The green mountains and hills, picturesque villages and crystal clear waters to idyllic beaches are the elements that make Ithaca ideal for short holidays. There is an island of fun and the nightlife , although even this would not miss if you manage to adapt to the rhythms. Ithaca is in any case, the alternative proposal for the summer getaway and it would be to meet together , step by step.
The island consists of two peninsulas , connected with the isthmus of Aetos . It has a total area of 92.5 square kilometers and a coastline length of 72 km and is the second smallest of the Ionian Islands, Paxos post . Ithaca has been inhabited for 6000 years and since then has never deserted . Enjoyed considerable prosperity during the Mycenaean Period (1500-1100 BC ), when it was established in the State of Cephalonia , the most important kings of the legendary Odysseus.
In the centuries of Dorian Period starts to decline , which continues until the 180 BC. The island has several rulers and remains dependent, both in Roman and Byzantine periods , and in the Middle Ages (until 1479) . The raids are the main cause of depopulation and agricultural crops. From 1479 to 1503 are the years of Turkish domination, which succeeded the long Venetian rule ( 1504-1797 ), which influenced the economic and cultural development of the island .
With the prevalence of the French Revolution , the island be returned to France and then the Russians and Turks. The French rule returned in 1807 but just two years after the Englishmen take the lead, until 1864, when Ithaca annexed to Greece, along with the rest of the Dodecanese .
Meet the Ithaca -step
The Deep is the capital of Ithaca , and probably the start of a journey through which you can experience all the remarkable and monumental of the island. It is a picturesque village with particular Ionian color, anyway , will stimulate your interest. Walk the streets and watch the homes with distinctive architectural elements, which are scattered throughout the city . To get close to the turbulent history of the island , go to Archaeological MuseumThat hosts remarkable finds from excavations here. Of particular interest are a series of geometric vases period, Ithaca , and the collection of small items submitted by the faithful in the temple of Apollo. Note also the small bronze bust of Odysseus. You can visit even the Maritime and Folk Art Museum, Located downtown and has a large and valuable collection of relics of the seamanship of Ithaca , tables, boats, nautical instruments , uniforms , documents, and brass , bronze and porcelain household , jewelry , old tools, traditional costumes by a. Learn, too, that the city is remarkable library , with 10,000 volumes of various books , housed in Cultural Center of Ithaca. See the Metropolis, With a very old wooden temple (1793 ) and old bell tower (1820).
Do not leave the Deep , if you do not see Cave of the Nymphs or otherwise Marmarospilia . It has two entrances, one for the gods and one for mortals. In your tour to the sites you can admire the beautiful stalactites which , according to tradition, Odysseus hid the gifts of the king of Feakes Alkinoos.
In the bay of deep , there is a small island Lazaretto or the Savior, the church is built there since 1668. Lasareto were very old two-storey building, which suffered significant damage in the earthquake of 1953 and later demolished. It was built primarily with stone from the ancient Greek ruins, which, indeed , there were signs.
Lazaretto After the Deep , you will receive three kilometers to the south and three hundred meters above the Perachori. The first picture is the beautiful houses that climb the slopes of Mount Petalaiikou . It’s a small village , which comes the familiar perachoritiko Wine. In the taverns of the village suggests a welcoming spirit of people while enjoying the genuine rustic tastes like traditional tserepa. Summer is here and Wine Festival during the event , you will have the opportunity to drink and celebrate with your soul. If you want to take your bottles of wine and other famous local products , contact Agricultural Association the village.
Higher than the current settlement , please visit Ruins of this sort, the medieval ruins of some churches with wonderful Byzantine frescoes. Of these the Assumption and Virgin Mary designated historic monuments . Located 3 km southwest of the village at an altitude of 500 meters is the Monastery of the ArchangelsFounded in 1645, but is now deserted.
Continuing south you on routes that will become increasingly difficult, to reach the plateau Marathia , where is the Homeric Arethusa FountainAnd the ruins, allegedly was the pig of Eumaeus , the shepherd known of Odysseus. The Afentikos Longos it is a dense and beautiful forest , west of Perachora , boasting the kind of Quercus Ilex – Arya that grows here and give this picture to the cluster of trees.
Returning north to Ithaca, Aetos will stop to see the ruins of the ancient city ” Alalkomenes “or”Castle of Odysseus. You are at the narrowest point of the island, connecting the South to the North Ithaca, 4 km from the Deep . In the small village are few houses along the beach . The Mountain Eagle has a height 380 meters, and hosts ” Cyclopean Walls . “
Kioni The mountain is another Nirito , Homer located at an altitude of 808 meters and you’ll find the Monastery of Net, From where visitors stand on the island to photograph the Deep , because of the unique view provided by the site. The monastery was founded in the late 17th century due to the image of Our Lady of Genesis found in the region. According to tradition, had to clean the place from the ” pure ” (the xeroklada in local dialect) to find the icon. According to another view, the point is built the Church of the net, before there was a pagan temple was probably the goddess Athena , known as ” Net ” in antiquity. The Kathariotissa is a patron and protector of the island is celebrated on September 8th every year. Today, the monastery remains a local monk who strives to maintain the monastery, which had suffered heavy damage during the earthquake of 1953. The view from the imposing bell tower in the southern part of the island and the Deep is sensational.
To get to the net , you have already chosen the path of the mountain to continue to the north. Therefore , the next village you will encounter will be Anogi. This is a beautiful village with few , today , residents and strongly Venetian features that are chtichmeno at an altitude of 550 meters . From the monuments to be careful here, the Byzantine style Panagia, Built in the 12th century. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in the Balkans. Noteworthy are the paintings of well-maintained , but the bell , we built in 1682. On August 14 the eve of the Assumption , here is a traditional folk festival. Higher than the current village there are still remnants of the old town and the old prison.
In the area of Anogi is one of the more remarkable sights of the island. These huge monoliths , the Menhir, Figures that indicate that they are made by human hands . Indeed, the natives have given them names. The Araklis is the most important and most strange, with a height of 9 meters , seated on a wider rock. Remarkable is also the Ranger (because of its shape , resembling a knight ). Finally, forest Anogi expects you to walk in an area of 50 acres on the mountain Nirito . Here , apart from bushes and holly will be planted to stand out from 1961 beautiful cypress and pine trees. Partial afforestation in 1990 .
Fair Anogi Leaving behind your Anogi will begin to descend to the destination Cross, a village with a great development , which is essentially a commercial center. In the central plaza, the park will show Bust of Odysseus. It would also stand to be kept, the Venetian period, home TzouganatouBut the Byzantine Church of ChristThat celebrates each year on 5 and 6 August. Visit the churches of Ag.Varvaras and Life-Giving Fountain , to see for yourself the temples of the woodwork . North of the village on the hill Hats, placed by some scholars Homeric city of Ulysses. The excavations here have revealed traces of settlements from the Neolithic period and currant . Here lies Archaeological Museum with remarkable discoveries.
Port of the Cross Bay CityIn water which lies submerged ancient village. At the northern side of town , there are remains of the cave Loizou where in the past have found objects of the Mycenaean period . Among them ( you will see the Museum of the Cross ) is a ceramic shell by a female mask, carved by the famous inscription ” EFCHEIN Ulysses ” , found in cave Loizou .
Going to the eastern side of Anogi , the road will lead you to Kioni, one of the most beautiful traditional villages in the Ionian Sea . Built in the 16th century as a haven from the surrounding mountain villages. The region is one of the most beautiful island, very green and gentleness to the landscape , while the auditorium of the houses spreading out forming a picturesque bay with a perfect balance of colors and images. Idyllic paths leading to beaches such as Mavrona and Plakoutson . In Mavrona, See what remained of the monastery of St. Nicholas who fell victim to earthquakes. In the sanctuary of the church of the monastery, preserved ancient capital. At the top of the Ridge is the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation with a sizeable screen. Draw for the region Loggia and see the remains of the house , according to tradition, lived George Kara , before the revolution. At the entrance of the bay that is built Kioni dominated by three castled Windmills early 20th century. Kioni is the best choice for your stay on the island, but a good base to visit, by boat, nearby pristine beaches. On July 20 , Prophet Elias , celebrates the small chapel of Saint Elias , the cape with his name , just a mile. While you are here, that night , probably to spend the night with appetizers , wine and dancing.
Dexa – Niritos towards the mountain where the monastery of Net Three, yet there are villages to explore, on the north side of the island. The ExogiNorthwest , is located at an altitude of 350 meters and is one of the oldest settlements on the island. Here you will see many beautiful Ionian houses and admire the stunning views to the east, the Platreithia , the Horrors , the coast of mainland Greece , Lefkas , Meganissi , etc. It is worthwhile to climb a little higher in The Monastery of Our Lady in Pernarakia , which operated until the early 20th century. The precinct will see the grave of James Tufted national martyr , known as Papa John, who was executed by German troops in Vonitsa. The location of the monastery offers even better views of the surrounding area. In the area of St. Athanasius will find the site that many scholars associate with the palace of King Odysseus of Ithaca . Important are the findings from the excavations are now paying more and more about the history of the region. The church of Agia Marina in Exogi , every year on July 17 , nice festival. In the area of Exogis in place ArgastariesThere is also the only pure pine forest at Ithaca , to the point inaccessible , with magnificent views of Fiskardo , Kefalonia.
From the Cross , the central route will lead you to Platreithia. It is a village with many traditional buildings in the area strongly agrotokalliergitika features. If you are in the village of August, will take part in a very nice celebration . Under MelanythrosNear the village is an ancient settlement, anaskaptiki continuous activity. About voreioanatolikotera rough path leads you to the Cape of St. Nicholas in Marmakas who prefer hiking many fans of extreme activities.
Very close to the village Platreithia Horrors, a pretty tourist village , built near the sea, sheltered from the winds bay. Considered the location of Homeric harbor kennel. Among the attractions of the village are two well -preserved windmills , located on both sides of the harbor and the night will see them lit . The Kennel is still an access port in Ithaca , for those approaching from the Kefalonia and Lefkada is also a good starting point for beautiful secluded beaches. If you are in the village on June 30 , do not miss the feast of the Holy Apostles, another opportunity for locals and foreigners drink and dance. Finally , in the small village Kollieri , west of the NavelWill visit the home of Doctor Spyros Vrettos , which houses the Folklore Museum. The Kollieri was a large village that was destroyed by earthquakes in 1953 and rebuilt in the Archangels .
Going north from the path of the mountain, you will leave unexplored two villages , of which passes through the coastal road. This is St. John and White . The White village is quiet , with many rooms and beautiful views of the sunset. From here you will visit the smaller settlement of St. JohnBuilt on the beach of Aspro Gialos. Inside the settlement there is an olive tree with a perimeter of 18 meters root , according to the locals is Olive of OdysseusApparently because of her age. The White is also road will take you to the green area Kavos, also with beautiful views of the sunset and the island.
Where to swim in Ithaca
Gidaki The waters of Ithaca is clear , the beaches , mostly rocky, but there are beaches to compensate the guest. The hasty swim at the beginning of the beach Loutsa, Vathi, and the nearby Dexa . Located three kilometers from the Deep , you will discover the bushes and there , yet, the Eagle, the namesake bay , the beaches of Lower Filiatra Sarakiniko and east of the capital. Also in the south , the beach is located in Arethousa Source and west of the Eagle Back .
Follow the path north , you see , turn the White Gialos ( the area of St. John) , White , Bay City and the beaches near Kioni . Filiatro North Beach , is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Ionian Sea , the Gidaki , famous worldwide for its beauty and clean waters. Your choices complement Platis sand , beautiful beaches, accessible only by sea and the shingle beach at navel. A number of other desert and beautiful beaches on the island of Ithaca, will meet by renting a boat, having access to them is only by sea or by some walking.
Navel
What to eat in Ithaca
Local dishes are the Savoro ( fried fish , pickled with raisins and rosemary ). Try even the traditional tserepa Chicken ( with tomatoes in the oven) in Perachori , sweet rovani (with rice and honey), the truffle (round cake batter with cream and powdered sugar ). Join Finally, your food with local wine. Leaving , get the book “sit to put you eat ” Chrisoula Razou , which contains all the authentic recipes of Ithaca
Living in Ithaca
Options to stay during your vacation there are several. You may wish to book time to find what will suit your tastes. Several hotels and apartments in the seaside resorts of Ithaca. For more information on the website of the City of Ithaca : http://www.ithaki.gr/el/hotels.php
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