We meet at Captain Yiannis hotel where we complete a short briefing before heading to the water for an acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and further discussion about our plans for the week ahead. Sometimes weather conditions, or other last-minute constraints, may force our guides to move the acclimatisation swim to Day 2.

This is a special day as we hike from Vathy to Gidaki Beach. On the way, the guides will share some of the local stories about Shinos Beach, including the backstory of the villa and its first owner. Then we enjoy lunch at either Gidaki or Filiatro Bay (the nearest beach to Vathy, with crystalline waters and shiny white pebbles), combined with a swim at one of the two locations. Finally, we take a boat transfer back to Vathy.

We take a road transfer to the starting point for our hike, which delivers us to Anemodouri and Pera Pigadi Beach. Arethouse spring is a highlight we visit during this hike – a site of significance since the days of Homeric legends. We enjoy lunch at Kaminia Beach and Votsalo Beach Bar. Then we enjoy an exciting swim from Talaros to Cape Mounda before riding the boat back to Vathy.

Our day’s hike takes us again from Vathy, but this time to Sarakiniko Beach. Along the way our trail is flanked by great views and there are two orthodox chapels to visit on the route. We stop at Sarakiniko Beach Bar for lunch and then dive into a sea swim along the Sarakiniko peninsula featuring caves and narrow passages. The day ends with another boat transfer back to the familiar comforts of Vathy.

A road transfer gets us to Perahori village where our hike begins, returning us eventually to Vathy. There’s a chance to visit the Cave of Nymphs along the way as well. Back in Vathy, we take a rest for lunch before hopping onto the boats that will whisk us all off to the green islet of Lygia. We swim a full circumnavigation of the islet and finally return to Vathy for sunset.

On our last full day, we transfer by road to Anogi and hike to seaside Kioni – often called one of the island’s most beautiful villages. The main orthodox church is a must-see as is the Araklis monolith, close to Anogi. Also, we can see the recently renovated chapel of the Virgin Merry of Mouhla on the way to Kioni. After lunch, we swim away from Agios Ilias church to Chalikia Beach, which welcomes us with red rock formations and white pebbles.

There’s time for one last farewell swim in Vathy before we eat our last breakfast together and say those sad goodbyes.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip varies each day depending on the type of swim but includes three support vessels to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and one lunch are included in your trip price (swimmers only). The remaining four lunches and all dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

Most people comfortable walking for a duration of 2 hours, with some inclines and some uneven or rocky pathways, will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Hiking Distances

*Please note that these hikes are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual hike locations and distances will vary according to local weather and conditions.

Hiking Conditions

The walks we undertake will be led by a professional hiking guide, and will mostly be on recognised paths and trails. The routes that we walk with have inclines and declines, and some surfaces may be uneven, rocky or slippery. Care should be taken and proper walking boots and long trousers must be worn.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions for our hikes, so some flexibility will be required around which hiking routes will be followed, and how many hikes will be undertaken. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your guides as quickly as possible.

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

In addition to our standard recommended packing list, we also recommend that you bring the following additional items on this trip:

• Daily hiking clothes including long trousers for hiking (essential)
• Backpack
• Hiking boots with ankle support (essential)
• Lightweight towel
• An additional or spare personal drink bottle

SwimTrek is all about the swimming! Our trips, including SwimHikes, are designed and structured around swimming activities. Non-swimming partners, friends and family generally won't be able to take part in the planned activities, but of course are welcome to join for any social activities or meals.

Most of our destinations have plenty of other activities available for non-swimmers, but these will be need to be arranged separately.

For the Ithaca SwimHike trip in particular, non-swimmers will not be able to be accommodated on the swimming support boat. As these hiking routes usually end with a boat pickup, if any non-swimming partners, friends or family would like to take part in the hike, they will unfortunately need to make alternative arrangements to transfer back to the accommodation at the end of the hike.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Vathy, Ithaca is to fly to Kefalonia (EFL), take a transfer to the ferry port of Sami and catch a public ferry to Pisaetos (Ithaca).

Kefalonia Airport to Sami

The easiest way to get from Kefalonia Airport to Sami is by taxi. The total travel time by taxi is approximately 50 minutes with an estimated cost of 60€ to 65€ approximately.

If you want to take public transport, you will need to take a bus to Argostoli, the capital city of Kefalonia. The bus stop is located at the left side of the main entrance of the departures building and schedules will be available nearer the season. From Argostoli, you will need to catch a second bus to Sami. According to the current schedule, buses run Monday to Friday at 07:30am and 13:00pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 07:30am. Schedules are subject to change and should be checked in advance.

Ferry from Sami (Kefalonia) to Pisaetos (Ithaca)

There are two ferry companies operating from Sami to Pisaetos; Ionion Pelagos and Levante. There are usually two ferries a day, but schedules will be available nearer the season and should be checked in advance. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €5. More information can be found using either website: https://www.ferries.gr/ or https://www.levanteferries.com/.

From Pisaetos Port to Vathy and Accommodation

The easiest way is to take a taxi up the hill and along the stunning coast, a 15 minute ride. Get the front seat to enjoy the view as you come over the hill to see Vathy below you. Take the taxi directly to Captain Yiannis, located further round the bay from the port of Vathy, approximately 1km from the town centre. The hotel will be able to assist you with this. Please contact Captain Yiannis directly at stefanosfiampolis@gmail.com.

Return Travel

To return to Kefalonia Airport (EFL), please reverse the order of travel. Take a transfer via taxi to Pisaetos where you will be able to catch the ferry over to Sami on Kefalonia. From Sami on Kefalonia, take a transfer back to the airport.

Alternative routes

If you want to explore other areas of Greece and island hop, there are ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca from Athens and Lefkada

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€). Please note, the Greek Ministry of Tourism has introduced an Overnight Stay Tax. This is payable upon arrival at the accommodation.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel where we stay.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

• 14-day Refund

• Free Trip Changes

• Refund Guarantee

Flexible Booking Terms and Conditions