Description of the attraction
The legendary Greek Ithaca is one of the Ionian Islands. It is located east of the northwestern coast of Kefalonia, from which it is separated by a small strait. This small picturesque island is literally surrounded by greenery. Ithaca is often cited as the birthplace of Homer's Odysseus, although no reliable evidence has been found.
Most likely, the island was inhabited as early as 3000-2000 BC, but Ithaca reached its highest economic and cultural flourishing in the Mycenaean period (1500-1100 BC). It is believed that the island was the capital of the Ionian Kingdom, which was one of the most powerful states of that time, and the port of Ithaca played an important role in trade relations throughout the Mediterranean. Over time, the influence of Ithaca and its population decreased significantly, but, nevertheless, the island continued to live its rather active life (as evidenced by archaeological excavations). The island has repeatedly changed its owners. Replacing each other came the Romans, Franks, Byzantines, Turks, Venetians, French, English … This continued until 1864, when Ithaca, along with other Ionian Islands, joined Greece.
The capital of Ithaca is the city of Vathi, which is located on the shores of one of the largest natural harbors in the world. It is a cozy town with mostly two-storey houses covered with red tiles, cobblestone streets and architectural reminders of the Venetian era. During the holiday season, the city harbor is replete with beautiful snow-white yachts. The small Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Folklore and Culture are worth visiting in the city. Not far from Vathi is the legendary Cave of the Nymphs, the source of Aretusa and the ruins of the ancient city of Alalkomen. Interesting
There is an archaeological museum in the city of Stavros (the second largest settlement on the island). It contains ancient relics found in the Loiza Cave and during excavations on the Pelicata Hill near the city. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the ruins of an ancient palace, which many historians describe as the possession of the legendary Odysseus.
Picturesque Ithaca is famous for its beautiful beaches and secluded coves with crystal clear waters, and the fascinating ancient history of the island attracts more and more tourists every year.
