Moni Katharon - Katharon Monastery
Exploring Ithaca Sailing Holidays area
Moni 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. The monastery 'Moni Katharon' was built around 1696 kept in very good condition until today. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary (Panagia) celebrated on September 8th. On the eve of the celebration at Iera Moni Katharon, on 7 th September, a traditional feast is held in the courtyard, and, on the next day, a litany of the miraculous image to the steeple of the church. The monastery offer lovely views over Ithaca and Kefalonia Island, don't miss watching a sunset from the mountain top of Kathara.
Navigational Aids
Agia Efthimia lies on the East coast of the island of Kefalonia, 10 miles south of the harbor of Fiskardo. There are water and electricity points all along the way and the harbor is organized to receive visiting yachts.
Fiskardo is the most picturesque town on the island which survived the catastrophic earthquake in 1953. Its harbor is small, charming and well sheltered at the northwest end of Kefalonia and almost always crowded, especially during the peak months of July and August.
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.
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.
Vathy 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.
Melina Patisserie is an elegant picturesque shop in Fiskardo bay. Takis and Melanie, the owners of this picturesque patisserie, are always hospitable and take good care of their customers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Filiatro is the closest beach to Vathy, the capital of Ithaca. The warm, shallow crystalline waters are ideal mostly for the children.
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.
The beach Kaminia located in the southeast of Ithaca. The beach has pebbles and the water is very clean and transparent.
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.
Next to the harbor, the small sandy beach sandy beach, hidden offering peace and tranquility. Access from the town by boat in 10 minutes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are five waterfront tavernas and three small café bars. A general store sells nearly everything from snorkels to fresh peaches.
Pisaetos 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.