ITACA

Ithaca (from Greek Ιθάκη) is located northeast of Cephalonia, separated by a narrow strip of sea. It can be reached by sea, from Greece or Italy (with a stop in Cephalonia), and is 82 nautical miles from Igoumenitsa, 53 from Patras, 31 from Lefkada, and only 2 from Cephalonia (20 from the port of Sami).

It has an area of 118 km² and a population of about 3,500 inhabitants.

The island is predominantly mountainous and rocky but also hides pine forests and cultivated valleys. The highest mountain is Niritos (806 meters). Ithaca has a unique shape with a narrow isthmus of just 500 meters in the center, dividing it in two. There are also several other very deep bays.

The inhabitants are mainly farmers, shepherds, and fishermen. The typical products are olive oil, wine, and cheese.

The capital of the island is Vathi, with its main port, largely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake that caused significant damage here and in Cephalonia.

The sea is very clean, and its seabeds are much more beautiful than its beaches, which are often only accessible by sea.

Ithaca is known worldwide primarily for being the home of Odysseus, the hero sung by Homer in the Odyssey, who remained away from his beloved island and his wife Penelope for 20 years. Ithaca thus symbolizes adventure, nostalgia, and fidelity.

The island's road network is decent, and there are some car and scooter rental services, ideal for exploring the deserted beaches. The various villages on the island are connected by a bus that takes a scenic route, as well as taxis that depart from Vathi. To reach the more isolated beaches, you can use the various small boats that function as water taxis.