This small and peaceful, lush, green island has a permanent population of less than 4000 people. Impossibly beautiful and unspoilt by mass tourism, it is a place to come to relax, to eat and drink well, and to explore. Hike along the many trails, take a boat to find a secluded cove, or simply pour a drink and look out at the timeless scenery.
The Ionian island of Ithaca is home to the mythical hero Odysseus. And the island retains an air of fantasy; rugged and unspoilt, deep blue seas surround you like a comforting hug. It took our Homeric hero twenty years to return to faithful Penelope. You can see why returning here meant so much to him.
Ithaca comprises a northern and a southern island joined by a narrow stretch of land. It lies between the mainland and the much larger neighbouring island of Kefalonia. The main town is Vathy on the southern island, nestled alongside a stunning, calm deep-water harbour. Relax here with a cocktail at Rapsody bar overlooking the sea, visit the Archaeological Museum and Folklore and Nautical Museum, or enjoy a movie at La Nonna open-air cinema.
In the north there are several small villages worth a visit, such Anogi and Stavros. Take a trip to the monastery of Panagia Eleousa for stunning views. To find the best beaches you’ll need to hire a boat. Head for Ammoudi in the East or Ithaki to the North. On the southern island it is worth following the hiking trail to Gadaki beach.
The island’s interior is fairly mountainous, covered with pine forests, cypresses, olive trees, and vineyards. This is Greece untroubled by huge waves of tourists, a place to take time just to be. Ithaca is home to legends and mythology. It remains the island of dreams.
