The dreamy island of Ithaca; a universal symbol of longing and love for one’s home, belongs to the Ionian complex. The captivating capital, the quaint villages, the lush hills and the beaches with crystal clear waters create an earthly paradise, which seduces travelers and inspires poets!

The verdant island of Odysseus spreads over two peninsulas connected by a narrow strip of land. The capital and main port of Ithaca is the beautiful Vathi; built in the traditional Ionian architecture. Vathi stretches around the cove which "embraces" Lazaretto island, creating an image that seems to have sprung from a painting! Wander through the picturesque stone alleyways of the capital, between impressive mansions and houses with red tile roofs; enjoy sweet treats in retro patisseries; have a drink at the atmospheric bars next to the port and try the local cuisine in the traditional restaurants. Trademark in Vathi is the Draculis Palace; a neoclassical mansion which dominates the heart of the port. On the hill that rises above the town, there is the castle from where you can enjoy breathtaking views! At the entrance of the harbor, you will see the Venetian fortress with its cannons. Other major attractions in Vathi are the Theatrical Municipal Library, the Library of the Cultural Centre as well as the ancestral home of Odysseus Androutsos; a hero of the Greek War of Independence. Very close to the city, there is the famous Cave of the Nymphs or Marmarospilia where you can admire beautiful stalactites. According to an ancient Greek legend, here Odysseus hid the gifts of the Phaeacians, when he returned to the island.

Ithaca is the home of several notable museums, including the Maritime and Folk Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca and the Archaeological Cross Collection. Known for its beautiful numerous churches, including the Cathedral of Panagia (Our Lady) in Linovrochia, with magnificent temple made of wood; Anogi church, which is listed as a historical monument and Panagia Kathariotissa church, the patron saint of the island. In the ruins of the medieval village of Paleochora, there are many well preserved churches adorned with famous Byzantine frescoes.

During your stay on the island, do not forget to visit the picturesque Kioni village, which is perched on a green slope. Walk in the alleys of this settlement, among old stone houses with flowery gardens and enjoy a drink or meal by the sea, overlooking the moored sailboats. At the end of the village, at Psigadi, the three ruined windmills, a trademark of the settlement, will sting your attention.

It is also worth visiting Pilikata, where, according to the Homeric descriptions, the city of Odysseus, the picturesque mountain village of Stavros, is placed.There, the bust of the explorer and the ruins of the ancient city of Alalkomenes in Aetos hill and the mountain village of Anogi where scattered boulders, known as menhirs can be found.

And when the time comes to leave the island, you will then understand why Odysseus fought for ten years with all those beasts in order to return to his beloved Ithaca ...