Combo hiking and boat tour in Ithaca: Vathy - Gidaki beach

Embark on an effortless journey from Vathy to the pristine Gidaki Beach. This easy hike features a scenic route, with half of the trail winding along the road. As you approach Shinos Beach, the path takes you through a fragrant pine forest, creating a captivating natural backdrop.

Gidaki Beach awaits, inviting you to unwind on its shores and take a refreshing swim. Revel in the beauty of one of Ithaca's most enchanting beaches, surrounded by turquoise waters and unspoiled landscapes.

To add a touch of adventure, our boat pick-up awaits at Gidaki Beach, ensuring a seamless return to Vathy Harbor. This combo trip is a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and the joy of discovering Ithaca's hidden gems. Join us for an unforgettable experience, combining the best of hiking and a boat tour in our unique way!

Information: 

• Duration: 4 hours: 1.5 hours hiking - 2 hours beach stop - 20 minutes boat transfer.
• Hiking Distance: 5 kilometers
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Proposed starting time: 8 am (meeting in Vathy main square). 
• Transfers: Boat transfer back to Vathy.
• Minimum participants per Group: 3 people
• Cost: 60€

That's a medium-difficulty hike that will last 6 hours depending on our pace and the stops we will make. The first part of the path is a rocky old path with a stunning view. We reach almost 700 meters elevation and you have a view of the whole surrounding middle Ionian sea area. The second part of the path (after Anogi village) is traditionally covered with stone.

We can visit some spots around Anogi village such as the monastery of Kathara, the Byzantine church next to the main square of the village and the huge monoliths also known as Menirs. On our way to Kioni, we visit the small chapel dedicated to the Holy Mary also known as Mouhla, recently refurbished by the locals. Kioni village is a great place to relax after this hike or to swim at its tiny beaches.

Information: 

• Duration: 7 hours: 5 hours hiking - 30 minutes stop at Anogi village at the traditional cafe - 30 min stop in Kioni Village - 1 hour Boat ride and swim stop to Vathy.
• Hiking Distance: 9km
• Level of difficulty: Moderate
• Proposed starting time: 7.30 am (meeting in Vathy main square). 
• Transfers: There is a morning taxi or minibus transfer from Vathy to Kathara Monastery and a boat transfer from Kioni to Vathy.
• Minimum participants per Group: 3 people
• Cost: 80€

This is our longest hike. It is a complete round trip consisting of a long hike and a relaxing boat trip back to Vathy. We are starting the hike straight from Vathy town and then we visit the cave of the nymphs. Then we "climb" to Perahori village and we visit Paleohora Medieval village and the orthodox church of Aei Giannis with the remains of the frescos. From there we are heading to Perahori village where we can have a short stop at the traditional cafe.

Then we hike to the agricultural Marathias area through the old pilgrims’ path and finally, we visit Arethousa Krini Spring which is a Homeric location. Next Arethousa Krini is located close to Talaros Beach where we can swim. The boat will pick us up from there and it will take us to Gidaki beach for a second swim and then back to Vathy in the afternoon.

Information: 

• Duration: 8h 30min: 5 hours hiking, 30 minute stop at the traditional cafe at Perahori and 1h 30min boat ride and swim stop
• Hiking Distance: 11,5km
• Level of difficulty: Advanced
• Proposed starting time: 7 am (meeting in Vathy main square). 
• Transfers: Boat transfer from Pera Pigadi Beach to Vathy.
• Minimum participants per Group: 3 people
• Cost: 85€