ITHACA, much less popular than its neighbouring isle Kefalonia, is no less beautiful.
When The Sun Online visited this island in 2020, we dubbed it a ‘hidden jewel’.
6
6
Part of Greece’s cluster of Ionian islands, the island is known for being where the hero Ulsesses from Homer’s Odyssey was believed to have been born.
And the rest of the island is just as amazing, with huge mountains, lush vegetation and crystal blue waters.
During the summer, temperatures can reach 30C degrees, making it as desirable as many other Mediterranean destinations.
While it was described as “a little off the beaten track” by travel writer Peter Nuttal, getting to Ithaca only takes a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Kefalonia.
From there, holidaymakers need to jump on a ferry for 40 minutes.
Even though the distance between Kefalonia and Ithaca is small, the latter isle is more laid back and peaceful and as a result, a great way to escape the summer crowds.
As of June 5, 2024, one-way flights from London to Kefalonia during summer start from as little as £25 to as much as £157.
Things to do in Ithaca
Hop on a boat
Like many Greek Isles, one of the best things to do is take a boat trip.
Most read in Beach holidays
Ithaca is fortunate to be surrounded by other alluring islands including Lefkada, Atokos, and Arkoudi.
With Kefalonia only a stone’s throw away, tourists can visit some of Greece’s best beaches and step into the otherworldly caves of Melissani and Drogarati.
Part of the appeal of many boat tours is swim stops at sandy beaches, including those only accessible by boat.
Dolphins, among other marine wildlife, are also a common sight.
Go snorkelling or go diving
As a sea-locked destination, exploring Ithaca’s waters is a must.
With trips easily arranged from the largest settlement, Vathy, visitors of all levels can brave a dip and swim through the pretty reefs.
The island boasts a plethora of secluded beaches in tiny coves, each of which has its own character — sandy or secluded, or pebbly and bleached white by the sun.
Peter Nuttal
From colour fish to eerie caverns, Ithaca’s shores are bursting with life.
See the Pyramids of Exogi
The pyramids are not just found in Egypt, but also in one of Ithaca’s oldest villages, albeit at a much smaller scale.
Instead of being built by an ancient civilisation, Exogi’s pyramids were built by a quirky billionaire in the 1930s.
Ioannis Papadopoulos constructed two mysterious pyramids at the Church of St Nicholas – one beside his parent’s grave and the other right next to it.
Visit Kathara Monastery
Kathara Monastery, located on the east side of Isle, is one of the best places to view the south of Ithaca.
On top of the monastery’s bell tower, holidaymakers will have pristine views over Vathy and its nearby beaches.
The drive up the monastery is impressive in its own right with it’s amazing views along the winding roads.
Take a dip at the beach
Writing for The Sun Online, travel writer Peter Nuttall said: “The island boasts a plethora of secluded beaches in tiny coves, each of which has its own character — sandy or secluded, or pebbly and bleached white by the sun.”
Described as ‘one of the most spectacular’ beaches of the isle by Nuttall, Aspros Gialos boasts a pebbly white beach, clear blue waters, and a glowing 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.
At sunset, beachgoers can even watch the sun disappear over the Kefalonia’s mountaintops.
Alternatively, Gidaki on the east of Ithaca faces the open sea while Dexa and Afales are also worth a visit.
Gidaki and Dexa are close to Ithaca’s capital Vathy, but despite this, are known to be on the quieter side.
Meanwhile, Aspros Gialos can be found on the east side of the island and Afalas on the north.
Stop by the quiet village of Vathy
This small and unassuming village is the quiet capital of Ithaca.
Expect old-fashioned shops, traditional red-roofed houses, and lots of yachts.
Thanks to a preservation law, Vathy’s architecture must stick to historic styles – making it a timeless snippet of history that dates back to the 16th century.
When Sun Online Travel visited the spot in 2020, we found the village’s cafes to be a standout with divine Greek salads and delicious souvlaki to tuck into.
It is at Vathy’s bustling harbour that you might even catch sight of a celebrity as the port is well known for being the stop point for luxury yacht-owning stars.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Although Ithaca is a great alternative to some of Greece’s popular hotspots, this up-and-coming isle is also worth a visit.
And recently The Sun Online visited Patmos, an Aegean island loved by an A-list celebrity.
6
6
6
