welcome to the island of Ithaki – GREECE
Ithaki (also known as Ithaca) is one of the Greek Ionian Islands sandwiched
between the larger and better-known island of Kefalonia and the west coast of
Greece. It’s the least developed and arguably the most beautiful island in the
group with pretty pebble beaches and a mountainous interior speckled with pine
forests, cypresses, olive groves and vineyards.
Strict conservation laws
controlling development and a lack of the long sandy beaches which appeal to
most “sun and sand” holidaymakers have kept mass tourism at bay. But hikers
and discerning tourists seeking an escape from the mid-summer holiday hordes
will love this green and tranquil island which was the much loved kingdom of
Homer’s mythical hero Odysseus. You can reach Ithaki by ferry from the mainland port of Patras or fly
into neighbouring Kefalonia’s international airport and catch a ferry to
Ithaki – the two islands are separated by a narrow strait which is no more
than four kilometres at its widest point. The cliff top drive up the west
coast of Kefalonia to the lovely fishing harbour of Fiskardo (where you take
the boat over to Ithaki) is one of the most spectacular journeys in the Ionian
Islands.
Whichever route you take to Ithaki, your journey time is guaranteed to
be shorter than that of Odysseus who spent 10 years battling to return to his
homeland after his heroic exploits in the Trojan Wars. His adventures were
detailed in the Odyssey which was one of the epic works of the blind poet
Homer (one of the greatest literary figures of the ancient world). Odysseus
overcame tempestuous seas, attacks by vile sea monsters and the shenanigans of
a cunning siren in his efforts to reach his kingdom and the arms of his
long-suffering wife Penelope.