Ithaca, best-known as the home of Odysseus, hero of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, has the unique appeal of a monumental reputation and relatively quiet tourist trade.
It’s thanks in part to the trek holidaymakers have to take to arrive at the island’s rolling woodland, small villages and pristine beaches – a 25-minute boat journey away from more populous Kefalonia.
If its literary reputation precedes it, it’s hard to imagine the peaceful island not living up to the hype, unless you’re looking for wild nightlife, that is, in which case Mykonos or Corfu might be a better bet.
Instead, the quiet pace of life on Ithaca pairs well with its role in The Odyssey – the pretty village clusters, medieval ruins hidden among towering oaks and stolid, historic architecture the perfect backdrop for Odysseus’ wife Penelope’s 20-year wait for him to return from the Trojan War.
After fending off persistent proposals from suitors, The Odyssey has Penelope ask for time to finish weaving the shroud of her supposedly dead husband before remarrying. In a famous ruse, she wove the shroud each day and unpicked it each night, managing to push back the marriage for 20 years, until Odysseus returned home.
Its languidness and status, inspired by Homer’s epic, as a top romantic destination, has also been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor. One person described it as a “very unspoilt” spot, while another recommended it to anyone looking for “nothing to do but swim, snorkel, sunbathe and eat”, dubbing the uncrowded beaches a “paradise”.
Those tired of lying on the beach and eating at traditional restaurants on the waterfront can explore the capital village Vathy, lined with pale cream, yellow and pink buildings, built after the 1953 earthquake which damaged much of the Ionian island group. History buffs will be keen to explore the Maritime Folklore Museum and Archaeological Museum of Ithaca.
Venture further afield and you’ll also find small hamlets like the medieval village Perachori, perched on the edge of the Afentikos Logos forest, and Anogi, which is known for its menhirs (upright stones), some of which are eight-metres-tall.
Activities including scuba diving, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking are also on the table – the perfect precursor to a relaxing night’s sleep, lulled by the sounds of crashing waves.
As put by the travel blog Viacious Life and Style: “There is green as far as the eye meets and no big, hasty towns – just small villages with small cafes and tavernas for good food. A slow, quiet life for most (and) exactly the break you need when coming from a big city.”