Ithaca – Harbors, history and coastal landscapes

Ithaca brings together three main harbors—Vathy, Piso Aetos and Frikes—with archaeological collections, ancient settlement sites and a coastline of coves, caves and steep cliffs.

Harbors and getting around

The harbor of Vathy is a natural harbor with a sheltered anchorage; it has been considered particularly well protected since Homeric times. Ithaca is a major destination in the Ionian Sea for sailboats and yachts.

The KTEL bus system connects nearly all the villages in northern Ithaca, with Vathy as its starting point. Check the current service frequency locally when planning journeys between places.

Archaeology and local history

Exhibits at the Archaeological Museum of Ithaki in Vathy offer insights into life on Ithaca from Mycenaean to Roman times. The museum also preserves exhibits associated with Homeric poetry and the emblematic figure of Odysseus, which are considered to be of archaeological significance. The Stavros Archaeological Collection spans the period from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman era; its finds come from Pilikata Hill, the village of Stavros, Loizos Cave and Treis Lagkades.

The island’s maritime history also has its own dedicated focus: the Folklore and Nautical Museum of Ithaca documents its centuries-old maritime tradition with paintings and photographs of merchant ships owned by Ithaca’s residents, nautical instruments, naval uniforms, documents and manuscripts.

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. Pilikata contains remains of human settlements from pre-Hellenistic and Mycenaean times. The St Athanasios–School of Homer archaeological site is in northern Ithaca, on the eastern slopes of Mount Exoghi. Alalkomenes is an ancient Hellenistic-era settlement on the slopes of Mount Aetos, overlooking Piso Aetos harbor.

Coast, nature and places of interest

Ithaca’s coastline includes hidden coves, beaches accessible only by boat, caves and steep cliffs that plunge into the water. The Cave of the Nymphs is a cave on Ithaca associated with the legend of Odysseus. Check local information about access before visiting.

Alykes is Ithaca’s only wetland and serves as a resting place for migratory birds, particularly in autumn and winter. Around Anogi, in the wider area surrounding the village and Mount Niritos, large monoliths display distinctive prehistoric megalithic features. The Monastery of Kathara also stands high on Mount Niritos and is considered Ithaca’s spiritual center and a pilgrimage site.

Compare routes

The Perahori–Palaiochora–Cave of the Nymphs route is 3,000 meters long and rated easy. The Anogi–Kioni route is 4,500 meters long and rated moderate. Their lengths and ratings give you two specific points of comparison; for the route that includes the Cave of the Nymphs, you should also check local information about access to the cave.

The recommended Vathy–Gidaki Beach–Filiatro Beach–Sarakiniko Bay kayak route offers a different kind of activity. It is 12.5 kilometers long and takes in a varied coastal landscape and more than 20 large and small beaches along the way. Sea conditions vary seasonally, so take this into account when planning.

A local product

There is also a specific culinary highlight: extra virgin olive oil made from a local olive variety is one of Ithaca’s most important products.

Discover more destinations: Frikes, Vathy and Aetos.

Return to the main travel overview: Ithaki.