Location - Villa Ithaki

The place beyond myth...

The intense alternations of the landscape, adorned with the insurmountable beauties of wild and calm nature, compose a provocatively special relief. Traditional settlements; deep blue waters playing on white pebbled beaches; steep bare landscapes; hidden caves; sheltered verdant bays; windswept capes and archaeological treasures awaken memories of the past that enchant the visitor.

Capital and port of the "famous" island, Vathi. Built amphitheatrically in the cove of a green natural bay, this beautiful traditional settlement with the strong Venetian influence, will charm you with its beautiful tiled houses, imposing mansions, picturesque stone alleys. In the middle, in its deep embrace, the islet of Lazareto or Sotiras (from the homonymous church of 1668).

The historical roots of Ithaca are revealed to you in the remarkable Archaeological Museum, while relics of seamanship and folklore await you at the Maritime - Folklore Museum. Visit the library of the Cultural Center of Ithaca with rare books (look for among them, the libro d'oro of the Ithacan nobles) as well as the Metropolitan Church of Panagia with the wood-carved iconostasis and the old bell tower. Do not leave Vathy without seeing the chasmal Cave of the Nymphs or Marmarospilia. Choose the gate of mortals or that of the gods to admire the impressive stalactites. Here, according to legend, Odysseus hid the gifts of the king of the Phaeacians, Alcinous.

On the way to the villages...

Vathy is an ideal starting point to get to know all the sights of the island. Just 3 km. Further south, the picturesque Perachori with the magnificent view and the impressive forest of Boss Loggos. Higher, the medieval ruins of Paleochora and within walking distance the plateau of Marathias with the Arethousa Fountain and the Homeric site Korakos Petra.
In the small coastal settlement of Aetos you will stop to see the ruins of the ancient city "Alalkomenes" (approximately, 800 BC) or castle of Odysseus and traces of Cyclopean Walls at the top of the homonymous hill.

Continuing to the north the mountain road, Stand at the historic Monastery of Kathara - the most important pilgrimage site of the island - from where the view to the southern part and Vathi is breathtaking! Next stop, the mountainous settlement of Anogi, which is adorned by the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The surrounding area is full of huge scattered monoliths (menhir), with a higher than 8 meters Araklis.The commercial traffic of the island is concentrated in Stavros. In the bay of Polis - port of Stavros - lies a sunken ancient settlement, while on the north side of the leeward harbor is the Homeric Cave of Loizos.

One of the oldest settlements in the NW is Exogi with beautiful Ionian houses and views of Platrithias with
its wildlife and Frikes the Homeric port of Kennel according to many researchers.

The most popular holiday resort of Ithaca is cosmopolitan Kioni with amphitheatrical construction at the bottom of a hospitable bay dominated by three half-ruined windmills.

On the paths of Penelope and Odysseus...

The landlocked villages of Ithaca with the "high watchtowers" are ideal for admiring the whole palette of nature, the curves of the land and mountains and the lacy bays of the island. Paths scented by schinos, cedars, shrubs and cypresses leading from Vathy to the cave of Eumaios and the spring of Arethousa or to the hill of Aetos; from Perachori to Palaiochora and the cave of Nymphs from Anogi to the top of Mount Nirito or to Kioni will give you routes of incredible beauty.

White pebbles in turquoise waters...

Small, pebbled beaches - sand is rare in Ithaca - transparent waters in all tones of blue, trees that almost touch the sea... Most beaches of the island are accessible by car. But there are so many others - some of the most beautiful in the Ionian - that can be reached by sea or by paths. Loutsa, Dexa and Skinos for your first dives.

Next are the idyllic Sarakiniko, cosmopolitan Filiatro, the famous Gidaki, the crystal-clear sandy beach of Aspros Gialos, Polis with colorful fishing boats and towering poplars, Afales with dense vegetation and rocky coasts, Korvoulia with cool waters.

Dive into the deep...

The wonderful embrace of mountain and sea and the steep cliffs that penetrate almost vertically the water mirror create underwater landscapes of unsurpassed beauty. Beautiful Posidonia meadows, underwater caves, deep underwater basins and reefs host hundreds of species of marine flora and fauna, offering unparalleled images to the eyes of the free diver.

For the lovers of spirit and good food...

Ithaca combines all kinds of the art of "entertainment". Remarkable cultural events and festivals give a special tone and color to the island on summer evenings. Numerous local festivals with excellent quality Thias’s wine and local specialties (definitely try tserepa, savoro and sweet rovani) become an occasion for unadulterated entertainment.

On the way to Ithaca....

• By boat: Ferries connect Ithaca with Kefalonia, Lefkada, Patras, Astakos of Etoloakarnania and Kyllini.
• By car: You arrive in Patras with the KTEL of Kefalonia which has a connection with the ferry of the line. Alternatively, you can go by bus to Astakos of Etoloakarnania and from there by ferry to Ithaca.
• By air: Ithaca does not have its own airport. It is served by that of Kefalonia. However, in the area of Anogi of Ithaca there is a helipad for private or chartered helicopters.