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  Ithaki (Ithaca)

Ithaki, or Ithaca, was the capital of the Homeric hero Odysseus. The Odyssey, epic tale of his adventures on the return journey from Troy, made the island famous throughout the world as a symbol for nostalgia for one's home and for the learning and growth that comes before reaching a safe harbour - whatever that may mean. Today, Ithaki is a quiet, picturesque and quite remote. The island is mountainous with numerous hidden coves with extraordinary beaches. As a tourist resort Ithaki has been overtaken by neighbouring Kefalonia - which is actually a good thing for anyone looking for a quiet holiday and a more original view of Ionian life.

One of the seven Ionian islands, Ithaki is essentially two heavily wooded mountain tops rich in flora and fauna, which protrude steeply from the Ionian sea, joined in the centre of the island by a thin stretch of land. Ithaki combines its history, religious tradition, culture and its seafaring and agricultural way of life - unchanged for generations - with a natural beauty that captures the most widely traveled visitor. With its many mountain pathways linking historical villages and shores dotted with small white jeweled beaches, it offers a destination which you will find difficult to leave and compelled to return to.

 

The capital and largest settlement is Vathi; its red-roofed delightful houses set amidst enchanting scenery at the end of the deep closed bay of Molos. It's easy to get to know the island's landmarks. Three kilometres to the northwest lies the Cave of the Nymphs. 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 valley and 600 metres 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 Acarnania, the Echinades islets, the peaks of Zakynthos, the eastern coast of Cephalonia and even the entrance to the Gulf of Patras. The bay of Polis on the west coast, near the village of Stavros, is the site of another cave (Loizos' cave). This one yielded up shards on which were carved inscriptions testifying to the worship of Artemis, Hera and Athena. Even more interestingly, this cave has also yielded twelve tripods similar to the others which the Phaeacians gave to Odysseus.
The village of Stavros is the central village of northern Ithaca. About 1 kilometre north of Stavros is Pelicata; excavations on this hillside which is 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 on the northeast coast are both typical unspoilt Ionian villages with many small tavernas along their sea fronts.

 

Quick Links
Ionian Ithaki History Sights Culture
Beaches Stay Visit General Information