Things to do in Ithaca

Ithaca is much quieter than its neighbours Kefalonia or Zakynthos, and for visitors and locals alike, this is all part of the appeal. If you love the look of Ithaca, but are wondering if a holiday here might just be TOO relaxing, rest assured that there are plenty of gentle activities to keep you entertained for a week.

Ithaca boat hire

There's no escaping the sea on this island idyll, and the lure of that shimmering turquoise waters is almost impossible to resist. Get ready to explore wiht a range of boat hire options, from 30hp (no licence required) to more powerful RIBS and composite boats from 115 to 350hp. if you want to take a trip out to the neighbouring islands, join a skippered service that can be tailored to your personal preferences for a fantastic day out.

Scuba diving in Ithaca

With clear warm water and a host of different dives including reefs, wrecks and night diving, Ithaca is a great spot discover scuba diving. There are courses for beginners, and group dives for more experienced divers, plus specialities such as underwater photography if you want to try something new. 

Walks in Ithaca

Ithaca's craggy interior makes for some great hikes and fabulous views. Whether you're a casual walker or more serious hiker, using a guide adds a whole extra dimension to the experience. Join a group or have an itinerary tailored to your interests and personal fitness levels. Popular routes include Vathy to Filiatro beach along the coast, or the more demanding path from Kioni up to the mountain village of Anogi for fantastic sea views.

Follow in the footsteps of Odysseus

2026 sees Homer's The Odyssey coming to the big screen, and if you're inspired by the story of this wandering hero, Ithaca offers plenty of tantalising 'evidence' that this island was indeed the place which called him home. You'll need a car to see everything, but it can all be done in a day. A suggested route could look like this:

1) Cave of the Nymphs (Marmarospilia)
Situated a short walk from the road out of Vathy, the cave is reputedly the place where Odysseus hid the gifts of the Phaeacians after returning home.

2) Stavros
This pretty coastal villa has a small archaeological museum with finds from nearby Homeric sites, including the famous terracotta Mask of Odysseus

3) School of Homer (Agios Athanasios)
Opinion is divided, but some archaeologists think this may have been a palace complex associated with the historical inspiration for Odysseus. Excavations uncovered Mycenaean remains, underground cisterns, terraces, and artifacts from the Late Bronze Age.

4) Loizos Cave and Polis Bay
The cave has collapsed, but this is the spot where the Mask of Odysseus was unearthed. Polis bay is also a beautiful swim spot.

5) Mount Neriton
The highest peak on Ithaca, described in The Odyssey, whose "trembling forests, can be seen from afar". The views from around Exogi village are worth the hair-pin bends on the way up, and look out for the bizarre Pyramids of Exogi sculptures just above the village.

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