The dense vegetation, the deep blue clear Ionian waters, the traditional settlements and the archaeological sites make Ithaca a unique holiday destination.

Ithaca has been inhabited since the prehistoric times, like the other Ionian Islands. Evidence of an early life in ancient Ithaca is provided by the shards found at Pilikata village, with inscription in Linear A (“Grammiki A”), a type of writing dating back to prehistoric times. According to the myth, Ithaca owes its name to its first resident, Ithakos, the son of king Pterelaos.

The peak of Ithaca’s glory and power was around 1000 B.C. when Ithaca’s kingdom included all the Ionian Islands and part of the Akarnanian coast (Western Greece). The first ancient conquerors of Ionian Islands were the Mycenaean people, who had left their traces.

Ionian Islands (Eptanisa) have the same rich history, mostly due to their location on the trade and invasion routes to and from the Balkans, Italy and the Levant.

 

Ithaca Archaeological Sights and Castles

Ithaca has a rich history and it was first referred at Homeric years. In the northern part of Ithaca, was found the main settlement of that period. At Stavros village, the ruins of a Mycenaean settlement have been discovered, without, however, the discovery of a palace. According to the historian scholars, here, in the northwestern cove, was the Homeric Ithaca, the biggest town of the island. At Aetos, there was since the 8th century B.C. a second town, Alalcomenae. At the current Vathy, to this day, an ancient settlement has never been found, so, some archaelogists suppose that Odysseus (Ulysses) palace was placed at the region Stavros-Pilikata. The ancient port of Rithros is the current village of Frikes and that of Forkyno is the current Vathy.

Ithaca Churches and Monasteries

In the northern part of Ithaca, between the villages of Anoghi and Aghios Ioannis, built in the altitude of 600m., is located a monastery devoted to Panaghia Kathariotissa (Virgin Mary), the patron saint of the island, the most important church in Ithaca. On 8 September, when the monastery is celebrated, a big feast is held, gathering many people and visitors. From here, you can enjoy the wonderful, panoramic view of Ithaca and the port.

Ithaca Museums and Historical Monuments

In the museums of Ithaca, you will discover the history and the rich cultural heritage of the islands. You should visit the Archaeological museum of Stavros, with findings from the excavations at the regions of Pilikata, Loizos cave and Homer’s school, as well as the Archaeological museum of Vathy, with findings from Aetos and a rare collection of vessels.

Ithaca Settlements and Destinations

Vathy, Ithaca’s capital, is considered to be the centre of the island. From here, you can take a tour to the other villages and settlements, to tradition and the natural beauties of the rest of the island. Stavros, Anoghi, Kioni, Aetos, Perahori and Lefki are some of the places you have to visit while being in Ithaca.

 

Ithaca Sightseeing Photos

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