Ithaca

World-renowned as the legendary home of Odysseus, Ithaca is a place of captivating beauty and historical intrigue. With its ancient ruins, tiny harbours, and rugged coastline of sheer cliffs, this Ionian gem leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Picturesque villages like Vathy, the island’s main hub, and Kioni, with its charming harbour, are perfect spots to experience the island’s unique character. Beach lovers will love Filiatro and Sarakiniko, two of the island's finest, as well as beautiful hidden coves and beaches scattered along the coast.

For the adventurous, Ithaca’s hills and peaks are crisscrossed with trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the waters invite exploration through scuba diving and sea kayaking. Don’t miss the Cave of the Nymph, believed to have housed Odysseus' treasures from the Phaeacians.

The island’s charm extends inland to villages like Perahori, a scenic spot perched above the Afentikos Logos forest, offering breathtaking views and access to some of Ithaca’s most beautiful walking paths. Another must-visit is Anoyi, where the mysterious mehirs—towering upright stones up to 8 meters tall—tell tales of ancient times.

Combining the laid-back atmosphere of the island, the lush green forests, the perfect blue of the Ionian Sea, and the genuine warmth of its locals, Ithaca offers a tranquil retreat steeped in mythology and natural beauty.

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The hills and peaks of Ithaca boast plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails for the energetic as do the availability of scuba diving and sea-kayaking.  The Cave of the Nymph is reputedly the hiding place of Odysseus’ gifts from the land of the Phaeacians.  Beach lovers can take pleasure in the myriad of tiny coves and larger more organised beaches – a mixture of sand, shingle and pebble across the island.

Vathy is the main village and de-facto capital of Ithaca and is built around a bay at the centre of which is the tiny island of Lazaretto – a former sanatorium and prison.  Perahori is a stunning scenic village with breathtaking views over the island built at the edge of the Afentikos Logos forest and is the starting point for some of the most beautiful walks on Ithaca.  Anoyi is a must visit if only to see the upright stones (mehirs) some of which stand 8m tall.

Odysseus may have given Ithaca its name originally – but today the island charms its visitors with a laid-back atmosphere, the perfect blue of the surrounding Ionian and the lush green of the forests as well as incredibly welcoming locals.
 
Ithaca is a great island to combine with a holiday on Kefalonia, as it is just a 50 minute boat transfer away.