca is ideal for combining nature exploration with endless swimming and sunbathing. If you are more energetic you may prefer to go paddle boarding, sea kayaking, or to try diving with an experienced guide, or take a boat excursion to a nearby island. You can find details of all these activities at www.seakayakingithaca.com. Or perhaps you can try your hand at fishing? A wide variety of fish inhabit the bay of Kioni and you can fish in the harbour, on the rocks and on the beaches. Other Activities Get to know the entire island with daily activities, or take an unforgettable personalized tour of the Palace of Odysseus (the hero of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey) and the port to which he returned. (Ask us for further details).
Experience life “as a local”. Take a daytime walk to the mole in Kioni, spend the early evening in the moonlight, followed by a meal beside the waves … and finish the day with a relaxing drink underneath the stars. Once In A Lifetime Occasions In recent years Kioni has been the location of choice for hosting unique, once in a lifetime events. Try out contemporary local cuisine of Ithaca
If you are planning a baptism or to get married, why not consider holding the ceremony at one of the superb chapels which surround Kioni? Visit Agios Nikolaos in Mavrona, for example, and your imagination will immediately turn to how wonderful a ceremony could be held there
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The island of Ithaca
Ithaca is worldly known for being the birthplace of the Homeric hero, Odysseus (Ulluses). For years he was wandering, meeting exotic lands, confronting temptations and dangers but Ithaca had enslaved his heart and the dream to return home never left his mind. The enchantment of the island seems somehow to have remained untouched through time. Once you’ve been to Ithaca, it’s difficult to forget this small, mountainous island with its captivating scenery.