Three harbors, archaeological evidence from several periods, and hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty give you clear points of reference for a trip to Ithaca. This makes it easy to explore the island according to your own interests: focusing on Vathy and its history, archaeological sites, or coastal and nature experiences.
Harbors and Getting Around Ithaca
Ithaca has three main harbors: Vathy, Piso Aetos and Frikes. The harbor of Vathy is a natural harbor with a sheltered anchorage, considered especially well protected since Homeric times. Vathy is also important for planning because the KTEL bus system starts there. It connects almost all the villages in northern Ithaca; check the current frequency if you plan your journeys around it.
The coastline also shapes the character of the island: its features include hidden coves, caves, steep cliffs and beaches accessible only by boat. Numerous beaches can be reached only from the sea. This offers a different way to experience the coast from discovering it on hiking trails in the island’s interior.
Archaeology, Odysseus and the Island’s History
The Archaeological Museum of Ithaki in Vathy offers insights into life on Ithaca from Mycenaean to Roman times through its exhibits. Other exhibits relate to Homeric poetry and the emblematic figure of Odysseus; they are considered archaeologically significant. The Stavros Archaeological Collection displays finds dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period. They come from Pilikata Hill, the village of Stavros, Loizos Cave and Treis Lagkades.
The sites themselves add to this view of the past. Pilikata contains the remains of human settlements from pre-Hellenistic and Mycenaean times. The St Athanasios–School of Homer archaeological site lies in northern Ithaca, on the eastern slopes of Mount Exoghi. Alalkomenes, meanwhile, is an ancient settlement from the Hellenistic period on the slopes of Mount Aetos, overlooking the harbor of Piso Aetos.
Palaiochora was one of Ithaca’s first three settlements and its old capital, before the capital was moved to the seaside town of Vathy. Vathy was designated a traditional settlement in 1982 because of its distinctive Ionian architecture. The Folklore and Nautical Museum of Ithaca documents a different aspect of the island’s history: Ithaca’s centuries-old maritime tradition, through nautical instruments, naval uniforms, documents and manuscripts, as well as paintings and photographs of merchant ships owned by Ithaca’s residents.
Hiking Trails and Coastal Experiences
Two described hiking trails differ in both length and difficulty. The Perahori–Palaiochora–Cave of the Nymphs route is 3,000 meters long and rated easy. The Anogi–Kioni route covers 4,500 meters and is considered moderately difficult. This lets you compare the stated distance and difficulty rating rather than choosing based on place names alone. The Cave of the Nymphs is a named cave on Ithaca associated with the legend of Odysseus; check local access information before visiting.
There is also a described option on the water: the recommended Vathy–Gidaki Beach–Filiatro Beach–Sarakiniko Bay kayaking route is 12.5 kilometers long. More than 20 large and small beaches are named along the route, and the coastal scenery is described as varied. As conditions at sea change seasonally, take them into account before setting out.
Nature, Religious Sites and Local Products
Alykes is Ithaca’s only wetland and serves as a resting place for migratory birds, especially in autumn and winter. Large monoliths with pronounced prehistoric megalithic features are found around the village of Anogi and Mount Niritos. The Monastery of Kathara also stands high on Mount Niritos and is considered Ithaca’s spiritual center and a place of pilgrimage. These places highlight different aspects of the island: the wetland, distinctive rock formations and religious significance each form a separate part of its story.
One of Ithaca’s key products is extra virgin olive oil made from a local olive variety. Alongside its history and landscapes, the island therefore also offers a culinary point of interest for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Aetos, Frikes, Vathí.
Return to the main travel overview: Ithaki.
