Ithaca: Holidays in the mythical Ionian island with its enchanting beaches

Ithaca. An island famous from the Homeric epics. Beloved homeland of King Odysseus, symbol of the quest and ending place of the most famous epic adventure. Ithaca has to be one of the most famous place names in the world. Even if someone has never visited Greece for vacation, they know that Odysseus’ goal in the mythical epic Odyssey is to return to his beloved Ithaca, where Penelope and his son Telemachus are waiting for him.

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Kourvoulia: The hidden paradise of Ithaca

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Ithaca: An island of wild beauty

Despite its fame, however, Ithaca remains an island that does not resemble many “tourist places”. It remains an island with few tourists and has managed to keep its charm intact. Ithaca is an island for travelers looking to wander in a beautiful place that retains its authenticity.

Believe us, Ithaca is worth the trip. An island worth walking and exploring to discover images that will enchant you: Paradisiacal beaches, wonderful natural landscapes, and well-preserved traditional villages. If you are getting ready for your vacation, do not forget to perform the coin and peephole movements before going on vacation.

Ithaca is not a densely populated island. It has only 3,000 inhabitants in an area of 117 sq. km. In the island’s landscape, we find the characteristic vegetation and the familiar aromas of the Mediterranean. Olive trees, pine trees, and bushes flood the small hills of the island that are ideal for nice routes and explorations. Try walking on some of the island’s trails, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to enjoy the wonderful colors of sunrise or sunset.

Ithaca is the ideal island for hiking since it has a whole “network” of trails that are very well formed and marked. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and get ready for walking. The beautiful paths of Ithaca span 60 km. Admittedly, the most beautiful routes are from Katharon Monastery to Anogi (3km) and from Perachori to the cave of the Nymphs (4km).

Ithaca: The necessary stops on the Ionian island

The mythical palace of Odysseus

On the east side of the island, in the port of Piso Aetos, you can see the ruins of an ancient city. The foundations of the “Castle of Odysseus” were discovered in 1873 by the archaeologist of Troy, Heinrich Schliemann. Although no official certification of any relationship with the resourceful king exists, this spot still attracts visitors to Ithaca. Maybe it’s the charm of the mythical king, maybe again the charm of the enchanting landscape – a vast sea panorama at the strategic point that connects the east and west coasts.

Visit to Vathi

Vathy is a cute little town filled with beautifully colored houses. Full of color but at the same time serene, the capital of Ithaca has its own charm that you will discover walking through its quiet streets. The houses are built in the traditional way, and most of them are colorful and have tiled roofs. Here you will find several small restaurants and shops, as well as the archaeological museum, which is worth visiting to see the treasures from the excavations. The city’s cathedral is also worth a visit. Note also that the port of Vathi is a favorite spot for sailors who anchor their boats. If you stay here, you can use it as a base to explore the southern part of the island.

Beautiful beaches in Ithaca

Gidaki Beach

Gidaki beach is considered one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and is accessible only on foot or by sea. A heavenly quiet corner that will reward you for the effort you will make to get there.

You will need about half an hour of walking from the landscaped path. The shortest way is to reach the beach of Skinos by car and from there follow the landscaped path to Gidaki beach.

Afales and the “hidden” Platia Ammos

From Platrithia, you can visit the bay of Afales, which is surrounded by large rocks and features several smaller beaches with rocky, pebbly shores and crystal-clear blue waters. You will see an impressive landscape with wild beauty and bare, steep rocks, while the trees reach the sea.

It is worth swimming in them all! Note that at the edge of the bay is well hidden Platia Ammos, the only beach of the island with white sand, and is accessible only by sea.

Skinos Beach

Visit Skinos. Skinos is a large bay located on the east side of the port of Ithaca. You can enjoy the sea on the homonymous beach, at the bottom of the bay.

And this dive will be unforgettable. Especially for those who love greenery on the beaches.

Boat holidays in Ithaca.

Ithaca is a magical place, ideal for relaxing holidays, with many untrodden beaches that you can explore by boat. Boats start from Vathy that make day trips. You can also go around the island. If there is a company and the mood, you can rent a private boat and make your own program by choosing the side of the island and the beaches you want. It is definitely more expensive, but the experience will be unforgettable!

In short… Before heading out to Ithaca, be prepared: the “quiet power” of the Ionian Sea that will pleasantly surprise you. Quiet, with many loyal visitors returning every summer, but also with beaches with crystal clear waters and dense vegetation, which in many cases reaches the waves – note that most of them are not organized. Although small, it has all the necessary infrastructure for a holiday, so you will not miss anything.