ITHAKI TRAVEL GUIDE

ITHAKA > OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Ithaca is the fifth largest island of the Eptanisa and is located at the south of Lefkada and north-east of Kefalonia, from which it is separated by a strait. It has a population of 3,646 residents and along with other smaller islands it constitutes the province of Ithaca which falls under the prefecture of Kefallinia.

The island was named after Ithakos, son of Pterelaos or, according to another legend, the son of Neptune and Amfimilis who came to the island with his brothers, Niritos and Polyktoras. The mountains of Niritos and Polyktorio took their names from those brothers. According to other fables, the name comes from the word Ithi (cheerful) or from the Phoenician origin word Utika (colony).

Ithaca is an island with tradition, history and culture. It has an unusual natural beauty and a characteristic diverse wild and ‘tamed’ nature and the variations of its landscape. Today Ithaca has a developed tourist infrastructure without ruining its charm and traditions.

The memory of Odysseus is found everywhere on the island by the names of localities as: the Evmeos Cave, the Cavern of Nymphs, the Kastro of Odysseus, Arethousa Spring etc. It is the island that symbolizes the homesickness. Furthermore, due to its history and fame the island attracts many visitors from all over the world.