You will have heard of the Greek Island, Ithaca, a few times. It’s typically considered to be Homer’s Ithaca. Sure, that might be the house of Odysseus, the place the classical Greek story The Odyssey takes place.
So far as Greek Islands go, it’s removed from the preferred. Heading right here to discover all the most effective issues to do in Ithaca might be a unique expertise you probably have been to some bigger and busier Greek Islands.
In Ithaca, you’ll be able to have all the gorgeous bays and seashores, scenic drives, and wonderful feta with out the crowds. Getting right here takes a bit of labor, however I promise you’ll be glad once you’re having a glass of wine amongst locals.
Ithaca can be known as Ithaki by locals. We are going to reference each Ithaca and Ithaki on this finest issues to do in Ithaca article!
The place is Ithaca?
Ithaca is a small Greek island within the Ionian Sea, positioned simply off the coast of close by Kefalonia. It’s the second smallest of the seven predominant Ionian Islands, the primary can be Paxi. At simply 96 sq. kilometers and a inhabitants underneath 4000 folks it’s straightforward to journey right here and be transported to a unique Greece. One which you’ll have been hoping for, however have been unable to search out on extra common islands like Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos.
You’re again to conventional Greek life on Ithaca, which makes it a wonderful Greek island to journey to.
How To Get To Ithaca Island
All guests to Ithaca must arrive through water. There are just a few predominant ferry ports in Pisaetos and Frikes, in addition to some cruise firms that can take you into Vathi port. In case you are crusing across the Greek islands Vathi, Kioni and Frikes have marinas the place yachts and sailboats can dock at.
Ithaca is finest linked through ferry from Kefalonia, Lefkada, or Astakos on the mainland.
The Greatest Issues to do in Ithaca
Go to the Ruins of Odysseus Palace
The Ruins of Odysseus Palace, also called Homer’s College, is likely one of the high historic landmarks and probably the greatest issues to do in Ithaca. Till not too long ago, it was the stuff of legends till an archaeological workforce found what’s believed to be the legendary palace.
You possibly can stroll to the location and discover it by yourself and see the workings of archaeological digs and Melanithros Supply. These ruins are roughly 3,000 years previous and are surrounded by gorgeous vistas of Afales Bay. It’s positioned off a mud highway close to Exogi which is about one mile from Stavros and is free to go to by yourself.
An organization referred to as Island Walks presents a guided tour of the ruins. The three-hour strolling tour features a cease in Stavros to go to a scale mannequin of the palace. In case you select to rent a information via Island Walks, the associated fee is €20 per individual.
Go Seaside Hopping
It’s a well-known Greek incontrovertible fact that there are countless lovely seashores on the islanes, and Ithaca is dwelling to lots of them. Most of those seashores are pebbly, however just a few are sandy. All are appropriate for swimming and sunbathing, are surrounded by gorgeous surroundings and have crystal clear, heat waters.
The most effective seashores embrace Filiatro, Gidaki and Agios Ioannis that are all inside six miles of the capital of Vathy. Frikes Seaside is on the northern coast about 12 miles from Vathy. Loutsa Seaside, three miles from Vathy, and Platia Ammos, which is within the Bay of Afales on the Northern Coast, are two common sandy seashores.
A lot of the seashores are pebbled so it’s sensible to put money into a pair of water sneakers to guard your ft. Each time we ventured out to the seaside I want I had water sneakers in my seaside necessities bag!
Discover the City of Vathy
Vathy is the capital of Ithaca and the principle heart for procuring, cultural sights and eating places. Whether or not you make your base within the city or not, it’s price it to spend no less than a day exploring this quintessential Greek neighborhood with pedestrian streets, sidewalk cafes and little outlets.
It’s an previous city that has been round since 1,500 AD. It’s additionally very fairly with alleys of colourful homes perched on the hillsides. The city sq. is a pleasant spot to take a break, sip on a espresso or have lunch whereas admiring the statues of Odysseus and Homer.
Within the night, you’ll discover stay leisure and plenty of locations serving drinks however the environment is relaxed in contrast to some cities within the greater touristy areas round Greece.
Vathy is within the heart of the island on the head of Vathy Harbor and identified for its spectacular sunsets. The most effective place to get pleasure from one is close to the harbor the place you’ll be able to watch the solar go down behind the hills.
Attend the Annual Wine Pageant
The small village of Perachori comes alive over the last weekend in July when residents and guests alike come collectively to have fun the high-quality wine that’s made within the area. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Ithaca and one of many greatest festivals on the island.
Attendees get pleasure from a relentless circulate of scrumptious locally-produced wine, meals, dancing and stay music into the wee hours of the night time.
The Annual Wine Pageant takes place within the yard of an old-fashioned within the village of Perachori within the south of Ithaki. Pay a small admission charge and this covers your meals and wine for the night time.
When attending it’s finest to reach early within the day to discover the beautiful village of Perachori which is dwelling to a number of lovely buildings and a number of the island’s finest seashores.
Go to the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa
The precise date that the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa was constructed is unknown however a refurbishment was accomplished in 1696 so we all know it’s a lot older than that. Panagia Katharon is claimed to be the protector saint of the island so the location is sacred to the native folks.
At 600 meters above sea degree, you’ll be able to guess that the views from this location are unbelievable. You’ll get a birds-eye view of the island and the city of Vathy.
The Monastery is positioned on the facet of Niritos mountain about 4 miles from Anogi within the heart of Ithaki and is free to go to. Ensure that to take a look at the previous church relationship again to the 1500s and stroll to the bell tower the place you’ll discover the most effective views. If the church is locked ask the Anogi heart for the important thing to get in.
Have the Greatest Greek Salad within the World
After you’re performed on the Kathara Monastery enterprise into the Anogi Heart. It’s right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from a frappe, or an incredible Greek salad. We didn’t know what we have been in for after we ordered a conventional Greek salad right here, however have been amazed at what got here to our desk (photograph above).
Embark on a Kayaking Journey in Afales Bay
Crystal clear, calm waters make the waters round Ithaca a kayakers paradise and probably the greatest locations to kayak is Afales Bay in northern Ithaca. Odyssey Sea Kayak Membership presents an incredible day tour for all ranges for €45 per individual. The tour presents a mixture of paddling and exploring on land at Platinammos Seaside, probably the greatest seashores on the island.
As you paddle the light waters of the bay, you’ll see steep cliffs and little seashores. On the seaside, you’ll have the chance to do some snorkeling, cliff diving and beachcombing.
Feast on Scrumptious Greek Delicacies at Kohili Backyard Restaurant
Kohili Backyard Restaurant is likely one of the finest eateries on Ithaca. The meals is contemporary and scrumptious, the service is wonderful and the ocean views are a welcome addition to your meal. On the menu, you’ll discover all kinds of Greek specialties together with seafood, pasta and vegetarian dishes.
You possibly can select from two outside eating areas. One space is within the backyard whereas the opposite appears out over Vathy Bay. This Greek restaurant is positioned in Vathy simply two doorways up from the Council Constructing with meals from €6 to €12 per dish.
Tip: The onion pie and seafood pasta are two of the preferred dishes on the menu.
Take a Stroll Via an Outdated Oak Forest
Whereas the coastal areas are what draw folks to the Greek Isles, on Ithaki, there’s a magical place the place you’ll be able to escape the crowds and the summer season warmth that isn’t a seaside or harbor. The Forest of Perachori is a big, dense forest within the heart of the island that gives shade from the solar and a calming place to get away together with your ideas.
As you stroll via the forest, you’ll see many elderly bushes together with pernars, felikia and oaks that may develop as much as 25 ft excessive.
The most effective path to take begins on the very best road above the village and passes the chapel of Agios Gerasimos.
Some locations are steep and there are fallen leaves in locations so watch out to not slip. Footwear with an excellent grip are really useful on any Greece packing listing.
9. Take a look at the Pyramids of Exogi
Though seemingly misplaced, the Pyramids of Exogi are price testing if you end up on this beautiful village. These two pyramids have been constructed with millstones by Ioannis Papadopoulos round 1930 and are about three meters excessive.
Through the day, you can too get pleasure from gorgeous views of the world and at night time, the pyramids are lit up so you’ll be able to see them from a distance.
You possibly can attain the pyramids through the principle highway via the village. The pyramids are close to the cemetery on the finish of the village.
Take your time making your solution to the pyramids and benefit from the sights of the historic village of Exogi together with lovely Seventeenth-century properties.
Trek to the Aetos Acropolis of Alalkomenes
In southwestern Ithaca discover the Church of Saint Georgios in Piso Aetos and take the trail to the highest of the hill. The Aetos Acropolis of Alalkomenes is an historic metropolis that has been excavated quite a few occasions and thus far, unbelievable partitions made with large boulders, tombs, temples and dwellings have been unearthed and will be seen at this web site.
This was as soon as a predominant settlement and dates again lots of of years. It’s really useful to place apart no less than two hours to get essentially the most out of your go to. The stroll isn’t very lengthy however it’s steep.
Perantzada Lodge
If you wish to keep in a centrally-located space of the island with easy accessibility to many companies and sights, Vathy is your most suitable option and the Perantzada Lodge is a superb place to make your base.
This small guesthouse isn’t solely lovely with its stylish design, however it additionally has an infinity pool with a bar and sunbeds. The breakfast served every morning options scrumptious, do-it-yourself pastries and pies. This superior resort is positioned on Odyssea Androutsou Road in Vathy and rooms vary from €90 to €200.
Bicycles can be found to hire so you’ll be able to simply discover the city of Vathy.
Go to the Legendary Cave of the Nymphs
The Cave of the Nymphs is a spot of myths that was as soon as a spot of worship. At 190 meters above sea degree, it’s solely accessible through one entrance now and though you’ll be able to’t go far previous the doorway, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to see inside.
Tip: Ensure that to put on sneakers with an excellent grip for mountain climbing and climbing on probably slippery surfaces. It’s a good suggestion to have some water sneakers in your pack.
Be taught About native Historical past and Tradition on the Maritime – Folklore Museum
On the Maritime – Folklore Museum of Ithaca, even the constructing the museum is housed in is historic! Inside, you’ll discover over 1,500 displays showcasing many artifacts, uncommon photographs, work and replicas of rooms from Colonial occasions. The price is €4 per grownup.
Put apart no less than two hours to get essentially the most out of your go to. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays through the off-season and has night hours through the summer season.
Spend a Day within the Beautiful Village of Kioni
In Ormos Kioni Bay on the northeast coast of Ithaki about 15 miles from Vathy is that this charming village.
Kioni was based within the 1500s and has since been a favourite retreat for Ithaki islanders and guests alike. The little fishing village with its picturesque harbor lined with boats and fairly homes is made all that extra distinctive by the truth that it’s constructed on the slope of a mountain.
Whereas there are some cafes, eating places and outlets, you gained’t discover giant crowds which suggests you’ll get pleasure from a peaceable escape. It’s really one of the romantic locations in all of Greece.
Enterprise inland additional the place you’ll discover a extra authentically Greek environment with grassy areas and orange bushes.
Go to The Archaeological Museum of Ithaca
Whereas exploring the ruins of Ithaki, it’s possible you’ll marvel the place uncovered artifacts find yourself. Many of those fascinating artifacts are on show at The Archaeological Museum of Ithaca. A lot of the gadgets are from the south of the island and embrace well-preserved pottery, vases, statues, treasured stones, cash and jewellery. A few of these gadgets date again to 1000 BC. I wouldn’t miss visiting as right here because it’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Ithaca.
Take a look at the ruins and archaeological digs across the space and match the websites with their objects.
Go on a Scuba Diving Journey
Whether or not you’re new to scuba diving otherwise you’re a seasoned knowledgeable, there’s a dive for you. The waters round Ithaki are referred to as a high scuba diving spot because of the clear, heat waters. Colourful fish, reefs, rock formations and wrecks are a number of the attention-grabbing issues that you just’ll see once you take a dive into these waters.
Manawa, in collaboration with Odyssey Outside Actions, presents journey dives and a few of their dives embrace Poseidon Ship Reef, Gidaki Cape Reef, Remanda Rocks and Kritami Wreck.
The assembly place for the dives is at Epar.Od. Kioniou – Pera Pigadiou, Vathy and dives begin at €52 per individual.
Take the Ferry to Close by Kefalonia or Lefkada
Many islands round Ithaca are straightforward to succeed in and enjoyable to discover. Kefalonia and Lefkada are two common Greek Islands and you’ll go there through ferry. It takes 30-60 minutes to sail to those lovely islands.
There are lots of lovely seashores on Kefalonia together with Trapexaki, Foki and Platis Gialos. A few of the island’s sights embrace Melissani Cave, a sacred monastery and the mountain climbing trails of Mount Ainos.
In case you enterprise to Lefkada don’t miss out on going to Porto Katsiki! Ferry rides vary in worth, so it’s finest to examine Ferry Hopper.
Spend a Day on one of many Greatest Ithaca Seashores
Paralia Afales is a distant seaside in Northern Ithaki is an unspoiled seaside the place you’ll be able to spend the day swimming, snorkeling and watching the sailboats. The waters are exceptionally clear and heat and are finest for swimming within the morning.
To achieve the seaside, you’ll stroll downhill for about 20 minutes so deliver ingesting water and good strolling sneakers.
Head to the Village of Frikes
About 12 miles away from Vathy is that this charming village. Courting again to the 1500s, the beautiful coastal village of Frikes is a superb place to spend a day exploring. The village is sort of small, so it’s an excellent place to go to flee from the crowds. As you stroll round, you’ll see olive bushes and fairly homes lining a valley overlooking the harbor.
There are a number of outlets, eating places, cafes and taverns. In case you keep after darkish, there’s an out of doors nightclub with stay music, meals and dancing.
There are two windmills overlooking the harbor and village. At night time, they’re lit up and are fairly the sight!
Go on a Snorkeling Safari
The waters off Vathy are teeming with life and different fascinating sights. One of the simplest ways to discover this underwater world is with a snorkeling tour and Odyssey Outside Actions presents such an tour for about €40 per individual. You’ll see Nisopoulo Reef, a wreck at Kritami Seaside, a sea cave and an underwater wall.
A minimal of three friends is required for the tour to go forward.
How you can Get Round Ithaca
Renting a automotive in Greece and driving is one of the simplest ways to get round Ithaca. It will make sure you get to do all the most effective issues to do in Ithaca at your personal tempo. In case you haven’t arrived to Ithaca with a rental automotive from one other Greek island, you’ll must hire one in Vathy. The winding seaside roads are extraordinarily enjoyable to drive.
It’s additionally doable to hire a 4×4, however we sometimes choose out of those in Greece. I want my AC and shade whereas driving, and infrequently a rental automotive is cheaper than a quad. You may as well discover mopeds on Ithaca to hire, that is one other nice solution to get round though it would take you longer to get from level to level.
Superior Issues to Do in Ithaca, Greece Map
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Ithaca?
The most effective time to go to Ithaca is between June and September. I notably love visiting Greece in June and September and the temperatures are decrease and the crowds aren’t at their peak. A lot of the photographs on this article have been taken in July. With Ithaca being much less a vacationer island than different close by islands it’s possible you’ll discover much less to do right here should you go to within the off season.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?
The Good Ionian Itinerary?
Yearly we strive to take a look at a brand new chain of Greek Islands. Why? Properly as a result of Greece is our favourite nation to journey to! Throughout this journey, we visited the Ionian Islands. We began in Corfu, the place we rented a automotive, after we took the ferry to the mainland, drove to Lefkada, after which after talking with some locals who really useful Ithaca over Kefalonia to us, we took the ferry to Ithaca.
We solely wished we had extra time in order that we may have added on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
The place to Keep on Ithaca
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Ithaca! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed here are just a few related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Assets
‘Hiya’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”Foreign money: Euro – (EUR) – €Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival totally free. Verify together with your embassy to see if that’s you.Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are gentle and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t overlook an excellent pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.Price range: In case you’re within the preliminary levels of planning, try our superior publish that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.Hire a Automobile: We propose most guests think about renting a automotive for the most effective journey doable. Strive Uncover Automobiles to match quotes from totally different rental companies. Verify Value Right here!Shield Your Journey: Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage! We at all times carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from harm, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our listing of the most effective excursions you’ll be able to get pleasure from in Greece!Journey Adapter: Be sure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.
