Levante Ferries

Who they are

Levante Ferries is a Greek ferry company operating in the Ionian Sea, providing the essential car-ferry links between the western Greek mainland and the three southern Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Ithaca. The company's name references the Levante — the easterly wind that shapes weather and seafaring across this part of the Mediterranean — and its routes connect some of Greece's most popular island destinations with the mainland ports of Killini and Patras.

Levante is one of several operators competing on the Ionian routes, which see heavy traffic in summer from Greek and international tourists. The company runs conventional ro-ro car ferries rather than fast craft, which means vehicles and families with luggage can be accommodated without the restrictions that come with hydrofoil or catamaran services.

Network and routes

Levante Ferries' western Greek mainland bases are Killini (a dedicated ferry port in the north-west Peloponnese) and Patras (the main western Greek city and international ferry hub). From these two points the company reaches three islands.

Zakynthos (Zakynthos Town / Zante Town) is the closest and most popular island on the Killini axis — a short crossing that makes day-trips technically feasible, though most visitors stay longer. Kefalonia is reached from both Killini (to the south-eastern port of Poros) and Patras (to Argostoli, the island capital, or Sami on the east coast). Ithaca, the island of Odysseus, is served from Patras via Sami on Kefalonia on some sailings, and from Astakos on others.

The network has seasonal variation: peak summer brings higher frequency and additional vessel deployments; shoulder and off-season sailings thin out, and some Ithaca connections in particular run with minimal winter frequency.

Fleet and on board

Levante Ferries operates a fleet of conventional ro-ro passenger-vehicle ferries. These are multi-deck vessels with a vehicle deck for cars and motorcycles, and passenger facilities across the upper decks. On-board amenities typically include a cafeteria or restaurant, indoor seating lounges and open deck space.

Crossing times are moderate — Killini to Zakynthos is roughly 1.5 hours; Killini to Poros (Kefalonia) somewhat longer. Patras to Kefalonia (Sami or Argostoli) is a longer crossing of three or more hours depending on routing. These are not overnight ferries; catering provision is sufficient for the crossing length.

Booking and tips

Pre-booking is strongly advised for vehicle passages in July and August, especially on the Killini–Zakynthos and Killini–Kefalonia (Poros) runs, which fill with summer tourists. Foot passengers generally have more flexibility.

Kefalonia has two main ferry ports (Sami, Poros) and the capital Argostoli, each at a different point of the island. Choosing the right port for your accommodation saves significant driving time — Kefalonia is large enough that the wrong port can add over an hour to your journey. Check which port your sailing serves.

For travellers arriving in Greece via the Patras international ferry terminal (from Italy), Levante's Patras sailings offer a direct onward connection to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Timing between the international arrival and the domestic departure can be tight; allow time for passport control and vehicle disembarkation before heading to the domestic ferry quays.