The village of Kioni on northeastern Ithaca

Kioni is one of the most picturesque villages on Ithaca. The village is located on the northeastern part of the island and is built amphitheatrically on a green slope that leads down to a deep bay. My favourite village on Ithaca is otherwise Vathy, but Kioni is almost on par with Vathy. One big difference between the villages is that Kioni is much smaller. Kioni has about 130 inhabitants and Vathy has about 2,860 inhabitants. The village is located about 24 kilometres northeast of Vathy and about 5 kilometres northwest of Frikes, which is one of two ports on Ithaca.

Just like in Vathy, the harbor is the heart of the village, with colourful buildings and tavernas and restaurants lining the sea. Here you can enjoy traditional Greek dishes and fresh fish while looking out over the calm bay. Kioni is a popular night port for sailors and it is a real pleasure to check out all the sailboats, at least if you are a boat nerd like me.

The small boat harbor in Kioni.

One of many good tavernas in Kioni.

 

All the tavernas are good and all are located along the water.

For those who enjoy hiking, the area around Kioni offers several trails leading to scenic spots and historical ruins. A popular hiking trail runs from Kioni to the village of Anogi up in the mountains and passes through olive groves and cypress trees, this hike is approximately 4.5 kilometres long, easy route.

Agios Ioannis church in Kioni with the unusual belfry.

Near Kioni there are several small beaches where you can enjoy the crystal clear waters. One of the most famous is Gidaki beach, which is only accessible by boat and offers a secluded place for swimming and relaxation. There is a tiny pebble beach in Kioni itself which is reached via a staircase. The water is seductively inviting and if you like snorkelling you have come to the right place.

The small beach in Kioni seen from one direction.

The small beach in Kioni seen from the other direction.

If you are looking for real beaches, there are several very close to Kioni. Between Frikes and Kioni are Kourvoulia beach and Mavrona beach, and just south of Kioni are Plakoutses beach and Kantina beach.

Kourvoulia beach which is located near Kioni.

Plakoutses beach is located at the far end of the bay.

Kantina beach south of Kioni.

ACCOMMODATION IN KIONI

The range of hotels is not nearly as large as in Vathy, but there are enough, and most of them are very well located. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Kioni.

Book Aprilis Apartments here »

Book Captain's Apartments here »

Book Pebbles of Kioni here »

Read more about Ithaca at Kalispera »