Sami Ferries

The port of Sami plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 5 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Sami serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Sami, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Lefkada - Sami, Corfu - Sami, Paxos - Sami connecting Sami with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Ionion P. Lines, Levante Ferries, Lefkada Palace run regular services from Sami, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Sami offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

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.