Ithaca, also spelled Ithaka and Ithaki, is part of the Ionian islands off the west coast of mainland Greece.
Why You Should Go to Ithaca:
Ithaca is probably the "original" Ithaca, home of Homer's hero Odysseus, who quite possibly was a real king who ruled on the island. An inscription found there indicates there was a later cult attached to his memory, making a "real" king more likely. But controversies abound about the exact locations.
Not a Homer fan? Ithaca is a beautiful, peaceful island which makes for a great getaway. If you're looking for a vacation within your vacation, Ithaca makes a great low-stress stop.
Where to Stay on Ithaca:
Ithaca can be easily visited from neighboring Kefallonia, but there are a number of hotels on Ithaca itself. But be aware - the nightlife is almost non-existent. Though Odysseus's long-suffering wife Penelope put up with feeding and entertaining her suitors for twenty years, this is definitely not your usual "party island".
One option which sounds ridiculously romantic is to stay at the Cave of the Nymphs Estate, which promises a beautiful environment near the famed cave mentioned by Homer. Groups of up to four can stay in two nymph-named houses on the estate, the Arethusa or the Caliadne.
Doing a search for hotels online? Make sure you don't end up booking one in Ithaca, New York!
Where to Eat on Ithaca:
Ithaca has plenty of small, traditional tavernas. The Venetian occupation has left its mark on the local food, some of which has Italian undertones.
Don't Miss Seeing:
The Archeological Museum of Vathy and the Folklore and Cultural Museums have interesting collections well worth a visit.
Special Events
August 5th and 6th offers the Feast of Sotiros, celebrated throughout the island. On June 24th, the traditional village of Kioni celebrates the feast of Agios Ioannis; on July 20th, the same village commemorates Agios Elias. All of these feast days offer religious observances followed by an abundance of food and music.
Getting There:
Many visitors to Ithaca will fly or ferry into Kefallonia (Cephalonia) and then cross the channel to Ithaca by boat. However, there is year-round ferry and even bus service to the island - the bus takes the ferryboat.
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Temple-crowned Aegina - Natural Alonissos - Traditional Carpathos - Chewy Chios - Cos, The Doctors' Island - Queenly Crete - Dignified Delos - Do it all on Donoussa - Hydra, Artist's Island - Odysseus' Ithaca - Kalokairi "Mamma Mia" Island - Spongy Kalymnos - Aphrodite's Kythira - Lesvos, More than Sappho - Lovely Leros - Mighty Mykonos - Paros Paradise - Pirate Islands - Pastoral Patmos - Volcanic Santorini - Sexy Skopelos - The Dreamy Small Cyclades - Easy Spetses - Symi Summers - Very Greek Syros - Honeyed Thassos - Tilos, Island of Elephants
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