Ithaki combines trails through olive groves and to viewpoints with a complex island history. The routes described differ considerably in length and course; cultural offerings range from collections to historic sites and stories passed down through generations.
Choose hiking trails by length and landscape
Ithaki’s hiking trails connect mountain and coastal settlements. Two of the routes described offer a concrete comparison: the Anogi–Kioni trail is 4.5 kilometers long, of moderate difficulty, and leads from the mountain village of Anogi to the coastal town of Kioni. At 13.68 kilometers, Vathy–Perachori–Pera Pigadi is also of moderate difficulty, but considerably longer. The route passes through olive groves and leads to viewpoints with panoramic vistas. Both sets of details help you estimate the planned distance without treating the routes as equivalent.
Other trails explore their own distinct themes. The path from Anemodouri to the Arethousa spring crosses slopes covered with low-growing shrubs and offers views of the southeast coast. One trail passes through the ruins of Palaiochora; the Perachori–Palaiochora–Nymphs’ Cave route leads to the Church of Saint John the Theologian, which has a stone bell tower and frescoes.
A sea-kayaking route is also described: it runs from Vathy via Gidaki and Filiatro to Sarakiniko Bay, is 12.5 kilometers long, and is suitable for beginners. There are more than 20 small and large beaches along the route. As sea conditions vary with the seasons, take them into account before setting out. According to the route description, you can reach Gidaki Beach by kaiki boat from Vathy or on foot via the path from Skinos; both journeys are said to take approximately 25 minutes. Boat frequency and trail conditions may vary seasonally.
Kephalonia is a separate regional point of reference: five hiking trails are described in its Mount Ainos National Park. They range from a moderately difficult 2-kilometer route to an 8.6-kilometer circuit with steep sections. These details refer to Kephalonia, while the routes mentioned from Anogi to Kioni and from Vathy via Perachori to Pera Pigadi are on Ithaki.
Vathy, museums, and island history
Vathy has been recognized as a traditional settlement since 1982 for its distinctive Ionian architecture. Its townscape includes houses with tiled roofs, imposing mansions, and narrow, picturesque, stone-paved lanes. If you would like to combine architecture and history when planning your trip, the former capital of Ithaki is also worth exploring: Palaiochora was the capital before it was moved to Vathy by the sea. Palaiochora’s three churches are historic, protected monuments of Byzantine art.
The collections focus on different periods. The Archaeological Museum of Ithaki contains votive offerings from the sanctuary in Nymphs’ Cave, as well as bronze coins bearing an image of Odysseus and the inscription ΙΘΑΚΩΝ. The Archaeological Collection of Stavros displays finds dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period from four archaeological sites on Ithaki. These include Loizos Cave and the settlement of Stavros.
The Maritime and Folklore Museum of Ithaki opened to visitors in 1997 and displays evidence of the island’s long maritime history. Its portrayal of everyday life spans the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century. Archaeological finds and the maritime past thus sit alongside a more recent history of everyday life, while covering different periods.
Archaeological sites, traditions, and local cuisine
Alalkomenes is designated as an archaeological site where the ancient city of Ithaki is identified. The remains of a submerged ancient city also lie beneath the seabed off Polis Beach. Nymphs’ Cave is associated with the tradition that Odysseus hid the gifts of the Phaeacians there. The identification of Rizes Cave also remains an interpretation: researchers associate it with the Homeric cave of Eumaeus, where Odysseus’s swineherd kept his animals.
Panigyria are another cultural experience. Local cultural associations hold these festivals in village squares in honor of patron saints, particularly in summer. As the individual dates may be important for planning your trip, check the festival dates before you travel.
Local cuisine also offers a starting point for exploring between outings. It includes Agourelaio olive oil, local wine, animal products, meat and fish, wild herbs, locally grown vegetables, and vegetable pies. Sapsycho, an herb found only on Ithaki, is a type of marjoram. If you factor your daily plans into your hotel search, these highlights can help you organize your trip around your interests without assuming a particular accommodation location.
Getting around Ithaki
There are car and two-wheeler rental offices in Vathy. KTEL buses run from there to almost all the villages in northern Ithaki. When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether your planned days will focus mainly on hiking, culture, or a mix of both.
Discover more destinations: Itháka, Frikes, Vathí, Aetos.
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Back to the broader travel overview: Ionian Islands.
