ITHACI

General Information

The magnificent combination of the mountainous landscape which fades into the waters of the Ionian sea creates a marvellous natural anaglyph, characterized by deep water dismemberment, fabulous anchorages, unforgettable beaches, picturesque defiles and traditional hamlets. The island of the legends, the homeland of Odysseus, is precipitous with a mountainous profile and numerous voes which conceal virgin beaches. The hospitality of the inhabitants, echoing the ancient tradition, will leave a lasting mark on the memory of the visitor. The official population of the island is 3.084 residents, while its size extends over 96 sq.km.     

History - Culture

Even though Ithaci is famous for its bronze age civilization, the island was inhabited long before this age, its first settlements dating deep into the prehistoric era. According to mythology and to both the works of Homer, Ithaci was the birthplace of Ulysses (Odysseus), one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War, and the seat of his kingdom. A respectable power during the Mycenaean era, it gradually fell into a streak of decline which continued until most of the population left the island, leaving the once proud kingdom all but abandoned. Long centuries went by with Ithaci having passed into oblivion, until sometime around 800 AD, it is emerges again into the scene of history. This is the period when the islands of Leucas, Ithaci, Cephalonia and Kerkyra formed the Byzantine theme of Cephalonia. When Venetians took control of all the Ionian Islands in 1483, landing on Ithaci, they found a nigh-deserted island. It was during this period, which lasted until 1797, that the island was gradually repopulated. Settlers founded the town of Vathy, and its inhabitants have been successfully engaging in navigation ever since. However, Ithaci still suffered from frequent devastating pirate raids, as well as from the hostilities between the Turks and the Christians. In 1797 it came under the control of the French, who soon later were followed by the English. At the beginning of the 19th century many locals migrated to Russia, to Constantinople, and elsewhere, and always seemed to manage to develop significant commercial activities. It was these people who, along with those who had stayed on the island, made vital financial contributions to the Greek War of Independence against the Turks in the troubled times that followed. Thus, after long centuries of foreign rule under the Venetians and some decades under the English, Ithaci was finally reunited with Greece in 1864. An earthquake devastated the island in 1953.

Sights

The capital of the mythic kingdom of Ulysses has been eluding the persistent efforts of archaeologists, and its discovery is a challenge which many strive to meet. Fortunately, no visitor will have to wait for this exciting event, as Ithaci already has many remarkable sights to visit. The Venetian influence is evident throughout the island as on any other island of the Ionian Sea. In Vathy, the capital of Ithaci, the remains of the Venetian Castle still stand watchful over the town, while the renowned cave of the Nymphs nearby offers a journey into the time of myth and legend. It is also believed that this is where Ulysses kept the generous gifts of the Phaeacians, a treasure that remains hidden ever since he finally made his way back from Troy. In the capital there is also the Cathedral with a beautiful wood-carved temple; all across its expanse, the island is adorned with many traditional churches and monasteries. Other significant sights of the island can be seen in the villages. Accordingly, in Kioni there are the remains of the Cyclopean wall. The village of Anogi is the site of the ancient city of Alkomenes (8th century BC), which is situated in the area of Aetos. Locals call these significant remnants "Ulysses" Castle", but most archaeologists doubt the credibility of this allegation. The existing structures are dated back to 700 BC. In Exogi, there are the pyramids-tombs, just beyond the outskirts of the village. The settlement of Aghios Ioannis, close to the village of Lefki, should also be visited. In Perachori, one can see the ruins of the old capital of the island as well as the Prehellenic remnants on the Marathias Plateau; it is said that they were the pigsty of Eumaeos, Ulysses" shepherd. The Mycenaean remains in Platithrias are also worth visiting. There are many archaeological findings, all of which support the firm belief that this place indeed must have been the land of the ancient city of Ithaci. The archaeological collections and the ancient settlement in Stavros are of major interest. Finally, the renowned cave of Loizos in the same area should certainly be noted, as within its corridors researchers have discovered signs of a temple dating back to the 9th century BC and a rich collection of ceramics, dating from the Mycenaean to the Roman period. Ithaci is an exciting place which emanates a distinct aura, creating a convincing feeling that this is truly a mythical land.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

The island has sufficient infrastructure to accommodate visitors. There are taverns, restaurants, coffee-shops, bars, night clubs, and plenty of hotels, while the market is quite satisfactory, especially in the areas of Vathy and Stavros. Visitors can travel across the island with ease, as the road network is fine and the transportation services frequent, especially during the summer. As for sporting activities, there is water sports equipment available on the beaches of Vathy, Frikes, Kioni and Paliokaravo, while the mountains of Exogi and Merovigli are recommended for climbing and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy themselves in the traditional festivals held on the island; they will find that they are most welcome, and will have a chance to try some of the local specialities which are served on such occasions. Some of the traditional, delicious dishes are the chicken in "tserepa", the "savoro" (fried fish with raisin and rosemary), and the sweet "ravani". Local olive oil, wine and embroideries should find their place in every visitors" luggage.

Access

There are ferryboats sailing from Sami in Cephalonia, Athens and Patras as well as a bus service from Athens, Patras and Astakos (Aetoloacarnania).

Connections

All year round ferries link Frikes, Cephalonia and Leucas.

Museums

In Vathy there is an Archaeological Museum as well as the Library of the Ithaci Educational Centre housing rare publications. These include a publication of the Odyssey and the Iliad in Japanese and the collected works of Aghios (Saint) Athanasios, published in 1686. There is also a Municipal Theatre Library. In Stavros, a rich archaeological collection is exhibited, while there is also a Nautical and Folk Art Museum in the capital of Vathy.

Alternative Tourism

Archaeology, gastronomy, cultural, spiritual, sporting (water sports, mountain climbing, trekking, sailing).

USEFULL TELEPHONES:

Ithaci Area Code:  26740-

Police Station:   26740-32205

Port Authority:  26740-32909

Telephone Company:    26740-32299

Municipality office:  26740-32795

Post Office:      26740-32386

Taxi Station:     26740-33030

Health Centre:  26740-32222