Ithaca Island Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
At Vathy, the capital, at the head of a deep, almost enclosed bay where the water turns to mirror. Tenders glide past the Lazaretto islet and set passengers down in one of the most sheltered natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
Entirely, and the loop takes a peaceful hour: the church, the olive oil shops, the pastry shops, the main square facing the quay with its statue of Odysseus, and the small Archaeological Museum.
Vathy on foot in the morning, then a choice: a swim at Filiatro, a few minutes by taxi, or the northern circuit to Kathara, Frikes and Kioni, which needs half a day.
Archaeology has never settled it: was Homer describing this island or a neighbour? The Ithacans have no doubt. The Polis cave in the north yielded bronze tripods and inscriptions dedicated to the hero during excavations in the 1930s.
A spring near the capital bearing the name of the one where the swineherd Eumaeus watered his animals in the Odyssey. True relic or fine coincidence, it gives the walk a depth few islands can match.
Kathara monastery, perched on the heights, offers one of the widest panoramas of the Ionian Sea. Further on, Frikes tucks its houses into a cove, and Kioni stacks its homes above an anchorage lined with tavernas.
Filiatro beach, a few minutes from Vathy, spreads its crescent of pale pebbles in turquoise water; neighbouring Sarakiniko draws those seeking more quiet. Allow 30 to 45 minutes on foot or a few minutes by taxi.
Yes. The harbour is clean enough that you can walk down the steps of one of the town quays and slip in, as local children do after school, among the yachts.
Rovani, a local cake of rice and honey, in the pastry shops of Vathy, and the island's olive oil. The quayside tavernas serve fish and homemade lemonade.
The euro and Greek, with English in the Vathy tavernas frequented by sailors. Bring cash for taxis and the northern hamlets.
