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ÎIthaca is part of the Ionian Islands, located west of Greece’s mainland, in the Ionian Sea. The island of Ithaca is one of the seven islands (called Eptanissa in Greek, meaning Seven Islands) which constitute the Ionian Islands.
The other islands of the group are: Kefallonia, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Kythira and Paxi.
The beautiful and calm Ithaca is famous for being the homeland of Odysseus (Ulysses), Homer’s hero in the Odyssey, the land where the faithful Penelope waited patiently during twenty years for her husband to return from the Trojan War. Despite his long voyage, full of adventures, Odysseus managed to return to his beloved Ithaca, which is, since this myth, symbolizing the long and difficult voyage of a life time and the joys of it, idea which Kavafis, expressed beautifully in his wonderful poem called Ithaca (Ithaki):
" When you set out on the voyage to Ithaca Pray that your journey may be long Full of adventures, full of knowledge"
This wonderful, verdant island is separated from the island of Kefalonia by a narrow canal, only 3 kilometres wide.
The east coast of the island is harsh and precipitous, contrasting with the west coast which is verdant and soft, gently sloping down to the Ionian Sea.
The interior of the island is quite mountainous, covered with pine forests, cypresses, olive trees and vineyards.
Enchanting coves are finishing this idyllic landscape, making it a real paradise on earth.
Fortunately, Ithaca has not yet been spoiled by mass tourism, mostly because it is an unknown destination and doesn’t fit to the expectations of a lot of people who usually look for exciting nightlife, large and crowded sandy beaches, fully organized with sun beds and umbrellas and tourists everywhere.
Ithaca is not like that. It is a calm and beautiful destination, ideal for those searching for relaxation, peaceful walks, wonderful swimming in emerald waters, small single coves boarded by pine and olive trees, and great calm.
Ithaca is an island of pleasure where every one takes its time to relax and be charmed by the natural beauty of the place.
The island offers many things to do such as endless nice walks, visits to the sleepy picturesque villages and stopping at the many archaeological sites associated with Homer’s stories.
The whole island is full of magic and beauties, making us understand the great love and pride of Odysseus for his homeland, a wonderful island fit for the gods themselves.
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