Ithaca is a Greek island a little off the beaten track. It is not necessarily located on the classic route of tourist visits and is not invaded by mass tourism as is the case of its neighbors (Kefalonia, Lefkada and Zakynthos). And for good reason, the island is green, steep, still very wild and a little less easy to access than elsewhere. Here are some ideas on what to do in Ithaca.
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But first, what to do in Ithaca? ….
1. Enjoy the beaches in Ithaca
The island of Ithaca will delight those who appreciate pebble beaches with turquoise waters. The coves are numerous, often small and not always easy to access. This explains the fact that they are not invaded and remain preserved.
Here are some of our favorite beaches in Ithaca, which you can find on the map at the bottom of this article …. But there are also many others.
In the South of the island:
- Dexia: just before arriving at Vathy, the beach is pleasant because it is very protected and shaded by nice olive trees.
- Minimata: a small beach but very pleasant because shaded. It can be reached easily and quickly by road from Vathy.
- Skinos: in the continuation of the road that leads to Minimata, Skinos is also very pleasant and shady. From there, a path leads to the beach of Gidaki (about 40min).
- Gidaki: one of the most famous beaches of the island. This large bay is not accessible by road. On the other hand, it is possible to go there by boat (there are excursions from Vathi), or on foot from the beach of Skinos.
- Faliatro: The beach is accessible by car and relatively large. A beach bar has been installed and offers deckchairs and hammocks and a small restaurant. Cool atmosphere. Facing east, it benefits from the morning sun.
- Sarakiniko: it is in reality a fisherman’s port. Small tavern overlooking the creek. A second beach is accessible by a small path that runs along the rocks. At the back in the olive fields, many people practice wild camping.
In the North of the island:
- Kourvoulia: it is in fact 3 small bays which follow one another in the North of the island before arriving at the port of Kioni. These small pebble coves are simply charming.
- Polis: This is one of the few beaches located in the west of the island. It is large and equipped with some deckchairs. At the end, it hosts a small marina.
2. Visit the small ports of the island
Here are two of the tiny ports we loved in Ithaca. We enjoyed the peaceful life of these ports. They are frequented by boaters as well as by a respectful and quiet tourism.
Vathy
Vathy is the capital of the island. The harbor is pleasant because it houses only pleasure boats and fishermen. And the big ferries arrive on the other side of the island.
The bay of Vathy is protected from the winds and lined with pastel-colored houses with red roofs. Don’t hesitate to get lost in the alleys to feel the life of this village and take a step up to the church of Kimiseos Thetokou which offers a nice view of the port.
In addition, in Vathy you will find all the facilities: supermarket, ATM, several boat rental companies as well as tour departures. You will also find many restaurants. We really liked the traditional Trehantiri Taverna in the village for its meat dishes and value for money ; as well as Veranta located along the harbor with a beautiful view.
Kioni
The village of Kioni is not easily accessible by road, but it is worth a visit. Located in a beautiful bay, very popular with nautical tourists, it has all the charms of the dolce vita. Sipping an ouzo or having a quiet lunch in the harbor is a treat. We highly recommend Mills, a tavern which serves contemporary dishes with Mediterranean flavors such as pear, parmesan and lentil salad and delicious fresh fish.
Before arriving in Kioni, you will pass by the port of Friskes, it is also worth stopping there for a while.
3. What to do in Ithaca? On foot, by bike, on or in the water
The island of Ithaca is very pleasant to visit from the land but also from the sea.
Hiking trails in Ithaca
Numerous hiking trails crisscross the island. They are well signposted and pleasant. The tourist office proposes 7 routes, indicating the time and difficulty. They allow to discover the landscapes and the archaeological vestiges of the island. I have put here here a photo of the map of excursions that you can also find on the port of Vathy.
Rent a bike
It is also possible to travel around the island by bicycle, or rather by mountain bike. At Alpha, for example, you can rent classic or electric bikes.
=> more information on how to get around Ithaca in the following article.
Tour Ithaca by boat
The island is beautiful to visit by boat. This will allow you to see beaches not accessible by land, and to swim in the crystal clear waters.
Depending on your time, budget and desire, you can opt for :
- Rent a boat individually with or without a license. We advise you to make your reservation on Click and Boat. Otherwise, you will also find many rental companies in Vathy, but in high season they do not always have availability.
- Participate in a group boat tour. There are also departures from Vathy.
Enjoy other water activities
Ithaca and its translucent waters is also an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts:
- Scuba diving: In Vathy, the Odyssey Club offers diving trips suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced divers. In English
- Snorkeling: the idyllic island of Ithaca has many snorkeling sites
- Sea kayaking: a one-day sea kayaking excursion along the coast of the island of Ithaca from Vathy.
4. Discover the legend of Ulysses
Ithaca is the island of Ulysses, the great adventurer of mythology. In his Odyssey Homer tells the fabulous journey of Odysseus. Leaving the island of which he was the king, he travelled through the Greek islands and experienced many adventures. He will return, however, as he had promised to his wife Penelope, twenty years later. Penelope will have faithfully waited for him, repelling with malice the pressing demands of her suitors.
Many archaeologists have been interested in Ithaca. The legend of Homer is present in several places on the island. It reflects the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC). Here are some of the traces of that time:
- The fountain of Arethuse: The fountain of Arethusa : located 5km south of Vathy, it is a deep spring where, according to the legend, Ulysses’ pig keeper came to make his pigs drink.
- The palace of Ulysse also called Palace of Odysseus or Homer’s school is a site in the middle of nature (free). You can reach it by taking the first road on the right when going from Stavros to Exogi (by foot or by car). In addition to the ruins, you will enjoy a superb view.
- The cave of the nymphs: would be the place where Ulysses would have hidden the gifts that the Phoenicians had given him on his return from Troy. Nothing spectacular to see, but it is a nice walk south of Vathy.
You can also see the archaeological remains of the island in the small museum of Vathy and Stavros. They are open from 8:30 to 15:00 every day except Monday.
5. Taking the high road
The island of Ithaca is mountainous. It is crossed by a steep massif along its entire length: Mount Niritas reaches 784 meters in the center, Mount Stefano at 648 meters in the south and Mount Roussano in the north.
Take the road that connects Vathy to Anogi (the old capital of the island), you will enjoy an extraordinary view of this butterfly island. You can continue to the village of Stavros which has a beautiful, shady and lively central square.
Sophie B.
