The island of Odysseus enchants with its authenticity, its unhurried pace and its turquoise waters.
Mythical, romantic and enchanting, surrounded by every shade of aquamarine, Ithaca will gift you unforgettable holidays if you prefer low-key destinations with abundant natural beauty and corners to explore.
It is no coincidence that this small Ionian island, right next to Kefalonia, has many loyal visitors who choose it every summer for their holidays. In its picturesque settlements and beautiful beaches, sailors, artists and those seeking moments of calm and relaxation in touch with nature come together. The island ofOdysseuscharms you with its simplicity and authenticity and keeps you coming back.
Getting to know Vathy
Vathy, the island’s capital, is perfect for leisurely strolls through the cobbled lanes, past the houses’ picturesque courtyards and preserved buildings, as well as along the seafront road, gazing at the islet of Lazareto with its pines and the little church of Sotiros, which stands at the harbor entrance. The first thing you’ll want to do here is grab a table by the sea to enjoy your meal or coffee. Then, before you head off to the island’s other settlements, you can visit the Cathedral with its beautiful Venetian bell tower and its wonderful post-Byzantine iconostasis. Close to the Cathedral is the Archaeological Museum, which hosts important finds from excavations carried out mainly in South Ithaca.
Exploring the picturesque villages
Amphitheatrically perched on a lush green slope that descends to the sea, Kioni is Ithaca’s most famous village and one of the prettiest in the Ionian.On the northern side of the island, to the east, about 25 km from Vathy, thisprotected traditional settlement with its picturesque little harbor looks as if it has stepped out of a painting.It’s worth wandering it, walking among the old stone houses with flower-filled courtyards, sitting for food and drink right by the water and gazing at the three windmills that stand proud at the harbor entrance.
It’s also worth walking the road towards «Argaleio» and towards the Lontza area. There you will come across the ruins of the housewhere, according to tradition, the hero of the Revolution, Georgios Karaiskakis, lived, as well as the pebbled beaches with clear waters of Katsikouli, Sarakinari, Plakoutses and Filiatro.
In the island’s northeastern part, 19 km from Vathy and 5 km from Kioni, there is a wonderfulfishing villagewith very few inhabitants, by the name ofFrikes. According to researchers, inFrikesis where the Homeric port of Reithros is placed. Today, Frikes is a favorite destination for many visitors, with its small harbor filling with boats in the summer months. In the village you will findsmall hotels, good food, mainly fresh fish, and charming little cafés right by the water. A key sight of the village are the two well-preserved windmills on either side of the harbor, literally nestled in greenery.
Stavros, the main village of northern Ithaca, 17 km from Vathy, also deserves a visit. In its central square there isthe Byzantine church of the Saviour and the lovely park with the bust of Odysseus and the representation of the Odyssean Palace, the work of Italian architect Bruno Mazzali. A stroll in mountainous Anogiwill impress you, as the village offers unique views towards Kefalonia. The only village in southern Ithaca, Perachori, is built amphitheatrically on the northeastern side of Mount Nion. There you’ll find well-kept houses and flower-filled gardens. As you ascend through the village, the view becomes ever more enchanting and when you reach the settlement’s highest point, you’ll see Lefkada and Zakynthos spread out before you. The village is renowned for the fine quality of its wine and olive oil.
Swimming in turquoise waters
The beauty of GidakiBeach is such that it ranks among the most beautiful beaches of the Ionian and of all Greece. Its calm, crystal-blue waters, white pebbles and the open bay with a view to the islet of Atokos create a setting that impresses every visitor.There isa trail that leads to the beach, passing through pines and shrubs and starting from the neighboring cove of Schinos, but the easiest wayto get to Gidaki is by the small boats that depart daily from Ithaca’s port.
It’s also worth visitingPlatynammo, as the landscape there is otherworldly. It has heavenly waters and towering cliffs rising behind the beach. The most cosmopolitan beach on the island is Filiatro. It lies in the south of the island and you can reach it by road from Vathy in about 15 minutes.The beach is pebbled and the waters - as on every beach of Ithaca - are clear, turquoise and pristine.
At the southernmost point of Ithaca there is yet another magical beach with crystal-blue waters. TheAndri is a narrow, sheltered cove, at the back of which lies a small, pebbled beach. It is said that the ship of Telemachus, son of King Odysseus, moored here, coming from the Peloponnese, where he went to inquire about his father. You can go only by boat since the path leading there is rough.
If you love beaches of wild beauty, then you must also swim at Afales. The beach sits within a deep bay and its waters have a uniquely turquoise hue. Another beautiful bay nestled in greenery and vegetation is Sarakiniko. The pebbled beach is very close to Vathy and is unorganized.
Routes through History
Near Perachori lies the ruined medieval Palaiochora, where churches survive that retain part of their exquisite decoration and offer captivating views. Near Stavros, on the hill of Pilikata, traces of a Mycenaean acropolis have been identified. This is said to be where the city of Homeric Ithaca may possibly have been located. Finds from the area are exhibited in the Archaeological Collection of Stavros, Ithaca. A little further north of Pilikata lies the area of Agios Athanasios. Here excavations have uncovered Mycenaean finds, for which there are indications that they are remnants of the palace of Odysseus. The area is also known as «School of Homer» and entry to it is free.
A landmark of the island is also theHoly Monastery of Kathara or Panagia at Kathara, as it is known. It is built on the southeastern summit of the Homeric Mount Nerito, at a spot about 600 m. from the sea and at a distance of 15 km. from Vathy. Its bell tower can be seen from all over the southern island and it is dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos which is celebrated on September 8.
Accommodation
Vathy
- Hotel Familia: An old olive mill, which operated from 1890 to 1967, has been transformed into a distinctive seven-room hotel that blends traditional character with modern luxury.
- Odysseion Apartments: A complex in a quiet setting amid nature with unique sea views. Five independent apartments, each with its own character, offer the comfort of your home.
- Levantes Houses: The stone cottages «Levantes» are ideal for a stay with homey comfort and captivating sea views. They are the first buildings on the right-hand seaside embrace of the shore, as you enter the harbor, in a quiet neighborhood known as «Kavos».
- Perantzada Hotel: A 19th-century neoclassical mansion has been converted into a hotel with 17 elegant rooms and suites with all modern amenities and unique views of the harbor.
- Omirikon: A tasteful hotel with 10 comfortable, well-appointed rooms, a pool and views of the harbor and the sea.
Stavros
- Mazourka Estate: The Mazourka complex stands in the middle of a lush cypress grove with views over the most beautiful northeastern part of the island. It consists of 3 wonderful apartments and a 3-bedroom suite.
Food
Vathy
- Agkathi: Inspired seafood and meat dishes in a wonderful space right by the sea.
- Sirines: Fortraditional home-cooked dishes to gourmet versions of certain classic starters.
- Batis: Forfresh fishattables by the sea.
Perachori
- Kaliouras: Tavern-grill for meat lovers.
Platreithias
- Yefyri: A distinctive hangout serving «creative» Mediterranean specialtiesamong the olive groves.
Kioni
- Kalypso: Forfresh fish, grilled meats and wonderful stews.
Frikes
- Ageri: For fresh fish as well as meat dishes, on thepicturesque little harbor, right next to the sea.
Stavros
- Myrtia: Try distinctive dishes (with ingredients from their garden) in a verdant setting with wonderful views.
