Ithaca (Ithaki), Ionian Islands

In brief
Home of Odysseus, this tiny island attracts sailors and holidaymakers from all over the world. It is very beautiful, and is surrounded by some of the clearest waters in Greece.
Ithaca is truly a magical place, and stands for the homecoming. Odysseus sailed for a decade to reach his home, and many sailors believe Ithaca is the ultimate goal. Its friendly people will do their best to make you feel welcome, and it is no coincidence that many return here year after year.
 

General Information
(Area 96 sq. km)
Throughout the ages Ithaca has been known as the home of Odysseus. For years Homer’s hero wandered before he finally returned to his island kingdom. Though he visited beautiful, exotic, far-flung lands, Ithaca never left his mind for a moment.
And even today, once you’ve been to Ithaca, it’s difficult to forget this small, mountainous island with its captivating coves that conjure up some earthly paradise.
Ithaca is separated from Cephalonia by a channel some 2 to 4 km wide. The west coast of the island is steep and almost barren in contrast to the green, gentle shoreline on the east.
 

The capital and largest settlement is Ithaki or Vathy; its red-roofed delightful houses set amidst enchanting scenery at the end of the deep closed bay of Molos. Taking the capital as a starting point, it’s easy to get to know the island’s landmarks.
Three km to the northwest lies the so-called Cave of the Nymphs (Nimfon Cave). Here according to the myth, Odysseus hid the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians who deposited him upon Ithaca’s shores ten long years after the end of the Trojan War.

Also worth visiting is the medieval Monastery of the Archangels at Perahori.
 

North of the capital and 600 meters above sea level, the Kathara Monastery (Moni Katharon) has a unique view of the island from its bell tower. On the horizon you can make out the mountains of Akarnania, the Echinades islets, the peaks of Zakinthos, the eastern coast of Cephalonia and even the entrance to the Gulf of Patras.
 
The bay of Polis to the west is the site of another cave (Loizos’ cave). This one yielded up sherds on which were carved inscriptions testifying to the worship of Artemis, Hera and Athena. Even more interesting, in the cave were also found recently twelve tripods similar to the other that the Phaeacians were supposed to have given to Odysseus.
 
Stavros, a village 17 km northwest of Ithaki, is a good base from which to explore the northern section of the island.
About 1 km north of Stavros is Pelikata; excavations on this hillside between the bays of Polis and Frikes brought to light remains of a small Bronze Age settlement. The finds unearthed there reinforce the theory that the ancient city of Ithaca lies somewhere in the vicinity.
Kioni and Frikes, typically Ionian villages, on the northeast coast are unspoilt, wonderful places for a short excursion or an extended sojourn.
 

“When you set out for Ithaca”, wrote the poet Constantine Kavafis. He was referring to Ithaca as one’s ultimate destination. Thus, Ithaca, this verdant Ionian island, may become your own favorite place, a place that draws you back year after year, when you plan your summer holiday.
 
Sightseeing 
Ithaca’ s beautiful little capital Vathy has the world’ s largest natural harbour. Here you can visit the cave of the nymphs, as well as the small archeological museum. Local artists have their own shops, and the many small cafes and taverns will impress you.
The monastery of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Kathara is open for visitors. It was probably built in the 16th or 17th century, and has very beautiful icons, as well as very nice surroundings.
There are also some ancient ruins just outside Stavros.
 
Beaches
Ithaca offers lovely beaches for bathing, caves for exploring and uncrowded hamlets where noisy nightlife is unheard of. Mostly shingle with small, white pebbles, the beaches of Ithaca are small often looking like lakes or private beaches and some of them can only be accessed by boat. Amongst the most popular beaches are Aetos, Loutsa, Dexa, Mnimata, Skinos, Gidaki, Filiatro, Sarakiniko, Kaminia, Andri, Kathisma, Sikia, Alikes, Kritami and Robotis. 

Useful Information
How to get there
By Bus from Athens 
Athens Bus Authority (KTEL), tel.: +30 210 5129448
By sea from Patras and Astakos
Patra Port Authority, tel.: +30 2610 341002, 341024, 341046
Astakos Port Authority, tel.: +3026460 41052


Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 26740
Municipal Office: 33481, 32795
Police: 32205 Ithaca (Vathy) 
Port Authority: 32909 

Bus Terminal (Ithaca): 32445
Health Center: 32222, 31207


http://www.ithaki.gr

Corfu (Kerkyra), Ionian Islands

In brief
The beautiful island of Corfu (or Kerkyra), the island of cantadas (traditional Ionian island love songs) offers a unique atmosphere and style that steels the heart of all its visitors. According to Greek mythology, the island got its name from the daughter of the river god Asopos, Nymph Korkyra, who was carried away by Poseidon.
In Homer's Odyssey we read that Odysseus found shelter here in Corfu at the end of his wanderings and received the care of King Alkinoos and his people Pheaces and his daughter Nafsika.

General Information
(Area 592 sq. km)
Corfu lies off the coast of Epirus North of Paxoi island in between Greece and Italy. It is 58 km long and about 27 km wide and its highest peak is “Pandokratoras” (906 m high). Its geographical position attracted powers in the past, from east & west. Through ancient history it was under the rule of the city-states of Athens & Corinth and later it was ruled by the Goths, Lombards, Saracens & Normans and was fought over from the kings of Sicily and the Italian city-states of Genoa & Venice.

Corfu has played an important role in the cultural and educational development of modern Greece. In 1815 Lord Guilford founded the first Fine Arts School and first University of Greece on the island with the support of Ioannis Kapodistrias who was born in Corfu to become later the first Prime Minister of the newly liberated Greece.

The island is well watered and very fertile full of Olive and citrus trees, grapes and corn. That’s why, Corfu is considered as having one of the most attractive countryside of all the Greek Islands.

Sightseeing
Paleokastritsa, 26 km west of Corfu town, a miniature earthly paradise with its crystal clear waters, enchanting coves and lush greenery growing right up to the sea.
Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the 13th century.
Pelekas, 13 km west of the town, a lovely village set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say – is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the Ropa Valley is situated Corfu’s excellent golf course.

Kanoni, 4 km south of town is the most popular spot on the island. Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful Pondikonissi and its 13th century church.
Gastouri, a picturesque hill village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser. The Palace has many beautiful gardens ideal for a romantic walk. A part of it places an important museum as well.

Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi. On its west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.

In the northern part of the island are the resorts of Sidari, with its sandy beach, and Roda, whose beach is even longer. From Sidari you can take a boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. But Corfu also has another side: a vital traditional facet to its personality still very much alive in the costumes of its village women and in its local festivals.

The Town of the island offers unique and monumental spots for sightseeing. 
The Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa; the Museum of Oriental Art in the English Palace of St. Michael and St. George; the Town Hall, a superb example of Venetian architecture built in 1663; the Byzantine church of Sts. Jason and Sosipater (12th century) with fine frescoes; the church of Corfu’s patron Saint Spyridon with its valuable icons and collection of gold and silver offerings; the Old Fort; the New Fort, constructed between 1576 and 1588 (not open to the public); and the Platytera Monastery with its rare post-Byzantine icons.

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches around the island to satisfy various types of swimmers. Several stony beaches with calm, beautiful waters can be found ar Dasia, Ipsos, Kassiopi and Sidari with its picturesque "Canal d'Amour"; sand stone cliffs with narrow inlets, a natural archway and small paths to explore.
In addition, many choices with sandy beaches either crowded or isolated, offer visitors a wide range of swimming spots. Glifada, Benitses and Messongi; equally popular and crowded, are long, sandy beaches with lots of facilities nearby. Pelekas, Lefkimmi, Barbati, Chalikounas, Issos and Prasoudi are more isolated the most popular ones. 

Things to taste & buy

Fine examples of folk art and crafts are displayed in shops all over the island: hand-woven textiles and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out of olive wood, silver utensils and lovely jewellery.

In September, Corfu hosts the well-known festival is also a worthy visit. 
While on holidays, sports' facilities are offered in the island such as ski, yachting, tennis, golf and horse racing/riding.

Useful Information
How to get there
By air from Athens 

Olympic Airways: +30 210 3550500
By sea from Patra & Igoumenitsa
Patra Port Authority: +30 2610 341002, 341024, 341046
Igoumenitsa Port Authority: +30 26650 22235

By Bus from Athens 
Athens Bus Authority (KTEL): +30 210 5129443

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code:  + 30 26610
Municipal Office: 44410, 62784-5
Police: 22353, 27778
Olympic Airways: 89622, (airport) 89600
Port Authority: 32655
Bus Terminal (urban, intercity): 28928
Health Center: 32533

http://www.corfu.gr