Visit Ithaca/Ithaki
The legendry home of Homer's Odysseus, the beautiful and to date, unspoilt island is a joy to visit.  Probably inhabited since the second Millennium BC, much of the islands buildings were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake although rebuilding has taken place in the traditional style and treasures are still to be found in the Archaeological Museum and elsewhere as in the icon in the church of the Taxiarchos attributed to a young El Greco.
This verdant island, separated by only 3 kilometres from Kefalonia has pretty beaches, delightful coves and a mountainous interior covered with olive trees, vineyards, pine forests and cypresses.

Travel to Ithaca
Ithaca does not have it's own airport so the nearest airport for travellers arriving by air is situated on Kefalonia which has schedule and charter flights from northern Europe as well as daily flights from Athens from where there are international air connections.  Access to the island is therefore by ferry and there are 3 ports on Ithaca.  Vathi, the capital has ferry connections at least twice a day with Sami on Kefalonia, Patras and occasionally with Astakos on the mainland.  Piso Aetos has a regular car ferry to Sami and occasionally to Fiskardo on Kefalonia and Vassiliki on Lefkada.  On the north of the island the port of Frikes connects Ithaka with Lefkada and Sami.

Activities and sightseeing on and around Ithaca
Ithaca is beloved by sailors from all over the world because of its excellent harbours.  Indeed the harbour at Vathi has one of the world's largest natural harbours.  The island offers excellent watersports including sailing and snorkelling and a day trip by boat to some of the more inaccessible but enchanting coves or to the other islands is a must.  The interior of the island offers excellent hiking and for the more serious mountaineers, some good climbing.  The pretty little capital of Valti is well worth exploring for both local traditional souvenirs and to relax in the local bars and taverns.

Unique fact...did you know?????? Ithaca stands for homecoming as many sailors believe that as Odysseus took 10 years to reach his island, Ithaca is the ultimate goal.

To experience a truly historical and unspoilt Greek island then Ithaca is worthy of a visit

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
 
COUNTRY
Greece
 
MAIN TOWN
Valti
 
LANGUAGE
Greek
 
MAIN AIRPORT
Kefalonia (EFL)
Athens (ATH)
 
CLIMATE
Temperate Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wet winters
Check the latest weather using the left hand side bar
 
VISA / PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
European Union members have the right to stay indefinitely in Greece on presentation of a valid passport.  American, Canadian and Australian citizens can stay up to 3 months on presentation of a valid passport.  Citizens of other countries should check the latest immigration formalities with your nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate or by contacting the Greek Tourist information centre at the address below
 
 
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Please check with your local health centre plus we strongly recommend you take out travel/health insurance.