Ithaca Island
Welcome to a small but incomparably beautiful Greek island where cozy bays and beaches peep through the greenery. This legendary island is tensely connected to the name of Odysseus, whom we know from the Iliad and Odyssey. Here, everyone finds tranquility and relaxation and enjoys the power of nature.
But what is Ithaca? It’s an island of 96 sq. km with the capital of Vathy which is considered to be located in one of the biggest natural harbors in the world, and this is especially convenient to those enjoying yacht trips.
Ithaca is worldwide famous as the home of Odysseus, is symbolizes the return to the haven.
The island has been inhabited since the end of the 3rd millennium B.C. but became famous thanks to the king of Odysseus who used to govern here in the 12th century B.C. and whose adventures were told to the world by Homer. Ithaca as well as some neighboring areas was under the power of Odysseus.
The island is separated from Kefalonia by a narrow strait (2-4 km). The western part of the island is mountainous and almost with no greenery while the eastern part is almost flat and generously covered by trees.
Ithaca has something for everyone: Great beaches, hikes, boating trips, scuba diving, festivals and views, traditional food, entertainment, busy bars or quiet solitude.
Visit the north and most beautiful part of the island for panoramic views of spectacular scenery, where breathtaking mountains seem to float between the blue sky and the sea. Ancient Greek artifacts, Byzantine churches, and picturesque rural villages are waiting for you to discover them.
Vathy
The capital of the island and the port is called Vathy which means “deep” in Greek. Entering the port you are welcomed by an islet of Lazareto which is also called “tou Sotira” (meaning “of the Savior”) with the church carrying the same name. Near Vathy, are some of the most popular beaches on the island, as well as the celebrated mountainous village Perahori that you must visit.
Kioni
The authentic fishing village of Kioni is located on the northeast coast of the island. Kioni is a beautiful traditional settlement with a picturesque harbor. It is a retreat for pleasure craft and fishing boats. The well-kept houses with ceramic tiles offer this village an attractive look. The surrounding area is beautifully green, and the hills behind and around the village are full of trees.
Where to swim:
Gidaki: Many claim that it’s the best beach in Ithaki, due to its beautiful waters.
Afales: One traverses an idyllic landscape with tropical vegetation and reaches the exquisite beach of the Gulf of Afales. It is truly a beautiful place with large white pebbles and rocky coastlines that hide two further beaches, Kouloumi and Perivoli, ideal for those who seek out absolute calm.
Filiatro: It’s the busiest, serviced beach on the island, and it has amazing waters that are perfect for snorkeling.
Platia Amos: One of the few sandy beaches in Ithaki, Platia Amos is part of the famous and stunning beach Afales. It’s not easy to get here since you can only reach it by boat from Frikes or Kioni.
Skinos: Near the cosmopolitan capital of Ithaki, Vathy, there’s a laidback beach, easily accessible after a few minutes of walking on a dirt road.
Sarakiniko: Very close to Vathy, Sarakiniko beach is ideal for a quick afternoon swim, moments before the sun sets. This beach boasts one of the most brilliant natural settings with lush green surroundings and emerald waters. It is very quiet and calm with a dazzling sea and a pebbly beach. Sarakiniko Beach has ample shade areas due to the cypresses and the olive trees that dot the landscape.
Sightseeing:
In the port, one can distinguish the ruins of the Venetian castle. 2km from Vathy there is a unique “cave of the nymphs” which is considered to have no bottom.
The most noticeable building of the town is the main cathedral (Mitropoli).
In the Aetos area, there are the ruins of the ancient city of Alalcomenae built in the 8th century BC. This place is known among the locals as the Odyssey Castle. It was here that Shlieman was making excavations looking for the Odyssey Palace.
Another important sight of the island is the Loisa cave. Here the parts of the shells with letters on them were found certifying that the locals had a cult of the ancient Greek Goddesses of Athena, Artemis and Hera.
The other sight worth seeing is a Byzantine monastery of the 12th century located in the oldest mountain village of Anoghi in northern Ithaca. The place offers a stunning view of the whole island.
Do not forget to visit the monastery of Panagia Kathariotisa, the patron of Ithaki, and a pride and joy of the locals, is located 15km from the capital, at 600m altitude. The monastery is built on Mount Niritos, known from the reference to it in Homer’s Odyssey, while its name comes from the word “kathara” which means dry branches.
In Ithaca, one can also visit the ancient acropolis in Aetos, medieval buildings and churches with noticeable frescos in Perahori village in the south of Ithaca.