Rugged, untouristy, romantic and historic; this is Ithaki (Ithaca), the homeland to which Odysseus struggled to return for 10 heroic years, inspiring Homer to write the Odyssey epic! The island charms its visitors with its ancient ruins, breath-taking landscapes, picturesque villages and genuine hospitality.

The picturesque village of Kioni is very popular with yachts and flotillas and the harbour is often packed by mid-afternoon. However, for late comers there is plenty of mooring space opposite the town quay using shorelines. The village is very attractive, with colourful houses tucked into the forested mountain slopes ending in the deep blue waters of the bay. You will find plenty of good tavernas ashore. The 3km walk to the 3 derelict windmills at the southern end of the bay offers stunning views and is well recommended.

Vathy and the South

Vathy is the island’s capital; it is located at the center of the deep long gulf that effectively cuts the island in two. Vathy is the only significant settlement in the island’s south. The town is incredibly picturesque, and the buildings bear distinct marks of the local architecture. Vathy is also home to the Maritime and the Archaeological museum of Ithaca. At the centre of the bay lies the tiny island of Lazaretto, a former sanatorium and prison. Vathy is a pleasant town and the centre of activity is its central square. Here you will find plenty of hotels, cafes and restaurants that spread along the seafront on both directions.

The North

The northern massif holds delightful villages that are waiting to be explored. You can rent a car from Vathy and drive up the narrow isthmus past the Monastery of Katharon to the almost deserted village of Anogi. Along the way, the views of the island and the surrounding area are stunning! Then head down to Stavros, northern Ithaki’s main village, with its plentiful shops, cafes and restaurants. The village bursts with life every August 14^th; the church of Panayia hosts an all-night festival with traditional dancing, wine and food delicacies. If you are looking for some great fish food head east to the seafront village of Frikes. The bay is very picturesque; however, you should avoid it by boat as it is not well protected.

Beaches

There are numerous beaches and swimming spots around Ithaki suiting all tastes. Whether sandy or pebbled, rocky or forested, busy or peaceful, you will fall in love with their gorgeous waters. Most of our favourite spots are on Ithaki’s east coast and are best accessible by boat.

Filiatro, located a 10’ drive to the east of Vathy, is probably the most “popular” beach by Ithaki’s standards. The shallow green water is ideal for children and the nearby bar often organizes great beach parties. Gidaki (Yidaki) with its stunning turquoise waters is perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island! Kourvoulia is the most attractive of a series of bays located between Frikes and Kioni. Mnimata is a gorgeous rocky cove just a few minutes’ drive from Vathy. The nearby Skinos and Sarakiniko bays, and pebbly Dexa on the opposite side of town are also delightful swimming spots. The list of Ithaki’s natural wonders is incomplete without the beaches of Hulla, Kaminia, Talaros, and the straight between Ithaki and Ligia islet, all located at the island’s south coast.

According to Homer’s Odyssey, the Sirens lured ancient sailors with their signing voices to shipwreck on their island. Likewise, Ithaki will tempt modern day sailors to stay longer and explore its charms. Spending one more day here is more than recommended. Stay at Kioni for the first night, then sail to Vathy for the next one, and this mythical island will reward you generously!