Kioni was founded in the 16th century by inhabitants moving down from the mountain village of Anogi to escape pirate raids.
The port's narrow entrance provides natural protection from prevailing winds, making it a favored anchorage for mariners.
The waterfront includes several restored windmill bases that once supported the local agricultural economy.
During the summer, the bay serves as a primary transit point for small water taxis connecting to isolated northern beaches.
The architectural style of the village is strictly protected by local planning regulations to preserve its 19th-century aesthetic.
Kioni Port is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped natural harbor located on the northeastern coast of Ithaca, Greece. The village surrounding the port features traditional Ionian architecture, characterized by red-tiled roofs and stone houses that largely survived the 1953 Ionian earthquake. The waterfront serves as a docking point for private sailing yachts and small fishing boats throughout the summer season. Small pebble beaches, such as Mavrouda and Tsitsiritsou, are accessible along the perimeter of the bay. The area functions as a central hub for marine activity on the island, offering direct access to the clear, deep-blue waters of the Ionian Sea. The port is flanked by steep hillsides covered in olive groves and cypress trees.
The elevated road leading into the village from the south provides a panoramic, high-angle view of the entire horseshoe-shaped harbor.
Bring water shoes, as the small beaches surrounding the harbor are composed of smooth white pebbles rather than sand.
Visit the small coves on the northern side of the bay for snorkeling, as the water clarity is significantly higher away from the main docking area.
Secure a spot at a waterfront cafe early in the evening, as tables fill quickly with sailors coming ashore for dinner.
Do not attempt to navigate the narrow village streets by car; park in the designated lot at the entrance to the village.
The village is largely seasonal, with most tourism infrastructure active from May through early October.
Maintain a quiet volume in the evening out of respect for residents living directly above the waterfront businesses.
