Ithaca

Ithaca

Ithaca lies just a few miles away from Cephalonia. The island has just one port on the west coast (tiny Piso Aetos) and only three on the east coast: Vathy, Kioni and Frikes. All three ports offer a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere with a good selection of beaches and an undeveloped coastline nearby. Boat hire is recommended to find your own secluded beach. All ports have a good selection of waterfront tavernas and a general store.

From Frikes a narrow, twisting road leads through olive groves and vineyards to the almost deserted village of Exoghi and passes the natural spring of Kalamos, whose cool waters spill away to irrigate terraces of tangerines, melons and loquats. From Kalamos there are spectacular views across the dark, blue bay of Afales.
Just inland from Frikes is the village of Stavros, which has a small selection of tavernas, shops and café bars. From here a narrow track leads down to the beach of Polis Bay.
Vathy, the capital port of Ithaca, has a beautiful horseshoe waterfront of houses overlooking a magnificent bay, flanked by green hillsides.

Nearby lies the Cave of the Nymphs where Odysseus hid the gifts of King Alcinoos. The Phaeacians returned a sleeping Odysseus to the neighbouring Bay of Dexia. Arethusa’s Fountain can be found above a little beach just south of Vathy Bay.

A stay on Ithaca is for those looking for natural beauty, simplicity and an escape from a busy life.