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Ithaki

The capital, Vathi, stretching around a bright green bay, climbs like an amphitheatre up the surrounding hill. The relics of Venetian castles commemorating periods of glory encircle a picturesque natural spot with splendid mansions.

Stavros, a village 17 Kilometres northwest of Ithaca, is a good base from which to explore the northern section of the island. About 1 kilometer north of Stavros is Pelikata. Excavations on this hillside between the bays of Polis and frikes brought to light remains of a small Bronze Age settlement. The finds unearthed there reinforce the theory that the ancient city of Ithaca lies somewhere in the vicinity.

Kioni and Frikes, typically Ionian villages, on the northeast coast are unspoilt, wonderful places for a short excursion or an extended sojourn.

Ithaca offers lovely beaches for bathing, caves for exploring and uncrowned hamlets where noisy nightlife is unheard of.

Three kilometres to the northwest lies the so-called Cave of the Nymphs (Nimfon Cave). Here according to the myth, Odysseus hid the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians, who deposited him upon Ithaca's shores ten long years after the end of the Trojan War.

Also worth visiting is the medieval Monastery of the Archangels at Perahori.

North of the capital and 600 meters above sea level, the Kathara Monastery (Moni Katharon) has a unique view of the island from its bell tower. On the horizon you can make out the mountains of Akarnania, the Echinades islets, the peaks of Zakinthos, the eastern coast of Cephalonia and even the entrance to the Gulf of Patras.

There are many worthwhile places to visit in the town. The archaeological museum, the remains of a Venetian castle at the entrance of the harbour and the library with rare books.

The carnival is a special celebration for everyone. Young and old enjoy its unforgettable festivity with songs, dance and of course costume and masks, usually resembling the Venetian style. People wander from house to house at night playing practical jokes on those who prefer to stay home. On the last day of the Carnival, a parade takes place with a competition for the best costume and the most impressive presentation.

The next morning, the fortieth day before Easter, the day is spent in the country with an ample supply of food and wine necessary for the high spirits, songs and dance.

The traditions, customs, dialect, songs, religious festivities, art and literature are some of the important elements that we know today as folklore. These elements change from one period to another depending on the historical events that have taken place. The long Venetian occupation influenced more than the other periods the lifestyle, dialect and customs in Ithaca creating, as in the other Ionian Islands the so-called "Eptanesian tradition".
 

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