Kioni Things to Do

The small but beautiful harbour is the centre of life in Kioni. Several bars and tavernas serve fresh fish and other local cuisine – not forgetting local wine and ouzo! There are often a number of boats and yachts moored to create a wonderful atmosphere in this quiet holiday destination on the island of Ithaca.

 

The spectacular horseshoe bay of Kioni is one of the most picturesque in the Ionian Sea with its picture postcard windmills overlooking the entrance. Within the bay there are four beaches all with stunning views over the sea and combined with the wonderful scent of the olive groves it could not be more relaxing.  When it’s time to cool down the crystal clear water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.  If a busier beach is on the agenda, take a ferry ride to Kefalonia to the beautiful white beach at Myrtos. This has a greater number of water sports such as windsurfing and diving.

 

Whether a gentle stroll to the windmills or a more ambitious hike is required, the coastline around Kioni and Ithaca offer the most wonderful and spectacular scenery. There are several trails that take in fishing villages such as Frikes that have local tavernas for a spot of traditional Greek food and wine to ease the walk back.  Ithaca is of course, according to mythology, the home of Odysseus and a three hour walk will take in the Arethoussa Spring and the Cave of Nymphs – walk a little further and you will see the ruins of the Castle of Odysseus.

 

Kioni has a very limited bus service, so to go further afield taking a taxi or hiring a car will be necessary. A popular activity to do on a hoilday in Kioni is to hire a small boat and explore the pretty beaches and secluded inlets around the coast - many completely unspoilt with trees running down to the water’s edge.

 

Kioni boasts two festivities in the summer. The 24^th June is for Aghios Ioanis and the 20^th July for Aghios Elias which is a small church built on the rocks by the sea. With live music and dancing and the site of the locals in their fishing boats coming to the celebrations this is not to be missed if you are in Kioni on these dates.