Tiny and uninhabited, Lazaretto holds its own history and stands as one of the most romantic spots in the Ionian Sea, popular for weddings.
At first glance, Lazaretto may appear to be just another island in the Ionian Islands. However, its lush green landscape, strategic geographical location, and charming little church make it a truly romantic destination in the Ionian Sea.
The enchanting islet of Ithaca, with its pine trees, lies just opposite Vathi (the island’s capital) at the entrance to its port. Although small and uninhabited, Lazaretto has a rich history.
Today, the islet’s promotion as a tourist destination has made it internationally recognized. Thanks to its operational chapel, Lazaretto has gained a modern appeal, becoming one of the most sought-after locations in the Ionian Sea for couples seeking a truly special venue to celebrate their weddings.
A small islet with a rich history
Measuring just 50 meters at its longest, Lazaretto is one of the smallest islands and remains uninhabited today – though it wasn’t always so throughout history.
The name “Lazaretto” itself is derived from a Hellenized form of the Italian word, indicating its function as a quarantine station during the Venetian rule in the area, which began in 1503 for Ithaca. According to available sources, from 1560 onwards, all ships arriving at Vathi were anchored at Lazaretto, where they underwent a 40-day quarantine before being granted permission to dock and disembark.
It is said that the buildings used during this time were constructed primarily from ancient Greek ruins, with some preserving extensive inscriptions. Additionally, a church dedicated to Pantokrator was also part of Lazaretto.
The Lazaretto was later utilized by the British during their control of the Ionian Islands. In 1817, they constructed a large two-story building that covered almost the entire island’s surface. It served as a prison and continued to function after Ithaca’s incorporation into the Kingdom of Greece, until 1912. The building was ultimately destroyed in the devastating 1953 earthquake. The last remnants of the quarantine station, repurposed as a prison camp during World War I, were also dismantled.
Today, the only structure left on the island is the charming church dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Saviour, believed to have been built in 1668. During Cyclone Janos in 2020, the chapel sustained significant damage but was quuickly repaired. As mentioned earlier, Lazaretto has since gained a new identity as a romantic destination, emerging as a popular choice for weddings in the Ionian. Additionally, people gather on the island every August 5th and 6th to celebrate the Feast of the Saviour. A mass is held at the church, attracting numerous attendees who arrive by various boats and vessels.
How to get to Lazaretto
Once you arrive in Vathi, the cosmopolitan capital of Ithaca, accessing Lazaretto is quite simple. At the port, you’ll find several local boats or caiques, with operators eager to take you on a brief yet picturesque excursion to the island.
It’s worth mentioning that some visitors choose to swim to Lazaretto during the summer months. While it may seem daring, the island’s geographical location makes it relatively close to the western end of Vathi’s port, making the endeavor less daunting than it appears.
Read also:
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Lefkada: Complete guide to the picture-perfect Ionian Island
