Three kilometres to the northwest lies the so-called Cave of the Nymphs (Nimfion Cave). Here according to the myth, Odysseus, hid the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians who deposited him upon Ithaca's shores ten long years after the end of the Trojan War. Also worth visiting is the medieval Monastery of the Archangels at Perahori. North of the capital and 600 metres above sea level, the Kathara Monastery (Moni Katharon) has a unique view on the island from its bell tower. On the horizon you can make out the mountains of Akarnania, the Echinades islets, the peaks of Zakinthos, the eastern coast of Kefalonia and even the entrance to the Gulf of Patras. The bay of Polis to the west is the site of another cave (Loizos' cave). This one yielded up sherds on which ware carved inscriptions testifying to the worship of Artemis, Hera and Athena. Even more interesting, in the cave ware also found recently twelve tripods similar to the other that the Phaeacians were supposed to have given to Odysseus.

Stavros, a village 17 kilometres northwest of Ithaki, is a good base from which to explore the northern section of the island. About 1 kilometre north ot Stavros is Pelikata; excavations on this hillside between the bays of Polis and Frikes brought to light remains of a small Bronze Age settlement. The finds unearthed there reinforce the theory that the ancient city of Ithaca lies somewhere in the vicinity. Kioni and Frikes, typically lonian villages, on the northeast coast are unspoilt, wonderful places for a short excursion or an extended sojourn. Ithaca offers lovely beaches for bathing, caves for exploring and uncrowned hamlets where noisy nightlife is unheard of. "When you set out for Ithaca", wrote the poet Constantine Kavafis. He was referring to Ithaca as one's ultimate destination. Thus, Ithaca, this verdant lonian Island, may become your own favourite place, a place that draws you back year after year, when you plan your summer holiday.