ISLAND

Ithaca, the island of ingenious Odysseus. The island that embodies love and the nostalgia for the return in the homeland. It attracts hundreds of visitors every year, thanks to his history and his reputation. It belongs to the group of Ionian islands and is managed by the island Kefalonia. The capital of the island is beautiful Ithaca or Vathi, because of the deep bay that is built in.

It is worth visiting all the sides of the island, from the villages up to the seesights and the beautiful beaches.The villages that consist Ithaca are Stavros, Kioni, Frikes,Anogi, Leuki and Aetos. Each of them offers to the holidaymakers a different experience. Guests can have great time eating at the beautiful taverns and drinking quietly in the various cafe’s in each village.The variety of the landscapes, depending on the location, will impress all visitors.

Another part of Ithaca, equally interesting, is the sights and the historical part of the island. The Folk Museum and the two archaeological museums, in Stavros and Vathi, allow visitors to see important exhibits and artifacts that unfold the the island’s history. At north location of the town there is the Monastery of Katharon, with significant ecclesiastical icons that many belivers are eager to visit. In the mountainous village Anogi, is a church dedicated to Virgin Mary and is one of the largest in the Balkans.The cathedral is also a church that should be visited by the guests and admired for the wooden temple.

The halmark of the island is the statue of Odysseus, whose shadow makes visitors to the den of his home. It is located in the village square Stavros. Of course all guests are eager to visit the home of  Karaiskakis, where, according to the locals, lived until 1821.

The beaches are like jewels, can satisfy even the most demanding vacationers. Most beaches are in central and northern parts of the island, because those parts are more developed. There are popular beaches near the villages, such as beach Mnimata, Skinos, Kioni and Gidaki, offering tourists relaxing moments under the hot sun.There are, however, isolated beaches where tourists can find peace, enjoying the blue sea and the lush landscape around them. Such beaches are Saint-john, Afales and Kourvoulia.

Trasferring to the island of Odysseus can be done by road and by ferry boat. The route Athens- Patra is 219 km and is by bus. Information- start: Kiffisos 100, Athens, tel 5136185.

The port of Patra is connected to Vathi with frequent trnsport by ferry  through Sami Kefalonia. Distance 53 miles. Information: Patras port authority: 061/34 1002, Port Ithaca phone 0674/32.909.

Also there exists, frequent departures, from Astacos in central Greece, with ferry to Vathi, Ithaca. Distance 23 miles. Information: Port Astacos, telephone 0646/41052. Astacos is connected to Athens with daily bus routes. Distance 297 km. Information- start: Kifissia 100, Athens, tel 5129293. The island is connected by ferry boats and speedboats with Kefalonia, Lefkada and Zakynthos.

Useful Numbers:

Ionian Islands: 26610 86501
Prefecture of Kefalonia and Ithaca: 26710 29130
Provincial Ithaca: 26740 32903
City of Ithaca: 26740 32795
Police: 26740 32205
Health Center Ithaca: 26740 32222
Archaeological Museum: 26740 32200
Association of Rented Rooms: 26740 3107

Επιμέλεια: Σταυρούλα Παπαδοπούλου