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.
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.
(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.
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.
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
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
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