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Probably the most legendary of all the Greek islands, Ithaca is still one that is lesser known, which is what gives it its unique charm. It is a truly beautiful island and still amazingly unspoilt by tourism. This is the island of Homer’s Odyssey, and it's only a short boat trip from Kefalonia.
Ithaca is a popular island with the local yachting fraternity and the beautiful flotillas can be seen out on the open seas. The villages have brightly coloured doors and rough walls, lost under countless layers of traditional whitewash.
It is the second smallest and one of the most under-developed islands in the Ionian. Here you will find beauty at every turn. The trees, mountains and impossibly blue waters are simply magical – we truly believe there is an ancient force at work here, with the Greek Gods protecting this heavenly land.
The food here is heavily influenced by the Venetian occupation of the island in the 16th Century. The local cuisine is aromatic with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and oregano. They use their own olive oil, cold-pressed and rich in flavour – be sure to buy a bottle to take home!
The quaint tavernas and eateries are dispersed over the island and are a must-visit if you want to experience true Greek cuisine. Each one offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience, from stone-built tavernas tucked away in lush olive groves to boho-chic beachfront cafés. Enjoy flavourful fusion Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, and classic casseroles prepared to perfection.
For such a tiny island there are many local dishes including the delicious ‘Savoro’ (whitebait cooked in garlic, olive oil and raisins). Rovani is a must – a deliciously sweet dessert made from honey and ground rice. Many of the locals have been known to take their bouzoukis to the tavernas so be prepared for lively evenings with wonderful Greek music.
Days here are slow and tranquil; life is unhurried, and pleasure is found in the simplest of past times. That is not to say that there is nothing to do – quite the reverse! There’s a fabulous choice of water sports, so many beaches and hidden coves. The sea is in the blood of the locals here – the best thing to do is follow suit and hire a boat so you can explore to your heart’s content.
For those not so sure on their sea-legs, the wild and uninhabited mountains make for great walking. You can explore the lovely seaside towns of Kioni and Vathy. Vathy is Ithaca’s ‘capital’ and is located on the South-East coast of the island. Kioni is one of the nicest villages on the island with three beaches. It has tavernas and bars dotted all along the water’s edge. There are some lovely little shops for present buying, lots of different jewellery shops, a great grocery store for provisions (and some lovely fresh produce) as well as a good bakery.
Nights in Ithaca are generally peaceful and romantic – in Vathy and Kioni, there are plenty of waterfront spots that stay open a bit later. Its more about long, late dinners under the stars here, talking around the table for hours about the wonderful day you just had. There are some more ‘energetic’ bars too, not too far from where the tavernas are, perfect for teens to saunter off to when they get board of the dinner chit chat! It's still just really gentle nightlife here – live music, ouzo and chatting to the locals – the perfect Greek evening!
Ithaca is great from late April through to September. The main summer months are just perfect – the waters are warm, blue skies every day and the atmosphere is ideal as it never gets anywhere near as busy as many of the other islands. In the Spring and late September, you’ll most likely need to bring a cashmere layer for the early mornings and evenings as there will still be a bit of a chill in the air, but during June, July and August you can count on those dreamy, balmy nights.
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