Ithaca Island cannot be called the most visited resort in Greece, perhaps because there is no airport and the only way to get to Odysseus’ homeland is by ferry. At first glance, Ithaca does not stand out from other islands of the Ionian Sea. But once you enter a small, cozy bay, you involuntarily begin to feel the special charm of Ithaca.
General information
The island belongs to the administrative district of Kefalonia. Its area is only 96 km2 – it is the smallest of all the islands of the Ionian Sea. A little less than three thousand people live here. The capital of the island is the city of Vathi (or Vathy).
The landscape is predominantly mountainous, but this does not spoil the modest charm of Ithaca. Archaeologists have found evidence that people lived here since the 3rd millennium BC. It is quite possible that this is the place where the legendary Odysseus reigned.
Ithaca has long been an important trade center, and this fact ensured the rapid economic and cultural growth of the settlement. Even before and at the beginning of our era, Ithaca was an active place. Pottery developed on the island, and two acropolises were built.
Later, the island of Ithaca was ruled at different times by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and French. For a short time, Ithaca was even part of the Russian Empire. After that, in 1807, the land was again captured by French troops, and in 1809 the island came under the control of the British.
It was not until 1821 that all the inhabitants of Ithaca took an active part in the liberation war for independence. The struggle lasted for a long time and only in 1864 did the Ionian Islands fully join Greece. Traces of the presence of many cultures and a rich historical past on the island are present on every meter of land.
Holidays in Ithaca
Ithaca in Greece attracts travelers with its interesting places – historical sites, temples and churches, museums, beaches, beautiful nature – all this is on the island. If you prefer a secluded, quiet holiday, visit small villages, securely hidden in the mountains, sun-drenched and entwined with greenery.
Numerous tourists come to Ithaca to relax in comfort, and in the bays you can admire the luxurious snow-white yachts, or even rent one of them.
The choice of accommodation on Ithaca is small, but due to the low popularity of the island, travelers do not have problems with where to stay. You can stay here even in the high season, although you will have to look for budget options. For 45-80 euros per day, you can rent a decent room or apartment. For a room in a hotel on the beach, with a sea view and a delicious breakfast, you will have to pay from 110 to 200 euros.
When is the best time to visit Ithaca? Perhaps in August, it will be the most interesting and certainly not boring. At this time, there is a noisy and cheerful wine festival. And you can safely add 15-25% to the prices indicated above.
How to get there
There is no air connection with Ithaca, so the most convenient way to get to the resort by plane is to fly to Kefalonia and from there by ferry, which runs twice a day: at 6-35 and 16-45 from the port of Sami. The journey takes 30 minutes, the arrival point is Pisaetos. Ticket prices:
- Adult – 2.2€
- Children (ages 5-10) – 1.1€
- Car – 9.7€
There is also a ferry service between continental Greece and the island. Ferries leave from Patras to Ithaca every day at 13:00. Travel time is 4 hours. Ticket prices:
- Adult – 15,10€
- Children (ages 5-10) – €7.55
- Auto — 52,9€
The schedule may change. Check the latest information and prices on www.ferries-greece.com.
The most convenient way to get around Ithaca is by rented transport. There is public transport – buses, but not often. Buses leave from Kioni and Vathi twice a day. The route passes through Stavros and Frikes.
There are regular water excursion transport services along the coast, and you can rent a yacht or a boat.
Attractions and entertainment
Undoubtedly, it is better to start exploring the Greek resort from the capital, since Vathi is a unique historical and cultural value. The town is small, most of the buildings are made in the Venetian style. The settlement is located on the coast of a natural harbor, the largest on the entire planet. The streets of the city are simple and at the same time especially elegant: the roads are paved with cobblestones, the roofs of the houses are covered with red tiles. In the capital of Ithaca there are 2 museums – Archaeological (free admission) and Cultural and Ethnographic.
To immerse yourself in ancient history, it is enough to leave Vathi. Not far from the city, between Cape Pisaetos and Dexa Beach, are the ruins of the settlement of Alalkomena. According to one legend, Odysseus lived here, and the Archaeological Museum displays exhibits demonstrating the king’s life. However, not all archaeologists share this point of view, some suggest that the museum displays finds that date back to a later period of manufacture.
Another path in the northern direction from Vathi leads to the cave of the nymphs Marmarospili . The place is no less legendary and mysterious. According to legend, here Odysseus hid the gifts sent by the king of the Phaeacians Alcinous, returning from Troy. There is also a version that the real cave for storing gifts is closer to the beach. If legends and myths do not interest you too much, just walk near the cave – it is a nice place. At the top of the hill of Aetos there is an ancient acropolis.
The most popular temple among travelers in Ithaca is the Convent of the Holy Virgin Mary. This is another place with a good observation deck. In clear weather, you can see another Greek island – Zakynthos and the coast of the Pellopones Peninsula.
Anogi village . The settlement is located at the highest point of Ithaca island. If you like observation platforms and panoramic views, come here. It will also be interesting to wander along the narrow streets, on the sides of which there are colorful houses painted white. The main attraction of the village is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, built in the 12th century. It is also the oldest Orthodox church in the Balkans.
The town of Stavros is the second largest on the island of Ithaca in Greece. Some scholars believe that Odysseus lived here. The settlement is reached by a road winding through the mountains, offering an amazing view. The road leads north from Vathi, crosses Stavros and then goes southeast to Anogi.
Festivals and Events
In May-June, the island hosts an annual Theatre Festival. A few months later, in August, the village of Perachori hosts a wine festival. And in the first month of autumn, you can attend a seminar dedicated to the works of Homer. In October, the Marida Festival is held in Polis Bay.
However, the Panigiria festivals are considered the noisiest and most exciting. This is not just a holiday – it is one of the most important religious events on the island. Greeks know how to have fun, festivals are organized on a grand scale, with festivities, fairs and, of course, solemn liturgies.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, pay attention to the dates of the celebrations.
The festival usually begins with a morning liturgy held in the main church of each village on the island. The main festivities take place in the central square, where fairs are organized.
Here are the dates and locations of the festivals:
- June 30 – Frikes;
- July 17 – Eksoghi;
- July 20 – Kioni;
- August 5-6 – Stavros;
- August 14 – Anogi;
- August 15 – Platrithia.
The festivals follow one another, which is why many holidaymakers come to Ithaca to the village of Frikes and follow the festival throughout the island of Ithaca, taking part in all the concerts and events.
Beaches of Ithaca
On the map of Greece, the island of Ithaca looks like a suitable place for a vacation. And it is. The beaches here are usually covered with small pebbles, the water is clean, and the number of vacationers does not cause inconvenience.
Filiatro
This is the number one beach on the island of Ithaca. It is located near the town of Vathi in the eastern direction in a bay among low mountains. Filiatro is small in size – about 150 meters long. It is covered with small white pebbles, the sea here is calm, without waves. Here you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella (4 euros for 1, 10 euros for 2 sun loungers and an umbrella). Take food and drinks with you, as there are no shops or cafes nearby. The road to the beach by car will take 7 minutes, and on foot – at least 40-45 minutes (from the center of Vathi – 3 km).
Agios Ioannis
Situated 9 km from the island’s capital. You can get there by rented car or taxi. The beach offers a view of another Greek island – Kefalonia , for which people come here. There are no amenities on Agios Ioannis, so take everything you need with you – stock up on water and food for the whole day.
Piso Aetos
This beach is popular with fishermen and yacht owners. There are plenty of yachts and boats that can be rented for sea trips. The beach is covered with white pebbles and is well organized. Keep in mind that Aetos is a wild beach, so the beach is suitable for lovers of wild nature, as are many other places in Ithaca.
Dexa
The beach is located near the capital of Ithaca, a 30-minute walk away. It combines clean water with small pebbles. The beach runner is narrow, but you can comfortably settle down under the trees in the olive grove. The beach is suitable for swimming with a mask and snorkel, but these attributes, like sun loungers, can be rented on site only during the peak season. The rest of the year it is completely deserted and there is no entertainment. Those who like privacy will like it here.
Gidaki
It is located 3.5 km north of Vathi. Due to the fact that it is not easy to get to Gidaki, the beach is practically deserted. If you get here at the beginning and end of the season, it is likely that you will be alone on the beach. The walking path runs through hilly terrain, at the end you will find a narrow path among pine trees. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. However, those who have been here unanimously say that the effort is worth it. You can also get to Gidaki by water taxis, which leave from Vathi.
The beach is covered with white pebbles, the turquoise water is crystal clear. Take everything you need with you, as the infrastructure here is not developed. There is one small cafe on the beach, which is open only in high season.
Mnimata
It is located a few kilometers from Vaki. It is a beautiful, comfortable beach surrounded by an olive grove. Yachts and boats often stop in the bay. The sandy beach is a favorite place for tourists to relax. It is best to come here in the morning and evening, when there are few people on the shore.
Poli Beach
The beach is located near the settlement of Stavros, just behind a steep hill. You can walk to the beach in 10 minutes. This is one of the few beaches on the island of Ithaca, where there are cafes and bars, although in small numbers. There are also changing rooms and toilets, you can rent two sun loungers and an umbrella for 6 euros.
Weather and climate
This Greek island has a traditional Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot and dry, there is almost no precipitation. The hottest month is midsummer – July. The air temperature at this time rises to +33 degrees. The sea water temperature reaches +25 degrees.
In winter, the minimum temperature on the island is +10, and the maximum is +15 degrees. Frosts happen, but very rarely.
Autumn Ithaca resembles a weeping island, as rain is a common occurrence here. The amount of precipitation is three times more than in any other part of Greece.
In spring the air temperature is +20 degrees, at this time the plants are actively blooming here. The whole island is literally drowning in the aroma of flowers.
The island of Ithaca is diverse, everyone who comes here on holiday discovers something special, close to the heart.
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