“As you set out bound for Ithaca, hope that the journey is a long one, full of adventures, full of learning”. C.P. Cavafy, “Ithaca”, translated by David Connolly
A place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime is Ithaca. It is a small island where you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the beauty of the landscape, and relax to its beautiful beaches.
Ithaca, the island of Odysseus, is located in the Ionian sea, south of Lefkada and northeast of Kefalonia. Vathy is the capital of the island. Ithaca was named after Ithacos, the first inhabitant of the island, the son of Pterelaus and the brother of Polykritos and Niritos or according to Greek mythology, the son of Poseidon and Amfimelis.
Here you will travel to a mythical place, an island full of history, lush green landscape, amazing beaches and bays.
Worth visiting in Ithaca
Filiatro Beach
Filiatro, with its cool crystal-clear waters and its pebbles, is one of the most beautiful beaches in a quiet and magical landscape. There you will find free parking and a self-service canteen.
Frikes
Frikes is a small village in Ithaca. Its port is the ideal place for a walk and there are shops and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals. You can also visit the pebbled beaches located nearby or the village Kioni next to Frikes.
Gidaki beach
It is said to be one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in Greece and of course not without reason! The hugeness of the beach and its clear turquoise waters make it very special, and that’s why the visitors of Ithaca tend to prefer it.
Find the cheapest ferry tickets here.
Check here your accommodation options on Ithaca island!
Loizos Cave
It is located just outside Stavros village. The cave took its name from a resident who became rich by selling ancient gold coins -that he accidentally found in the cave- to smugglers. This cave used to be a centre of worship from the Early Helladic period till the 1st century AD as illustrated by archaeological findings that include statues of the Greek gods Artemis, Athena, Hera etc.
See also “Paxos-Antipaxos: the islands with the most beautiful beaches in Greece“
Ithaca is the place where you will want to return to. The beauty of the island, its incredible beaches, the hospitality of the residents and its history will make you want to come back again and again. And you will be touched by it every time.
By Ioanna Karagianni
Translated by Maria Mourava
This post contains affiliate links. Find out more here.