Throughout the ages Ithaca has been known as
the home of Odysseus. For years Homer's hero wandered before he
finally returned to his island kingdom. Though he visited
beautiful, exotic lands, Ithaca never left his mind for a
moment. And even today, once you've been to Ithaca, it's
difficult to forget this small, mountainous land with its
captivating coves that conjure up some earthly paradise. Ithaca
is separated from Kefalonia
by a channel some 2 to 4 kilometres wide. The west coast of the
island is steep and almost barren in contrast to the green,
gentle shoreline on the east. The capital and largest settlement
is Ithaki or Vathi; lts red-roofed delightful houses set amidst
enchanting scenery at the end of the deep closed bay of Molos.
Taking the capital as a starting point, it's easy to get to know
the island's landmarks.
Click on the pictures to enlarge:
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.
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A ruined house on Ithaca, result of the earthquake of
1953
Photo made by Ad Vlasblom |
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.
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Photo Ithaca: Nico and Nelleke |
Photo Ithaca: Nico and Nelleke |
