Welcome to the island of Ulysses, where Penelope patiently wove and rewove her work as she awaited the return of her beloved. Don't expect to discover an imposing site. Ithaca is distinguished by its touching simplicity, just as Homer described it in his writings. Composed of two mountain ranges, the smallest of the Ionian islands boasts a picturesque horseshoe-shaped harbor lined with trees, a few authentic villages untouched by mass tourism, and a legendary past. Prepare to be amazed by the hidden treasures of this mythical island!
1. Visit Vathy, the island's capital
Located in the southern part of Ulysses' island, Vathy is built at the bottom of a gulf. Its small houses with red-tiled roofs have a special charm. A stroll along the quayside will reveal some beautiful residences and pleasant cafés. Lovers of classical literature will find the village as simple as Homer described it, while other visitors will appreciate its charms too. As for beaches, the Dexia beach, located 5 minutes by car or 30 minutes' walk to the north-west, is shaded by pretty olive trees. The Naval and Folklore Museum is well worth a visit to discover the interiors of the island
For hikers, a 30-minute stroll leads to the grotto of the Nymphs, where Ulysses hid the Phaeacians' treasure.
There's no doubt that Ithaca deserves its place in our top list of the most beautiful Greek islands to discover!
2. The village of Kioni
Near Frikes, the picturesque village of Kioni has survived earthquakes and retained its charm thanks to its Venetian buildings. Narrow, cobbled streets and staircases leading down to the sea wind between charming houses and whitewashed courtyards adorned with flowerpots. To discover the wonders of Kioni, it's essential to stroll its streets. Two of the village's churches, Evangelistria and Aghios Ioannis Loumbardiaris, feature magnificent frescoes. You can have lunch in tavernas with their feet in the water, in a truly enchanting setting. What's more, Kioni's beaches are within easy walking distance.
3. Stravos
Welcome to Stravos! Just 16 km away, you could find yourself near the actual palace of Ulysses, which was actually located not far from a large village now home to 700 inhabitants. On the hill of Pilikata, with its exceptional panoramic views, the remains of walls dating back to the 3rd millennium BC have been discovered. Don't miss the 3D model at the School of Homer. The site also boasts a Mycenaean acropolis, where artefacts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods have been found. Although some believe the remains may correspond to Ulysses' palace, excavations are still underway and the mystery remains.
We recommend booking this guided cruise to discover Ithaca, including a visit to the beautiful village of Stavros.
4. Follow in the footsteps of Ulysses
Ithaca is famous for being the island of Ulysses, the legendary hero of Homer ' s Odyssey. According to the epic poem, Ulysses left his kingdom of Ithaca to embark on a long voyage across the Greek islands, where he experienced many adventures. However, he finally kept his promise to return to his faithful wife Penelope, who had resisted the advances of her suitors for twenty years. Here are some of the most remarkable sites you can see on the island:
- The Fountain of Arethusa: located 5 km south of Vathy, in Perapigadi, this deep spring is where, according to legend, Odysseus' pigs used to come to drink.
- Ulysses' palaceis located in the heart of nature and is accessible free of charge. To get there, take the first road on the right from Stavros to Exogi (on foot or by car). In addition to the ruins, you'll enjoy a magnificent view.
- Perahori may well have been the home of Ulysses' faithful companion, theshepherd Eumaeus .
- The grotto of the nymphs: legend has it that Ulysses hid the gifts he received from the Phoenicians on his return from Troy in this grotto.
Discover the island's legends and mythical tales by booking this guided tour of the island of Ithaca, which will take you to all the must-see places on the island.
5. Sunbathing on the beaches of Ithaca
The island of Ithaca is a real paradise for lovers of pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters(in September it's really a dream destination!). The coves are numerous, often small and sometimes difficult to access, which explains why they remain unspoilt and rarely visited. In the south of the island, Dexia beach, just before reaching Vathy, is very pleasant, protected and shaded by beautiful olive trees. Minimata beach is not very wide, but very pleasant because of its shade. It is easily accessible by road from Vathy. Skinos beach, located just off the road to Minimata, is also very pleasant and shady. From here, a footpath leads to Gidaki beach in around 40 minutes.
Discover our article dedicated to Where to go for a beach vacation? The best destinations.
6. Discover the island on foot
The island of Ithaca is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. With its many well-marked, pleasant trails, it's an ideal destination for discovering the island's landscapes and archaeological remains on foot. The tourist office offers seven hiking itineraries, indicating walking times and levels of difficulty. These routes allow you to discover Ithaca's green hills, secluded beaches, pine forests and traditional villages. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, you're sure to find a route to suit you and your level of ability. So don't hesitate, and set off to discover the island of Ithaca on foot!
7. Frikes
Just 13 kilometers from Vathi, this charming little port is a peaceful and pleasant place, famous for its two windmills. Here you can find a hotel with comfortable rooms and lunch or dinner at Yefuri, an exceptional restaurant that is probably one of the best on the island. Nearby beaches such as Korvoulis, Limenas and Mamakas are ideal for swimming.
See our article 7-day sailing cruise in Greece: itinerary tips.
8. Exogi and Platrithias
In the northern part of Ithaca, you can discover two small neighboring villages, Exogi and Platrithias. Perched atop a 340-meter-high mountain, Exogi offers spectacular views of the cliffs surrounding Afales beach and the Ionian Sea. The village is one of Ithaca's oldest surviving settlements, with many stone houses dating back to the 18th century. You'll see strange masks on the outside of some houses, believed to ward off evil spirits.
9. Kathara Monastery - Moni Katharon
We highly recommend a visit tothe large monastery on the island's highest mountain, Moni Katharon. This monastery stands some 600 meters above sea level, atop a mountain Homer called Nirito. It was built in the late 1600s. From the monastery, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Vathi and the rest of the southern part of the island, as well as Kefalonia. It's a place well worth visiting, if only for the view, which is absolutely magnificent!
11. Baptism diving in Ithaca
If you dream of discovering scuba diving in an idyllic setting like the Greek islands, this is the experience for you. Over the course of a day, you'll learn the basics of scuba diving and explore small heavenly bays accompanied by Odyssey Dive's friendly instructors. You might even catch a glimpse of a seal! Several dive sites are available for beginners close to the dive center, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. You can discover the magnificent Vardiola reef , with its flamboyant colors and rich marine life, as well asthe Gidaki reef. Oskopetra Cave is a unique dive for beginners who want to discover a breathtaking cave.
Click here to book your scuba diving excursion to Vathy.
10. Taste the local specialties
The island of Ithaca is renowned for its traditional Greek cuisine, featuring local produce and Mediterranean flavors. Visitors will not want to miss Ithaca's local specialties, such as "kleftiko", a meat stew cooked slowly in greaseproof paper, or "sofrito", a veal dish cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce. Fresh seafood is also a staple of Ithaca's cuisine, with dishes such as fried calamari, grilled shrimp and fresh fish of the day. Cheese lovers will appreciate"feta", goat's cheese and "kefalotyri ", a hard cheese made from sheep's milk. Finally, to accompany these delicious dishes, local Ithacan wines such as "robola" and "mavrodaphne" should be enjoyed in moderation. Visitors can discover these culinary specialties in the island's best restaurants, where a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere are guaranteed.
Book ahead for the hottest things to do on your vacation in Ithaca:
Where to stay in Ithaca?
Ithaca offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Vathy, the island's capital, is a popular choice for visitors, offering a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and apartments for rent. Frikes is a small fishing village on the island's northeast coast, offering a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Kioni is one of Ithaca's most beautiful villages, with its white houses and cobbled streets. There are several hotels and B&Bs in Kioni, as well as restaurants and bars.
Here are our three favorite accommodations in Ithaca:
- The most familiar: Hotel Nostos
Hotel Nostos is a very pleasant family-run hotel perched on a hill overlookingthe most incredible turquoise sea and the pretty little fishing port. The rooms are clean, simple, tiled and well-equipped. Outside, you'll enjoy a view of the beautiful blue Greek waters.
Our verdict: we had a great stay in a pleasant setting with a large pool and close proximity to the sea. What's more, the staff are friendly and attentive. Don't hesitate to book your stay here .
- The most atypical: Hotel Familia
The Hotel Familia is an old oil mill that has been lovingly converted into a quiet hotel in the heart of Vathy. We loved the rooms, very graphic with furniture, wrought-iron beds and works of art, composing a sophisticated whole. A big plus was the rice pudding for breakfast (homemade, of course), which we loved! Click here to book your stay.
- The one with the best view: Hotel Mentor
The Hotel Mentor is a beautiful hotel offering 36 rooms with balcony and TV, in a picturesque location on the bay of Vathi facing the sea. The balcony is very pleasant, but the must is the terrace with its magnificent view, ideal for breakfast, dinner or just a drink. Plus: the hotel's location is truly perfect. Click here to book your stay.
See also our dedicated article What to see and do in Greece? The 17 most beautiful places!
Getting around Ithaca
Although there are public buses on the island of Ithaca, it can be difficult to find precise information online. It seems that there are two buses a day linking Vathi to the north of the island and vice versa, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. However, we recommend that you check with your hotel for up-to-date information.
To explore the island in complete freedom, hiring a car is the most practical option. Roads are generally in good condition, but it's important to watch out for sharp bends, especially when driving on the cliff side (although barriers are present in many places). Most beaches are accessible by car.
How do I get to Ithaca?
To get to Ithaca, you can opt for different means of transport, depending on your point of departure and travel preferences. Here are a few options:
- By plane: The nearest airport to Ithaca is Kefalonia, located on the neighboring island of Kefalonia. Numerous national and international flights serve this airport, notably from Athens. Once in Cephalonia, you can take a ferry or water cab to Ithaca.
- By ferry: There are regular ferry connections between the ports of Patras or Killini on the Greek mainland and the ports of Ithaca, particularly Vathy, the island's capital. Ferries also run to other Ionian islands, such as Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
- By car: If you're traveling by car, you can take a ferry from the port of Patras or Killini to Ithaca with your vehicle. However, it's important to note that Ithaca's roads are narrow and winding, and the island has a limited public transport network.
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