The Homeric Ithaca is a truly unique holiday destination. Its clear blue waters, evergreen mountains and traditional architecture offer an original experience, favourite of the very selective tourist. Combining natural beauty, a picturesque setting and the ideal peace and serenity that only in very special places one can find, this hospitable Ionian island can satisfy even the most demanding traveler. You can reach Ithaca by boat or by airplane, via Kefalonia. The ships leave from Patras and Astakos. There is also daily connection of the island with Nidri Lefkas and Sami and Fiskardo Kefalonia.

Places to visit

Kioni

The capital of Ithaca and its main port is the attractive town of Ithaca or Vathy , built amphitheatrically around a deep and sheltered bay. At the entrance of the harbour lies the islet of Lazaretto . As its name implies, it was once a lazaret and on it there are also ruins of Venetian gaols. The port was protected by two small fortresses, built in 1805 during the period of the second French Protectorate, those of Castro and Loutsa, ruins of which can still be seen at its entrance. There are several neoclassical mansions . It is worth visiting the destroyed cathedral dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin, with its wood carved iconostasis .

Vathi

Only two kilometers north of Vathy lies the cave of the Nymphs or Marmarospilia, where according to mythology, the Naiads, or water nymphs, were worshipped. It was here that Odysseus hid the gifts he brought with him after his return from Troy and his ten-year long wandering.

Two kilometers of Vathy we come to the small inland village of Perachori , built on a hill with a wonderful view towards the sea. In the village, worth seeing is the church of Dormition of the Virgin , with is Byzantine frescoes and a wood carved iconostasis brought here from St Raphael . A rural road leads southwest to Nerovoulo , and the monastery of the Taxiarches (1645). Near Perachori lie the ruins of the old capital of the island, medieval Paliochora or Epano Chorio, with its impressive architecture , stone houses and ruined Byzantine churches .

To the west of the village lies the only forest on Ithaca, Afentikos Logos .

In the area of Marathias have been found pre-Hellenic ruins , while further south, on the coast opposite the island og Pera Pighadi , certain archeologists have placed the site of the spring of Arethousa , which may also possibly be the site of the Homeric Korakos Petra. According to mythological tradition, the place called Hellinikon was the site where had stood the pigsty of Odysseus' faithful swineherd, Aumaeus.

Myrthos

There is also a Monastery at an altitude of 600 metres , dedicated to the Virgin Kathariotissa , the patroness of the island, whose feast day is celebrated with a big popular fete on the 8th of September. The year of the monastery foundation is unknown, but it was restored in 1696 and its main church has been operating as a church since 1530. It has a beautiful iconostasis and a fine icon representing the Birth of the Virgin, which is said to have been painted by St. Luke. From the belfry of the monastery one can enjoy a panoramic view of Ithaca and of its harbour .

The road continues to the north through the hills towards Anoghi , one of the oldest villages on the island, and the second most important medieval settlement , where there is a restored Byzantine church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin . Further north is Stavros , at the foot of the Neritos hill, where we can see the interesting churches of Soter , Agia Varvara and Zoodochos Pighi . Not far from the village is the ancient settlement of Pilikates (3rd millennium BC), built on the hill where, according to certain views, it has been conjectured that the palace of Odysseus had stood. Parts of a cyclopean wall and a paved road have survived. An ancient cemetery has also come to light, with a tomb and an altar.

At Platrethia , north of Stavros, we can stop to admire the verdant landscape and the lovely coves and beautiful beaches of the northernmost point of the island. In the area of Aghios Athanassios, Mycenean ruins , known as "Homer' School" , have been uncovered. There are also other traditional villages such as Kolieri , there is an outdoor folk art museum , Exoghi , with its amphitheatrically view, Frikes , a costal settlement with a small harbour and two well-preserved windmills, and the traditional village of Kioni with its little harbour, nestling within a sheltered cove; it has become a busy and modern tourist resort.

Sarakiniko	Vathi
Filiatro	Filiatro
Dexa	Perachori

Hotel Mentor

The hotel Mentor is situated in the port of Vathi, the capital of Ithaca. Within walking distance of the centre, with a panoramic view of the port, and the most modern facilities, it can garantee the ideal enviroment for an unforgettable trip.

All the hotel rooms (4 suites, 28 double-bed and 4 single-bed rooms), are fully renovated, have a bathroom and are equipped with air conditioning, TV and a direct dial telephone.

Other services include a 24hour reception, room service and internet and fax facilities. There is also a cafe bar, situated on the ground floor with a view to the sea and a restaurant, available on special occasions.