Stavros, a charming village on Greece’s Ionian coast, is a fantastic hub for memorable tours. Its strategic location makes it easy to explore both the local scenery and the legendary island of Ithaca. One of the reasons we love Stavros for tours is the variety—whether you’re interested in relaxing boat trips, cultural visits, or discovering the islands’ myths firsthand, you’ll find options that suit different tastes and budgets. For example, a trip to Gidaki Beach offers a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, perfect for sun lovers. Or, you might opt for a full-day excursion exploring Ithaca’s villages and monasteries, which combine scenic drives with cultural insight.
If you want to get a sense of Ithaca’s fresh, authentic vibe, these tours will give you a real taste of the island’s charm. We especially recommend the Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim Stop for its immersive experience and flexible itinerary, which includes visits to Kathara Monastery and Kioni, and a swim at Gidaki Beach—all while enjoying a traditional boat ride. Meanwhile, the Kefalonia: Mythical Ithaca Island Full-Day Bus Tour offers a broader view of the island’s highlights, including Vathy and Stavros village, with the comfort of a guided bus tour.
Here’s a quick overview of the top tours in Stavros:
– An immersive boat and island exploration trip that includes swimming and scenic visits (Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim Stop)
– A comprehensive full-day bus tour that covers major sights and offers a taste of myth and history (Kefalonia: Mythical Ithaca Island Full-Day Bus Tour)
1. Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim Stop
This tour, rated 4.6/5 based on reviews, costs around $85 per person and lasts about 10 hours. It offers a well-rounded experience of Ithaca, combining land visits, a boat trip, and swimming opportunities. You’ll start with pickup from one of 16 different locations, making it easy to join from various parts of Kefalonia. The journey begins with a bus ride to Aetos Pisaetos Port, followed by a scenic ferry crossing to Ithaca.
Highlights include the Kathara Monastery, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. The tour takes you through the idyllic villages of Stavros and Kioni, each with its own quaint charm. The boat ride on a traditional kaiki offers the chance to swim at Gidaki Beach, known for its clear waters and secluded setting. The day also includes visits to Vathy, the island’s main port, and optional free time to explore or relax. The itinerary is flexible enough to include a walk at Kathara Monastery and time to soak up the atmosphere in Kioni.
This tour stands out for its personalized, intimate boat experience and the variety of stops. It is ideal for travelers wanting a mix of culture, scenery, and water activities, all within a well-organized day. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the excellent value for a full-day adventure.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and local village charm, with the flexibility of a small-group boat trip.
2. Kefalonia: Mythical Ithaca Island Full-Day Bus Tour
For around 10 hours, this full-day bus tour takes you across Western Greece to discover Ithaca’s legendary sites. Priced competitively, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a guided, comfortable experience without the hassle of organizing transportation. The tour begins with pickup from 17 locations, including popular resorts like Lassi and Sami.
The itinerary includes a scenic ferry crossing, after which you’ll explore Vathy, the island’s charming capital, with its narrow streets and harbor views. The visit to the Kathara Monastery offers panoramic vistas of the Ionian and a chance to understand the island’s spiritual side. The tour highlights Stavros, a village known for its simple beauty and local museum, and Kioni, a picturesque fishing village where you can enjoy a harbor-side lunch and walk around its colorful streets.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on the mythical aspect of Ithaca—the connection to Odysseus—and its scenic drive through the island’s most beautiful spots. While it doesn’t include swimming, the guided stops and panoramic views make it an excellent choice for history buffs and those wanting a structured, informative day. The moderate pace and comprehensive itinerary deliver good value, and the commentary helps bring the island’s legends to life.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in Ithaca’s mythological stories and scenic villages, preferring a guided experience with cultural and historical insights.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and how you like to explore. If you love being on the water and want a more personalized experience with opportunities for swimming and off-the-beaten-path villages, the Ithaca Exploration with Extra Boat Trip & Swim Stop is perfect. It’s flexible, intimate, and focuses on authentic island life.
On the other hand, if you prefer a structured day with guided commentary, panoramic views, and less fuss over logistics, the Kefalonia: Mythical Ithaca Island Full-Day Bus Tour offers a great overview. It’s well-suited for those who want a comfortable, comprehensive look at Ithaca‘s major sights and legends.
In terms of budget, both tours offer good value, but the boat trip includes additional water activities and personal touches that some travelers find worth the extra cost. Be sure to book early, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred time and departure point.
Final Thoughts
Both tours in Stavros highlight different ways to experience Ithaca’s charm. The boat trip adventure is perfect for those who want intimacy, water fun, and flexibility, while the full-day bus tour suits travelers seeking a guided, informative journey with easy logistics.
If you’re a history enthusiast or a mythology lover, the bus tour will bring to life the stories of Odysseus. For adventurers and water lovers, the boat trip’s swim stops, charming villages, and scenic ferry rides will create lasting memories.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Both tours provide a great way to see the beauty and stories of Ithaca, making your trip around Stavros truly special.
