Ithaca Island, Greece
An island known worldwide from Homer’s Odyssey, a mythical and symbolic place, the desired homeland of return for King Odysseus and his companions. Ithaca covers an area of 96 sq. km., has a coastline 101 km. long and lies 2 n.m. east of Kefalonia. Its western part is mountainous and treeless, with precipitous coastal cliffs, whereas the east, in contrast, has rich vegetation and slopes gently to the sea.
Myth has it that the island, inhabited by man since prehistoric times, is named after Ithakos, son of Poseidon and Amphimile. During the Mycenaean period it acquired great power, as is attested by the Homeric epics (Iliad and Odyssey). Neverthless, despite archaeological investigations, the Homeric capital of Odysseus and his palace have not been found, possibly because of the catastrophic earthquakes that have struck the region many times since time immemorial. An important turning point in Ithaka’s history was its capture by the Normans and later by the Orsini family (12th c.). During the ensuing centuries its fortunes were the same as those of the other Ionian Islands.
Close to the small harbour of Stavros, in the Bay of Polis, is the Loizos Cave. This is a very ancient place of worship in which were discovered potsherds with graffiti, that bear witness to the cult of the goddesses Artemis, Hera and Athena. Twelve tripods, reminiscent of the Phaeacians’ gift to Odysseus, were also found here. Further north is Exogi, the remotest village on Ithaka, built at 500 m. a.s.l. and with a superb view. Next come Platreithia, in a verdant landscape with Mycenaean remains in a nearby locality known as ‘Homer’s School’, and the coastal village of Frikes (on the east side), with the picturesque little harbour (from where the ferry boats depart for Kefalonia and Lefkada) and the windmills. Last is the very beautiful village of Kioni (which has been declared a protected settlement), with its cosmopolitan ambience and natural harbour. The villages of Mavronas and Rachi are also located in this region. In the south part of the island is the small inland village of Perachori, to the southwest of which is the monastery of the Taxiarchs, which was founded in 1645. A rural tourism co-operative has been formed in the village, which markets organically farmed produce and lets traditional houses as accommodation for visitors. Hereabouts too are the ruins of the Medieval settlement of Palaiochora, which was capital of the island until the mid-sixteenth century. Visible are remains of stone-built houses and Byzantine churches. Further south, on the coast opposite the islet of Pera Pigadi, tradition has it that the Spring of Arethousa and the Homeric ‘Korax Petra’ ( crow stone) were located, while according to myth the pigsty of Hermaios, Odysseus’ swineherd, was at neighbouring Elliniko.
choice of places to eat and enjoy oneself. There are also facilities for watersports. Private seacraft can dock in the marina at Vathy, at Polis, Frikes and Kioni, to refuel and replenish water supplies.
Typical local products are olive oil, wine and embroideries.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Municipality: 26740 32.795
Ithaka Police Station: 26740 32.205
Harbour Authority (Vathy): 26740 32.909
Health Centre: 26740 32.222