Ionian Islands · The homecoming island
Ithaca
Rugged little Ithaca, the legendary homeland of Odysseus, is the ideal Greek island for nature and beach lovers alike. We design private Ithaca itineraries around its turquoise bays, its foodie tavernas and its Homeric heritage.
Rugged little Ithaca, sometimes called Kefalonia’s little sister, is the ideal Greek island for both nature and beach lovers, and it holds a special place in the Greek imagination.
A very brief history of Ithaca
For such a little island, Ithaca is packed full of history. Before your trip, get inspired by reading The Odyssey, or listen to it on the journey over. Ithaca is the homeland of Odysseus, the legendary king who took ten years to return home after the Trojan War, through one of the greatest stories ever told: a cyclops, sirens, a witch who turns sailors into pigs, and at the end of it all, this island, where he finally returns to his long-suffering wife Penelope. Around Vathy, street names such as Pinelopis, Tilemahou and Odyssea keep the connection alive, and many locals are named after the heroes immortalised by the poet. It is easy to see why Odysseus found peace on an island surrounded by such turquoise hues; a holiday here will leave you yearning to return home to Ithaca yourself.
Explore Ithaca
Afales Bay
Ithaca has a host of gorgeous beaches: Skinos and Minimata, Filiatro with its Baywatch-style watchtower, Sarakiniko and Aspros Gialos are all worth seeking out. Our favourite is Afales Bay, a glorious stretch of coastline in the island’s north that shows just how diverse Ithaca is.
Monastery of Katharon
No words can adequately do justice to the Monastery of Katharon, set high in the hills above Vathy. You have to see this place at sunset for yourself. It is magical.
Vathy, Ithaca’s port
Vathy is the island’s port and main town, entirely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1953, which gives it a sense of order sometimes missing elsewhere. Buildings painted yellow, pink and cream wrap around a sheltered bay of deep blue water. By day it can feel sleepy; at night the locals come out for dinner, coffee, conversation, and often a cheeky bit of music too.
Pairing Ithaca
Ithaca is best woven into a wider Ionian journey: Kefalonia is just across the channel, Zakynthos lies to the south, and for more foodie islands, consider Sifnos in the Cyclades.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Ithaca
- Best Dining Kanenas
In Stavros; in our opinion not just the best restaurant on Ithaca but in the whole of the Ionian islands. For sunset dinners, Dona Lefki in the village of Lefki is a stunning runner up, with views across the channel to Kefalonia. Arrive hungry for the trio of Ithacan starters.
- Best Daytrip Odyssey Sea Kayak Club
Make like Odysseus and take to the water. Hire a kayak and set off on your own, or join one of their expert-led day trips around the island's coast.
- Best Bar Mylos
One of the island's legendary haunts, housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, with chilled vibes and excellent cocktails. Jazz and lounge after sunset, heavier dance rhythms later if you want to keep the party going.
- Best Local Specialty Tserepa
Chicken slow-cooked in a sealed earthenware pot, a staple on most taverna menus. Try savoro if you like seafood, and seek out rovani, a sweet of honey, rice and olive oil made only on Ithaca, best at Spathis in Vathy, which is both a bakery and a bar.
- Best Local Souvenir Tehnima
A wonderful jewellery shop in Kioni specialising in pieces handmade by local artists. A necklace or ring to remember your trip to Greece by.
Ithaca has no airport; it is reached by ferry, most easily from neighbouring Kefalonia, whose airport (EFL) is the closest arrival point.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Ithaca, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.