Ithaca

Famous the world over as the home of Odysseus, Ithaca is something truly special.  Ancient ruins, tiny harbours and a rugged coastline with sheer cliffs combine to give an island that lingers in the memories of visitors long after they leave.  Vathy and Kioni are picturesque little villages and the best beaches are at Filiatro and Sarakiniko.

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.