Ithaca Island is one of the Ionian Islands of Greece, located right next to Kefalonia. A small treasure hidden within lush vegetation that stretches down to its coastline, Ithaca is a place where holidays take on a different meaning.
A destination of authentic natural beauty, the island of Homer’s Odysseus though small boasts a rich history and deep traditions, offering some of the best sightseeing attractions and beaches in the Ionian Sea.
When Odysseus set off for his glorious days in Troy, his beloved wife Penelope was left behind, unknowingly stirring the desire of men captivated by her beauty. Soon, the palace was filled with persistent and unpleasant suitors who flirted with the queen relentlessly. They even pressured Penelope to promise that she would marry one of them.
To keep them at bay, she devised a clever plan: she vowed to choose a husband only after completing a burial shroud. During the day she wove the shroud, and at night she secretly unraveled it. In this way, she managed to delay the suitors for twenty whole years, until Odysseus finally returned to Ithaca.
Today, Ithaca symbolizes return, refuge, discovery, and fulfillment.
Ithaca
As you set out for Ithaca
hope the voyage is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them:
you’ll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as a rare excitement
stirs your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians and Cyclops,
wild Poseidon—you won’t encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.
Hope the voyage is a long one.
May there be many a summer morning when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you come into harbors seen for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual perfume of every kind—
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to gather stores of knowledge from their scholars.
Keep Ithaca always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you are destined for.
But do not hurry the journey at all.
Better if it lasts for years,
so you are old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaca to make you rich.
Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca won’t have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you will have understood by then what these Ithacas mean.
Constantine P. Cavafy Greek poet
Translated by Edmund Keeley/Philip Sherrard
Getting to Ithaca
The island is connected by boat to the nearby islands of Kefalonia and Lefkada, as well as to the mainland ports of Patras, Killíni, and Astakós. Kefalonia is also accessible by plane.
Beaches
Ithaca Island, despite its small size, boasts a remarkable number and variety of beaches, all sharing one distinct characteristic: pebbles and trees that almost touch the water. The island offers only a couple of organized beaches, such as Filiatro, while the rest are mostly secluded coves and naturalistic beaches like Frikes, Sarakiniko Bay, Agios Ioannis (Aspros Gialos), and Gidaki.
The best beaches in Ithaca are scattered along the entire coastline, from north to south, so having a beach map is essential for discovering all its hidden coves and shores.
Accommodation
Ithaca is an island that provides an authentic holiday experience and offers a wide range of accommodation options—from comfortable rooms, apartments, and studios to a few boutique luxury hotels for more demanding travelers. All establishments respect the island’s traditional architecture and natural environment.
Vathy is one of the best places to stay on Ithaca, hosting many of the island’s finest hotels, whether perched on the surrounding hills or located closer to the town’s port.
Sightseeing
The Cave of the Nymphs
The cave is located south of Vathy.
Also known as the Marble Cave, it has two entrances—one for the gods and one for mortals. It is adorned with beautiful stalactites and, according to Homer, this is where Odysseus hid the gifts given to him by Alcinous, the King of the Phaeacians.
Vathy
Vathy, the capital of Ithaca, is a charming settlement that has preserved its traditional Ionian architecture, resisting modern construction trends. It lies in the southern part of the island, nestled in a beautiful natural bay that embraces a small islet called “Lazareto.”
The town offers rooms to let, restaurants and taverns, shops and markets, as well as bars and clubs.
Naval–Folklore Museum
The museum is housed in the old electric power station, a building constructed in 1923 in Vathy.
Its naval collection includes early 20th-century photographs and items related to Ithaca’s maritime heritage, such as paintings of old Ithacan ships, naval instruments, uniforms, books, and various documents.
The folklore collection features objects from everyday life on Ithaca: bronze and ceramic housewares, traditional tools, furniture, costumes and jewelry, weaving equipment, musical instruments, and more.
Archaeological Museum of Ithaca
Located in Vathy, the museum hosts findings dating from the Geometric period to the Roman era, mainly originating from excavations in the Aetos area. The collection includes locally crafted vessels, figurines, and miniature offerings dedicated to the temple of Apollo found in the same region.
Anogi
Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary
The Byzantine Church of the Dormition is located in the village of Anogi, an important medieval settlement situated at an altitude of 500 meters. Built in the 12th century, it is decorated with beautiful frescoes, and its bell tower features Venetian architectural style. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant churches in the Balkans.
Menir
A curious and fascinating feature of Anogi is the presence of huge scattered stones known as “menir.”
The largest of them, named Araklis or Iraklis (Hercules), stands 8 meters high on a stone pedestal. Its symmetrical shape gives the impression that it may not be naturally formed but perhaps crafted by human hands.
Ithaca Events
Religious Feasts
Religious feasts on Ithaca are typically celebrated with lively outdoor fairs following the morning church service. These festivities include traditional music, dancing, food, and plenty of local wine.
Below are some of the most popular religious feasts on the island:
- June 30: Celebration of Saints Apostles in Frikes.
- July 17: Feast of Agia Marina in Exoghi.
- July 20: Celebration of Prophet Elias in Kioni.
- August 5–6: Feast of the Metamorphosis of the Savior in Stavros.
- August 15: Celebration of Panagia (Virgin Mary) in Platrithias.
- On August 14, the feast of Panagia takes place in Anogi.
Local Products
Olive Oil
Ithaca’s local olive tree variety, called “Thiako,” thrives on the island and produces excellent virgin olive oil.
Wine
From local organic grape varieties, Ithaca produces the sweet red Mavrodaphne and a dry white wine known as “Thiako.”
Sweets
The island offers a variety of traditional homemade sweets, such as quince, arbutus berry, and pear preserves, as well as delicious local jams—all sure to delight your senses.
Other Products
A local variety of the famous soft white cheese feta is produced on Ithaca.
The island is also known for its locally raised meat, sourced from a special breed of native sheep renowned for its quality.
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The Greek Heaven Team