Sailing Holidays in
Ithaca
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Rugged Ithaca (Ithaki), Odysseus’s legendary homeland, has yielded no substantial archaeological discoveries but it fits Homer’s description to perfection: “There are no tracks, or grasslands … it is a rocky severe island, unsuited for horses, but not so wretched, despite its small size. It is good for goats.”
Despite its proximity to Kefaloniá, relatively little tourist development has arrived to spoil the place. This is doubtless accounted for in part by a dearth of beaches beyond a few pebbly coves, though the island is good walking country, and indeed the interior with its sites from The Odyssey is the real attraction. Ithaca has been inhabited since the 2nd millennium BC.
With its 27-kilometre long and 6.5-kilometre large mountainous surface, it boasts plenty of hiking as well as mountain bike trails in a sequence of blue and green alongside the coast and through olive, cypress, pine, oak, arbutus and carob trees up on the hills. Scuba diving and sea kayaking are also fun options.
Two km west of Vathy, on the slopes of Mt Áyios Nikólaos, is the Mármaro Spília, a stalactitic cave and ancient cult site which is identified as the Cave of the Nymphs. This cave found mention in Homer's Odyssey wherein the returning Odysseus is believed to have hidden the gifts offered to him by King Alkinoos.
The beach lovers will take pleasure in a multitude of choices covering all tastes, from sand to pebbles, from rocky to green-clad backgrounds, from peaceful to busy ones, such as, Lootsa, Filiatro, Sarakinniko, Dexa, Minnimata, Yidaki, Aetos, Aspros Gialos, Afales and Kourvoolia.
Navigational Aids
Frikes Harbor
In the SW part of the head of the bay Frikes the namesake small harbor has been built, open E, about 100 m wide, with depths of 7.9 m in the middle.
Lagoon 39 (4cab) Class
Vathi or Vathy is the main harbor of Ithaca and lies at the head of a long inlet on the East coast, four miles south of Kioni and five miles south of Frikes. It is a popular destination for yachts of all sizes during the season, as it provides a number of berthing opportunities as well as good anchorage off the town.
VathyVathy is the capital and the main harbor of Ithaca. The picturesque village is the largest of the island and is built amphitheatrically around a deep and sheltered bay.
Vathy Marina
Agios Nikolaos of Ithaca Cove
Moni Katharon - Katharon MonasteryMoni Katharon is a site of pilgrimage and a reference point for anyone who comes from Ithaca. It is built on the peak of the Homeric Mountain Nirito, 15 kilometers from Vathi.
Piso Aetos BeachPisaetos is a small secluded beach located 7 km soutwest of Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. Pisaetos is one of the island's most beautiful beaches surrounded by a terrific lush green area with crystal clear waters.
Polis beach is a pebble beach and sheltered harbor, anchorage for numerous fishing boats of the region. At the bottom of the town are the ruins of ancient city, which sank.
Situated in the northern side of Ithaca, Marmakas beach is filled with white shiny pebbles. This idyllic area is known for its emerald, mirror-like waters and the lush green surroundings.
Sarakiniko beach is situated about 3 km from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. This beach boasts one of the most brilliant natural settings with lush green surroundings and emerald waters.
Skinos beach is a long, narrow and extremely calm beach, easily accessed within 2km from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. The beach itself is strewn with shiny pebbles, both small and large.
Minimata is an attractive beach known for its crystal clear waters and sandy shore. The surrounding lush green landscape is a treat for the eyes providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.
Aetos (or Bros Aetos, meaning Front Aetos) is a large bay, only 3 km west of Vathy. It is one of the prettiest beaches of Ithaca with unspoiled characteristics.
Coming from Kioni to the south, after the cape of Ai Lias to the chapel towards the Bay of Eagle deserted pebbly beach. Access only possible by boat.
Next to the harbor, the small sandy beach sandy beach, hidden offering peace and tranquility. Access from the town by boat in 10 minutes.
According to mythology, Antri beach is the spot where Telemachus arrived when he returned to Ithaca. In the background, the leeward bay is a small but beautiful beach with pebbles.
On the west coast, near the village of Agios Giannis is the beautiful clear waters of Aspros Gialos. This combines the green of the mountain Nirito with the blue sea.
Atokos is a privately owned island of the Tsakos family. Located in the Ionian Sea, south of Lefkada and north of Ithaca, it belongs to the northern Echinades, although somewhat distant from the other islands in the cluster.
Coming from Kioni to the south, after the cape of Ai Lias to the chapel towards the Bay of Eagle deserted pebbly beach. Access only possible by boat.
Coming from Kioni to the south, after the cape of Ai Lias to the chapel towards the Bay of Eagle deserted pebbly beach. Access only possible by boat.
To the south of Kioni, beyond the small cape of Ai Lias with its tiny chapel, a small beach with beautiful pebbles and blue waters is waiting to welcome visitors. Beach is usually isolated.
Dexa beach is only 2 km far from Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. It is situated on the right side of the port, north of the island.
Filiatro is the closest beach to Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. The warm, shallow crystalline waters are ideal mostly for the children.
Sandy great natural beauty is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Greece. It is accessible only by boats that leave frequently from Vathy, a town on the island and the distance is about 20 minutes.
The beach Kaminia located in the southeast of Ithaca. The beach has pebbles and the water is very clean and transparent.
Afales beach is a wonderful pebbled beach. A rock formation on the bay hide two more secluded pebbled beaches, for those seeking peace and tranquility.
There are five waterfront tavernas and three small café bars. A general store sells nearly everything from snorkels to fresh peaches.
Arkoudi Island
