Ithaki island...

Ithaca is the fifth largest island of the Eptanisa and is located at the south of Lefkada and north-east of Kefalonia.The small island of ITHACA - ITHAKA is one of the Ionian group and lies just 4km off Kefalonia's east coast. 
Ithaca is an island with tradition, history and culture. It has an unusual natural beauty and a characteristic diverse wild and 'tamed' nature and the variations of its landscape.

foto flickr

Vathi is the island's capital since 1500 A.D. It is built amphitheatrically, with about 1800 habitants. At the entrance of the harbour - in Loytsa- there is a small fortress, which was built in 1807. 
Furthermore, there the Cavern of Nymphs is found where it is believed that Odysseus hid the gifts when returning from the island of Faiakes.

Kioni It is one of the most beautiful traditional settlements in the Ionian Sea, 23km from the city of Vathi and it is classified as preserved settlement, protected by law.

Kioni was built in the 16th century from the residents of nearby villages who needed access to the sea. Having greenery all around it, it preserves the authenticity of architecture of old times.

The island of Ithaca has, among its many beauties, wonderful beaches which offer white smooth pebbles or fine light-coloured sand mixed with verdant trees coming down to the crystalline emerald waters of the Ionian Sea which are glimmering under the Mediterranean sun of Greece. The whole scenery looks like a paradise.

foto by flickr
 
Mythology

Throughout the ages Ithaca has been known as the home of Odysseus. Ithaca is homeland to the central character of Homer's Odyssey - the island of Odysseus. Before finally setting foot on Ithaca's sacred soil, Odysseus went through unimaginable hardship, roaming for 10 years around the Mediterranean, inflicted by Poseidon's rage. 
Finally, after executing the suitors who wasted his fortune and pursued his wife, he was restored to his throne. Though he visited beautiful, exotic, far-flung 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 island with its captivating coves that conjure up some earthly paradise. 
The memory of Odysseus is found everywhere on the island by the names of localities as: the Evmeos Cave, the Cavern of Nymphs, the Kastro of Odysseus, Arethousa Spring etc. 
It is the island that symbolizes the homesickness. Furthermore, due to its history and fame the island attracts many visitors from all over the world.

Ithaca is mostly an island for relaxing and enjoy the natural beauties and doesn’t offer a very intense nightlife like the other islands of the Ionian in Greece. Nevertheless, the beautiful island has two pleasant night clubs (in the island’s capital, Vathy) and some nice and romantic bars.
Information:

Ithaki (Vathy) Port Authority, 26740/32909       
Bus terminal (Athens): 210/5124910-5132601
Museums:
Archaeological Museum (Vathy)
Cultural & Naval Museum (Vathy)
Archaeological Museum (Stavros)
Music Festival
July-August

How to get there:

By Ship: 

- Patra (3 h 45m, via Sami in Kefalonia)
- Astakos (2 hours) 

- or from Italy(Venice, Ancona) to Corfu and Igoumenitsa. Then from Corfu: to Paxi Island - Lefkada Island and finally to Ithaki Island.
- an other choice it is from Igoumenitsa: to Paxi Island - Lefkada Islands and finally to Ithaki Island.

look here: Minoan Lines

By Bus:
Athens (via Patra)
Terminal: 100, Kifissou st.

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