Sami Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Sami! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Sami boasts an impressive 19 ferry routes operated by 8 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Sami, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Sami offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Patras - Sami, Bari - Sami, Pisaetos - Sami. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Sami. You'll find companies like Levante Ferries, Ionion P. Lines, Superfast Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Sami.

Travelers can reach Sami via ferry connections from mainland Greece (primarily Patras and Killini) and neighboring Ionian islands. If arriving by air, Kefalonia International Airport is approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Sami, with taxi services and rental cars readily available for the 30-minute drive. For those traveling within Greece by car, the journey involves taking a ferry from Killini to Poros, followed by a scenic 28 km coastal drive. The port area offers both short and long-term parking options, though spaces can become limited during peak summer months, so arriving early is advisable.

Nestled on the verdant eastern coast of Kefalonia, Sami blends authentic Greek charm with stunning natural landscapes. This picturesque port town sits between pine-covered mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, creating a postcard-perfect setting for arriving travelers. As one of the island's main ferry hubs, Sami offers visitors their first taste of Kefalonian hospitality while serving as an ideal base for exploring the island's renowned caves, beaches, and villages.

Sami enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The ideal time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range from pleasant 22°C to summer highs around 30°C, perfect for swimming and outdoor exploration. June and September offer the sweet spot of warm weather, operational ferry schedules, and fewer crowds than the July-August peak. Easter celebrations bring traditional festivities to Sami, while August 15th marks the important Assumption Day celebrations. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with more limited schedules during winter.

Sami serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Ionian archipelago. Regular ferries connect to Ithaca, Odysseus' legendary home, just a 30-minute journey across the strait with its unspoiled beaches and hiking trails. Travelers can also reach Patras on the mainland in about 3 hours, offering access to Ancient Olympia and the Peloponnese region. The vibrant island of Zakynthos lies to the south, famous for its Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves, accessible via connecting services. The journey between these islands offers spectacular views of the Ionian's azure waters and dramatic coastlines, making the ferry trips attractions in themselves.

Just minutes from Sami's port, the magnificent Melissani Cave dazzles visitors with its underground lake where sunlight creates mesmerizing blue water effects during midday boat tours. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss Antisamos Beach, a stunning pebble shoreline with turquoise waters featured in the film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin,' located just 4km from town. The ancient acropolis above Sami reveals ruins dating back to the Hellenistic period with panoramic views of the channel between Kefalonia and Ithaca. Local tavernas along the waterfront serve fresh seafood and Kefalonian specialties like kreatopita (meat pie) and Robola wine, produced from grapes grown in the island's mountainous vineyards.

Sami served as a primary filming location for the 2001 Hollywood film 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin,' temporarily transforming the town into a 1940s Italian-occupied settlement. The area surrounding Sami contains over 17 mapped caves and underground formations, making it one of Greece's most significant speleological regions. During antiquity, Sami was one of Kefalonia's four powerful city-states, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was once more prominent than the modern capital Argostoli. The underwater visibility in the channel between Sami and Ithaca can exceed 40 meters, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers exploring the Mediterranean marine life.