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| Ithaca |
| The island of Odysseus |
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| The beautiful coves and bays of Ithaca. |
Once you sail for Ithaca
wish for a long trip
full of adventure, full of knowledge
[...]
To many Egyptian cities go
to learn from the learned.
Do not hurry the trip at all
[...]
Better that it lasts for many years
and you reach the shore an old man
expecting no wealth from it.
Ithaca offerred you the nice trip
[...]
And if you find it poor, Ithaca
did not trick you.
The wise man that you've become
you must already see
what Ithacas signify.
Constantine Cavafy
Ithaca, of course, is the island of Odysseus, one of the Greek leaders of the siege of Troy who Homer dubbed "polymychanos" (multi-resourceful). Odysseus' 10-year adventurous trip back home to Ithaca, after the fall of Troy, is the subject of Homer's Oddyssey.
The etymology of the name Ithaca is not determined but many believe that the island was named after Ithacos, son of Poseidon and the nymph Amfimele.
Nevertheless, Ithaca will be forever associated with its Homeric king. Odysseus wandered for 10 years, escaping the Rocks of Symblygades, Cyclops Polyphemus, the one-eyed giant, the witch Circe, and many other obstacles that Poseidon threw in his way. He was lured by Circe, the witch, on her enchanted island for a few years, and finally reached Ithaca, via Corfu, where he charmed Nafsica and her father King Alcinoos.
Upon his arrival, he disguised as a pauper and found shelter at the home of his loyal servant Eumeus, who, not knowing who he is, spent the night praising his long-gone master Odysseus.
The next day he set off for the palace. At the door, his old dog Argus, who hadn't seen his master for 20 years, sensed his presence, sighed, happy at the reunion, and passed away.Inside the palace, Odysseus found Penelope, his loyal and loving wife, besieged by suitors, who were trying to win her by achieving her condition: string Odysseus's bow, an apparently formidable task. Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, requested to try to string the bow and he did, he shed the old clothes he was wearing, killed the suitors, and was reuinited with his wife.
After that, Ithaca was never important, to the point that the Venetians, rulers of the Ionian islands after the renaissance, offered financial incentives for people to settle here. Ithaca lacks in natural resources, including arable land, therefore its people have always left its shores to make their fortunes.
Still, Ithaca is one of the pretty Ionian islands, and, like the rest of them, it is green and covered with olive groves. The development of its tourist industry in the last few years has not led to the disfiguration of the island's natural environment and traditional architectural infrastructure.
The capital, Vathy, is a picturesque fishing village hidden at the end of a long fjord which contains Lazareto island and its two Venetian and French towers. Life in Ithaca is slow and laid back, and the place is ideal for a peaceful sojourn. |
| The Highlights |
- The lush vegetation covering the whole island.
- The wonderful beaches of western Ithaca, accessible only by boat.
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| We Recommend |
- Rent a dinghy or a motor boat and visit the inaccessible western beaches for the unforgettable experience of swimming in a beautiful, empty beach.
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| Useful Information |
| The country code for Greece is 0030 (from the US and Canada: 01130). |
| Police Station |
| The police station is in Vathy, near the quay (26740 32205). |
| Hospital |
| The island's hospital is in Vathy (26740 32222). |
| Pharmacy |
| There are a couple of pharmacies in Vathy. Opening hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 2 pm. |
| Port Authority |
| The Porto Authority is in Vathy (26740 32629). |
| Tourist Agency |
| Kiki Travel Agency (26740 31387, 26740 31762) and Delas Tours (26740 32104, 26740 33115). In addition, the ferry boat agency number is 26740 33120. |
| Foreign Press Outlet |
| There foreign press newstands in Vathy. |
| Car Rental |
| In Vathy, Koutavas (26740 33149, 26740 32702). |
| Bank |
| There are Greek banks and ATMs in Vathy. Banking hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 2 pm. |
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