Ithaca, Ionian island in Greece
Ithaca is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea formed by two land masses joined by a narrow isthmus. The northern part shows gentle hills with low vegetation, while the southern section rises more sharply with rockier coastline.
Ancient Greeks considered this island the homeland of King Odysseus, whose ten-year journey home after the Trojan War Homer recorded in the Odyssey. Later centuries brought Venetian and Ottoman rule before the territory joined modern Greece in the 19th century.
Many families tend olive groves and small vineyards that climb the slopes in terraces, worked by hand in ways passed down through generations. The villages show traditional stone houses with painted shutters that define the character of each settlement.
Ferries link the island several times a day to the mainland and neighboring islands, with most services docking at the port of Vathy. Visitors planning to explore different bays and villages should consider renting a car or scooter, as public transport options remain limited.
The Cave of the Nymphs, which Homer mentions in his epic, holds stone formations and finds from prehistoric times. The cave sits hidden along the coast and requires a short walk from the nearest parking area.
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