The island of Ithaca

Ithaca is one of the smallest Ionian Islands both in population and in size. 

Ithaca is worldly known for being the birthplace of the Homeric hero, Odysseus (Ulluses). For years he was wandering, meeting exotic lands, confronting temptations and dangers but Ithaca had enslaved his heart and the dream to return home never left his mind. The enchantment of the island seems somehow to have remained untouched through time. Once you’ve been to Ithaca, it’s difficult to forget this small, mountainous island with its captivating scenery.

Ithaca is separated from Cephalonia by a channel of 2- 4 kilometres width approximately and is adorned with lush vegetation, in which olive and cypress trees, kermes oaks, Judas trees (peas), myrtles and almond-leaf pears create a wonderful combination of wild and cultivated nature. The relief on the western part of the island is mountainous and rough, while the eastern one is smoother. 

The capital of Ithaca is Vathy. Built amphitheatrically, it lies parametrically around the verdant bay which is the largest in size natural harbour of the island (according to Homer it is the bay of Forkinos). Two-storey houses with red tiled roofs, painted in earth hues, imposing mansions and remains of Venetian castles, cobblestone pavements and impressive bell tower are found in the area, while the islet of Lazareto in the middle of the bay and the nearby Skaltsubonisi (the marble ship of Odysseus) compose an enchanting scenery.

Culture

Let yourself become familiar with the history of Ithaca via the important exhibits, displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Vathi and Stavros; discover the island’s rich tradition in the Folklore Museum in Vathi; visit the archaeological sites in Agios Thanasis, in Stavros, in Aetos sites and the Castro of Allalkomenon, and discover the deep-rooted history of Ithaca.

Religion

In Ithaca the religious character is quite intense, since all the villages have their own remarkable old churches adorned with wonderful bell towers, with most prominent ones, the Church of Anogi, with its famous Venetian –style bell tower and the Church of Panagia of Katharon (patron saint of the island) which lies off at the highest point of the mountain Nyritos. Furthermore, in the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Vathy, a hagiography painted by EL GRECO himself is preserved. In Ithaca, there are also plenty of delightful chapels, scattered on the mountains, nestled on islets, or at the edge of the seashore, in which marriage and christening ceremonies are held, as I the old days. 
Polis Beach
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Kioni
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Explore Kioni, the seaside village

Kioni is situated at the northernmost part of the island, at a distance of 25 km to Ithaca’s capital, Vathy. It is a preserved traditional settlement which captures the visitor with its quaintness and its idyllic landscape.

Kioni is the most popular tourist destination of Ithaca and it deservedly claims to be one of the most beautiful in Greece, since it has amazingly succeeded to maintain its exquisite traditional colour and its unique identity.

Though Kioni receives plenty of visitors each year, still breathes a tranquil peacefulness to mind and senses, and it is an ideal shelter for those who wish to relax even at the peak of the tourist season in a peaceful and majestic environment, escaping from the noisy routine and the stress.

It is built amphitheatrically in verdant hills which end to a natural cove, in the entrance of which 3 stone windmills are standing. The natural small port was erstwhile base of pirates while today is a charming shelter for many fishing boats, sailing ships, even luxurious yachts, since Kioni is a favourite resort, especially among yacht owners and not only, offering plenty of choices concerning accommodation, entertainment but also isolation.