Vathy

Vathy (1826 inhabitants), capital of Ithaca and its main port as well, is built in the inmost part of a closed bay, surrounded by fully green mountains. Its beautiful port is identified as Homer’s port of Forkyn, where, according to tradition, the Phaecians left Odysseus (Ulysses) sleeping. The biggest part of the city was ruined in the earthquake of 1953 and was rebuilt preserving its traditional architecture with one-storey and two-storey houses.

Here, you can visit the verdurous small isle Lazareto at the entrance of the island. The Municipality of Ithaca contains the following islands: Skartsoubonisi, Aghios Nikolaos, Perapigadi, Arkoudi, Atokos, Vromonas, Drakonera, Karlonisio, Makri, Oxia, Pontikos, Provatio, Lygia. Also, you can visit the two Venetian castles (19th century) over the settlement with an astonishing view until Lefkada and the cave of Nymphs, close to the port’s bay, with characteristic colorful stalactites spotlighted by the sun coming from a certain point in the cave. According to local tradition, it is the cave where Ulysses hid his gifts from the Phaecians when he returned to the island.

Beaches

Aetos 1 2 3 4 5 ( 6 Votes )

In the middle of the island, deep in the bay with the same name, there is the preserved beach of Aetos, ideal for swimming.

St. John / Aspros Gialos 1 2 3 4 5 ( 2 Votes )

One of the best beaches with sand and rocks for plunging or underwater exploration, away from cars since you can get there only by walking via a small, stone trail. It is situated at the west side of the island, near St. John village. Nearby you will not find restaurants or canteens. However it has umbrellas.

From the nearby Lefki trails lead to several small sandy beaches, like Militera and Koutoupi.

Gidaki 1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

Multicolour water and not very crowded (except when it fills with yachts and boats). There is a beach bar and it provides a lot of tents due to the lack of natural shade. Its water is crystal clear while from here you may admire the view towards Sterea Greece and some uninhabited small islands. The EU has awarded it with the title of one of the prettier beaches in Greece.

To come here you should follow a wonderful but treacherous trail (45’) through a forest with oaks, cypresses and pines from Schino. In the beginning you will walk on the coast, but almost always under shade. You will pass a hill, get through a dark and steep trail which looks like a tunnel and leads straight to the light reflected by the white pebbles. You may also get there by boat from Vathi port.

Dexia 1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

A crowded although small beach with shallow water, ideal for families with children. It is organised and has a restaurant. It is situated 1.5 km north from Vathi, at the other side of the port, along the road to Aetos and northern Ithaca. The beach satisfies all 27 criteria set by the Greek Society for Protecting Nature. Here you may find sufficient hygiene facilities, a lifeguard, a canteen, care for people with special needs, etc.

Kaminia 1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

It is situated at the northeast part of the island, north of Vathi, near Nisopoulo. A tarmac road leads up to a point and then an accessible downhill trail takes you to the pebble beach with its clear water.

Loutsa 1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

In the entrance of Vathi port, at the left side, under the venetian canons you may find the beautiful Loutsa Beach. It has a canteen, umbrellas, deck chairs and an enchanting view to Vathi. It may have the most shallow water in the island. Its particularity is that one half of it has silt and the other half is covered by pebbles. The trail over it leads to the canons. In the summer it fills with people while the rest of the year it’s a destination for strolling or school excursions.

Minimata or Mnimata  1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

In Skinos bay, in east Ithaca, near the Town, you will find Mnimata beach. A genuine Ithacan beach, clean with quiet and deep water.

Piso Aetos 1 2 3 4 5 ( 0 Votes )

Next to the port bearing the same name, in northwest Ithaca, with a spectacular view of Kefalonia and Antisamos. The coast is surrounded by barren conical mountains. On one of them it is said that rose Ulysee’s castle, that is the ancient Alalkomenes. Here is the small Piso Aetos port which services transport between Ithaca-Kefalonia-Patra and Ithaca-Kefalonia-Lefkas.

Sarakiniko 1 2 3 4 5 ( 1 Vote )

East of Vathi you may find Sarakiniko bay with the beach with the same name and its blue water. You may go by car to the first beach. To get to the second you will have to walk 200 m on rocks. However the second is better and less crowded.