The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Ithaki

The wonderful Greek island of Ithaki, the home of Odysseus and destination of his legendary trip, is a place blessed with natural beauty, picturesque lush landscapes and crystal clean beaches. Apart from the natural beauty, the human element has also achieved significant cultural accomplishments in this place. Here, we present some of the most interesting spots that you should visit during your stay in Ithaki.

Loizos Cave

This cave has been named after Dimitrios Loizos, who discovered this cave in 1868 and became rich by selling golden coins and other objects he found here. It is a site of great natural beauty and historic significance, which is reflected by the colorful and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

According to the ancient Greek mythology, the one entrance of Nymphs Cave was used by the gods and the other by the human beings. This is also the place where Odysseus was supposed to have hidden the gifts the Phaeacians gave him, when he returned to Ithaki. Today the cave is not accessible, but even staring at its entrance is a unique experience considering the myths connected with it through the passage of thousands of years.

Kioni

Traditional Ionian Sea village with a picturesque little port that attracts boats and yachts especially during the summer season. This place once used to be the base of the pirates, while the three deserted mills are symbols of the glorious past.

Vathi

Vathi is the capital city of Ithaki and is a great historic site itself. The old Ionian architectural rhythm of the traditional settlement, the wonderful bay that hugs the island Lazaretto, the sandy and pebbly beaches are just some of the reasons why most of Ithaki’s visitors select it as the base of their holidays here.

Palaiochora

Take the short path from Perachori and you will reach the deserted medieval settlement of Palaiochora. The architecture is dominated by defensive elements, fortresses and shelters, as well as churches with incredibly beautiful Byzantine paintings.

Monastery of Kathari

Monastery of Kathari is the most important monastery of the island and landmark of the locals’ religious life, located 15 kilometers away from Vathi, the island’s center and about 600 meters above the sea. It is dated back to 1696, was completely destroyed by the 1953 earthquakes and was reconstructed. On September 7th there takes places a traditional fest and a litany of the Virgin Mary’s holy picture.

Ancient Acropolis

The Ancient Acropolis is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites of the island of Ithaki, located on the top of the cliff Aetos. According to the tradition, the wrecks of the Ancient Acropolis belong to the palace of Odysseus and are a sample of the magnificent ancient culture that once thrived on the island.

Karaiskakis House

Georgios Karaiskakis was a legendary fighter of the 1821 Greek Revolution. His traditional stone house, where he lived until the start of the revolution, is located on the right side of the port of Ithaki. It is a monument of great importance for the local and the Greek history.

Naval Folklore Museum

The Naval Folklore Museum of the island was established in 1997 and includes a rich collection of about 2000 exhibits. Photographs, music instruments, objects from the everyday and the naval life are just some of the reflections of the local and Greek naval history and folklore tradition that are hosted in the museum.

Greek torpedo boats and tender ship, Salamis 1897

Archaeological Museum of Stavros

The Archaeological Museum of Stavros was established in 1972 in the area Pilikata of Ithaki. Its exhibits come from private donations and excavations. They are a unique way to get in touch with the past of the place and the Greek cultural developments, with findings that date back to the ancient Greek history and the Homeric Age.
By Evangelos Tsirmpas

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