ITHAKI

Ithaki is an Ionian Island situated southeast of Lefkada and adjacent to Kefalonia. It’s a captivating place, the mythical home and destination of the Homeric Odysseus, a source of inspiration for poets and writers, with lush vegetation, turquoise waters and Italian finesse. The island’s main settlement of Vathy, in the south, exudes a cosmopolitan aura. It’s one of Ithaki’s two primary towns, together with the gorgeous Kioni in the north. Directly across from Vathy, visitors can find one of the smallest islands in the world, Lazareto. This islet is known the world over for the countless wedding proposals made there. Ithaki has a rich cultural heritage that is on display at the local Archaeological Collection of Stavros. The island’s beaches are truly idyllic, with turquoise waters surrounded by lush green vegetation. Just a few of the beaches worth visiting are Filiatro, Gidaki, Afales, and Sarakiniko. Also worth visiting is the Cave of the Nymphs.

Gastronomy

Thanks to the extensive cultivation of olive trees and vineyards on Ithaki, both olive oil and wine feature prominently in the island’s cuisine. Locally grown grape varieties include mavrodaphne and the island’s own certified organic white. In addition, the excellent produce – both fruits and nuts – grown here, such as arbutus, quinces and pears, are made into top-quality spoon sweets. Ithaki also has its own indigenous breed of sheep, while the local herbs can be boiled to make aromatic beverages. As far as cheeses are concerned, the island’s feta is well worth a taste.

Among the most characteristic recipes of Ithaki, the standout is rovani, a local sweet. While it sounds similar to ‘ravani’, the two sweets could hardly be more different: rovani is prepared with rice, honey and olive oil. Another classic local sweet is fig pie, traditionally consumed during Lent. The island’s cuisine includes a unique piece of cookware: the tserepa, a clay vessel shaped like a pan with tall sides. Indeed, tserepa chicken, a local dish, owes its name to this vessel and the associated cooking method.

How to get there

Ithaki is an island in the Ionian Sea. It is serviced by ferry from the ports of Kyllini, Patras, Astakos and some neighbouring islands, as well as by air via neighbouring Kefalonia, from where there is ferry service.