The very name of Ithaca evokes for sailors a world steeped in literary and mythological charm. This Greek island is the legendary homeland of Odysseus, the hero celebrated by Homer in the Odyssey and his long sea voyage—the ancient prototype of all journeys to come. But Ithaca is also a place of stunning natural beauty, with countless bays for anchoring, timeless fishing villages, and an inland landscape waiting to be explored. It’s no surprise that the island is a highly popular destination for nautical tourism well beyond the summer season.

Geographically, Ithaca lies in the Ionian Sea, separated from nearby Kefalonia by only a narrow strait, and close to the main Ionian islands of Lefkada and Zakynthos. Its central and convenient location within the archipelago makes it not only an excellent stopover but also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding sailing grounds.

Read also: Discover the magical Lefkada, the wonder of the Ionian Sea

Here’s where to dock your boat to enjoy Ithaca

Ithaca has three main harbors and a few other good anchorages to offer. The most important is Vathy, which, together with the village of the same name, lies at the end of a wide, well-sheltered bay shaped like a “mushroom”.  The bay, open to the northwest, provides decent protection from northern winds but can be subject to strong gusts, especially near the entrance. Boats usually moor along the western quay, which has about 20 berths. You can dock stern-to or bow-to, dropping anchor on a seabed of weed and mud, 3.5–4 meters deep, with fair holding.

Another option is mooring directly in front of the town, though the depth there doesn’t exceed 2 meters and protection from north and northwest winds is limited. A further alternative is the quay on the eastern end of the bay, in a small horseshoe-shaped basin that accommodates around 15 boats. Depths range from 2 to 6.5 meters, but there is little shelter from southerly winds. Finally, some sailors prefer to anchor further south, near the islet of Parapigadi, where depths of 4–5 meters provide good holding and decent shelter.

Enjoy the Relaxation and Tranquility of the Village of Vathi

Once the boat is safely secured, you can go ashore and explore the small town of Vathi, built around a deep bay protected by a narrow entrance. On both sides, you can admire the ruins of the fortress built by the French in 1807. Strolling through its streets, notable sites include St. George’s Church and the Cathedral of the Virgin, as well as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Culture and Folklore. Also worth visiting are the birthplace of Odysseas Androutsos, a Greek patriot and hero of the War of Independence, and the homes of writer Grivas Karavias and Platon Drakoulis, one of the first Greek socialists. Just one mile west of Vathi lies the Cave of the Nymphs, where, according to mythology, the Naiads—nymphs who were daughters of rivers and freshwater—were venerated.

Beyond the town, Ithaca offers a rugged, mountainous landscape rich in vegetation, with beautiful bays and coves. The interior of the island is covered with olive groves, vineyards, and forests of pine and cypress trees. At an altitude of 600 meters stands the Monastery of the Virgin Kathariotissa, the protector of the island, in a location that offers breathtaking views.

Sea caves, archaeological sites, and pristinebeaches

In the northwestern part of the island lies the village of Stavros, overlooking the beautiful Polis Bay and the channel separating it from Kefalonia. Here, too, there are small churches worth visiting, but the most interesting site is the Archaeological Museum of Stavros, which houses objects and ceramics uncovered during excavations in the Loizos Cave, an ancient site dedicated to the worship of Odysseus and the Nymphs. On the opposite, eastern side of the peninsula is the village of Kioni, set in a lush, naturally beautiful area. The local beach is small, quiet, and unspoiled—an ideal refuge for those seeking privacy. Further north along the eastern coast is the charming seaside village of Frikes, featuring a lovely beach, a small picturesque harbor, and two windmills.

Among Ithaca’s most beautiful beaches is Dexa, near Vathi, with fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and white stones. Other notable shorelines include Agios Ioannis, with its emerald-green waters, and Aetos Bay, surrounded by a thriving pine forest.

Have a taste of the Wonderful Wine of Perachori

In the southern part of Ithaca stands Perachori, built on a hill with a stunning view of the sea. In the village, it’s worth visiting Kimisis Theotokou Church, featuring Byzantine frescoes and a wooden iconostasis brought here from Agios Raphael. Another interesting site is the small Panagia Maroulatiki Church. Perachori is especially famous for its excellent wine, and every summer at the end of July, a festival is held to celebrate this local specialty.

Near Perachori are the ruins of the island’s ancient capital, the medieval Paleochora, with its impressive defensive architecture, stone houses, and ruined Byzantine churches. Further south, along Ithaca’s western coast, lie the villages of Lefki and Agios Ioannis, home to the stunning Aspros Gialos Beach.

Discover the Best Boat Rental Deals in the Ionian Greece