Kathara Monastery

Kathara Monastery is another great place to visit while visiting this island. There are many reasons why you would want to spend some time at this monastery. It is interesting to take in the spiritual side of the Greek culture at this Orthodox Christian Monastery. It is also in a quaint location in the countryside, which means that it has some great views as well. This is definitely a great place to spend the day.

Filiatro Beach

Although there are plenty of beaches on Ithaca, Filiatro Beach is the one you will want to make time for if you only have a short time on the island. This beach is a popular spot for those who come to the island by boat for the day. It is also a very popular beach with facilities such as a small cafe with refreshments. There are also sun beds and umbrellas to rent. This is the perfect place to relax in the sun and enjoy the waters!

Kioni Harbor

While on the Greek island of Ithaca, visiting Kioni Harbor should top your list. Visitors to this island sat that it is a peaceful, romantic area by the sea that actually has something for everyone. Although couples do find the romance here, it is actually a main draw for visitors because of how charming of a harbor it is. While here, you’ll want to walk the streets, visit some of the boutiques, eat in a seaside cafe, and also relax away all your stresses. It is a popular place to visit by boat, as well, and you will see many boats docked here from other parts of the island with the intent of spending the day.

Archaeological Site of Homer

Besides the fact that Ithaca was mentioned in the Odyssey as being the home of the hero, Odysseus, there is also an important archaeological site here that is associated with Homer, the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey. It is said that Homer ran a school on this island and visitors can view what remains of it while also learning about the poet.

One of the most charming things about Ithaca island is that it is a bit off the beaten path. Sure, there is a healthy crowd of visitors that flock here during the tourist season. However, it isn’t as popular as some of the other islands in Greece. This has helped the island maintain its traditional charm.

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Filiatro Beach

If you are looking for a gentle beach that has a healthy bustle of activity without being overpowering, Filiatro Beach is your ideal spot. There are plenty of sun beds here to rent as well as a concession stand. Even if you don’t want to grab a bite to eat, this beach is well worth the visit for the incredible views. Don’t forget to take some pictures of the crystal clear water and beautiful, pebbled surface. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes since the pebbles aren’t as easy to walk on as sand. However, this doesn’t detract from the beach’s beauty.

Gedaki Beach

Gedaki Beach is another great spot to visit on Ithaca and is well worth your time. This beach is also known for its beautiful waters and it also has a bar and restaurant that you can spend time at, as well. If you don’t want to patron the bar or restaurant, you can always rent a sun bed and spend your time lounging in the sun before heading back to your hotel.

Polis Beach

If you love boats, Polis Beach on Polis Bay is a great place for you to spend some time. The bay is home to multiple boats, and the beach has a nice view of the activity on the bay. The water is also calm and clear, which makes this a great spot to spend some time. The restaurant near the beach is also run by warm and friendly people and serves delicious local cuisine.

Sarakiniko Beach

This beach is a bit off the beaten path, which is one of the things that people really love about it. Some visitors report that since there are no sun beds to rent or restaurants located by the water, this detracts from the experience. However, this is the very thing that makes others love it here. Since there are no services to speak of, the only thing to focus on is the sun, the water, and the pure beauty of the place.

No matter which beaches you choose to spend time on, you really can’t go wrong. Even if you only have time for one or two of the beaches, it will be time well spent. Besides, you need to reserve time in your schedule for some of the other things that make Ithaca great, such as enjoying the cuisine and seeing some of the other sites.

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Stavros Museum

The Stavros Museum in Ithaca, Greece is an archaeological collection of findings from the Stavros region and northern Ithaca. The building that houses the museum was built in 1930. The building was renovated in 1998. It is small, containing only one room, but is definitely worth a visit. Exhibits at the Stavros Museum date from the Early Hellenic to the Roman Periods.

Exhibits include: a clay plate with the representation of a cock that dates to the 7th century BC; fragments of a clay mask with an inscription dedicating it to Odysseus dating to the 1st or 2nd century BC; and a stone relief that was found at Polis Cave and dates to the Hellenistic period.

Folklore and Nautical Museum

Located in the town of Vathy, the Folklore and Nautical Museum of Ithaca is housed in a building that once served as a generating station. The museum showcases fully assembled rooms including a kitchen, bedrooms, and sitting rooms from the Colonial period as well as traditional costumes, musical instruments, embroidery, and workshop tools that were used during the time.

There are photographs that show the devastation of the earthquake of 1953. There are also other images and photographs on the walls as you explore the rooms, including one of a woman from the 1800s. You will feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time in the Folklore and Nautical Museum of Ithaca.

Archaeological Museum

Located in Vathy, the capital of Ithaca, the Archaeological Museum is just one block away from the quay. The museum showcases findings from the excavation sites around Piso Aetos, Loizos Cave in Polis Bay, Ancient Alalcomai, Homer’s School, the Early Helladic settlement, and other areas around the island.

Findings date from the Geometric to the Roman period. An important piece at the museum is a ring-shaped vase that dates to the Late Geometric period. The vase is decorated with narrow bands on the sides of the ring, hatched triangles on the neck, and has angular walls.

Another important piece includes a votive inscription that mentions Hera and goddess Athena. It dates to the Late Archaic period and was found at Polis Cave. You can also view an impressive collection of pottery that dates to the Geometric period.

Cultural Centre of Ithaki

The Cultural Centre of Ithaki is located in Vathy and showcases many rare books including the only existing edition of the Odyssey, the works of Agios Athanasios that date from 1686, and the Iliad in Japanese. This rich library is definitely worth a visit when you are in Ithaca.

Visit these museums in Ithaca, Greece and learn about the history of the island.

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Go Hiking

Ithaca, Greece is a beautiful place to hike. There are many trails around the island that are ideal for hikers of various levels. One lovely trail begins in the village of Exogi and goes to the settlement of Roussano and Kalivia and ends at the at village of Stavros and the Bay of Polis. There are signs along the way to guide you and the view of the Bay of Aphales and the Ithacian countryside are breathtaking.

There are many paths around the archaeological site of Homer’s school. You can take guided hiking tours that vary in difficulty. This is a great way to hike and experience the history and monuments of the island.These tours last a few hours to half a day as they include hiking, sightseeing, and sometimes even a short boat trip. Whether you choose a guided hiking tour or a hike on your own, you are going to see the island of Ithaca in a fun and unique way.

Go Diving

The coastline of Ithaca offers divers a wonderful experience. Some interesting spots that will appeal to divers includes the Cave of Oksopetra, the Cape of Gidaki, the Shipwreck of Poseidon, and the reef of Marmakas. Other types of dives include cavern dives, wall dives, and historic dives. Visit one of the local dive centers in Ithaca and figure out the best dive for you. Depending on your level experience, you might want to take a lesson before going out for a dive.

If the shallow waters are more your style, you will enjoy the snorkeling opportunities around Ithaca. The diving clubs on the island offer other activities that include kayaking and paddle-boarding. These activities provide you with an outdoor adventure where you’ll get to view the island and its rocky formations from a different vantage point.

Go Sailing

Ithaca is an ideal setting for anyone who loves to sail, which is why it’s so popular with sailing enthusiasts. The island is separated from Kefalonia by a two-mile wide channel. This side of Ithaca is steep and barren compared to the east side of the island which is more gentle and green. There are a number of yacht clubs around Ithaca where you can take lessons, rent a sailboat, or take a guided sailboat tour.

The harbor of Vathy is considered one of the safest natural harbors in Greece, but other anchorage points include the bays of Pera Pigadi, Polis, Aetos, and Agios Ioannis. There are also the harbors of Kioni and Frikes on the northeast coast of the island. Sailing is another wonderful way to experience the island and surrounding areas from the water.

Make sure to enjoy some outdoor sports while visiting beautiful Ithaca, Greece.

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Ithaca, Greece has a dry period that runs from June to August. The months that see the most rain are October to February, with December being the wettest month. The sunniest month on the island is July.

This weather forecast in Ithaca, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Ithaca, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 42.8° F (6° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 93 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 133 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

February 

• Temperature: 42.8° F (6° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 91 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 136 hours of sunshine, water temperature 59° F (15° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 69%

March

• Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 62 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 182 hours of sunshine, water temperature 59° F (15° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 65%

April 

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 46 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 233 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool/comfortable, 75% dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 63%

May

• Temperature: 57.2° F (14° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 28 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, 286 hours of sunshine, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C), comfortable, slightly muggy, mainly clear, beach/pool score 6
• Humidity: 61%

June

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 9 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 295 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), warm, 40% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 8
• Humidity: 61%

July

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 84.2° F (29° C)
• Precipitation: 6 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 358 hours of sunshine, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), warm, 81% muggy, 98% clear, beach/pool score 9.2
• Humidity: 60%

August

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 86° F (30° C)
• Precipitation: 5 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 338 hours of sunshine, water temperature 78.8° F (26° C), warm, 81% muggy, 98% clear, beach/pool score 9.2
• Humidity: 61%

September

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 23 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 281 hours of sunshine, water temperature 73.4° F (23° C), warm, 50% muggy, 80% clear, beach/pool score 8
• Humidity: 64%

October

• Temperature: 55.4° F (13° C) – 73.4° F (23° C)
• Precipitation: 75 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 219 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), comfortable, slightly muggy, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 65%

November

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 118 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 156 hours of sunshine, water temperature 68° F (20° C), comfortable/cool, 75% dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

December

• Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 122 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 108 hours of sunshine, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71%

Ithaca, Greece has varied weather throughout the year making it the ideal destination for those who prefer the hot temperature or the cool.

Find the current weather forecast for Corfu, Greece here:

Accuweather – Ithaca, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Ithaca, Greece Weather Forecast

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Enjoy an Outdoor Experience

Enjoying a new or favorite outdoor activity can be a great bonding experience for any couple. It’s also a great way to explore the island and surrounding area together. Imagine spending time underwater checking out the beautiful fish and other sea life as you scuba dive or snorkel. If you prefer to stay above water, kayaking is also an option. For a romantic date you can rent a boat and take along a picnic lunch or you can take a boat tour with experienced tour guides.

Relax at a Spa

Spending time at the spa can be a great way to spend quality time with your partner. A couples massage is especially romantic. There are plenty of services available, depending on what you enjoy. Being pampered is a real treat. Being able to have the experience in a beautiful country is something you won’t soon forget. If the hotel you’re staying at has a spa, you’ll want to take advantage of the convenient location. Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner afterward. If your hotel doesn’t have a spa, talk to the front desk as they’ll know of the closest and best spas in the area.

Enjoy a Romantic Meal

A romantic vacation isn’t complete without a romantic meal. You have your choice of romantic restaurants on the island of Ithaca. Many of the restaurants are waterfront, so if the weather is good, you can sit outside and enjoy an amazing view while you dine by candlelight. Some restaurants have music and dancing as well. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Mediterranean, Greek, or European, you’ll find it in Ithaca. Don’t worry if you have preferences such as vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian, you will have these options for your meal as well in most places, but double-check before heading out.

Enjoy the Sunset

There are many wonderful spots to view the sunset on the island of Ithaca, but you might want to check out one of these locations: the Beach of Aspros Gialos in west Ithaca, the Village of Lefki in west Ithaca, and the Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa in central Ithaca. There is a restaurant called Chani in Ithaca that is said to have a spectacular view and during sunset is no different. If you want to combine your sunset view with a romantic meal, this is the place to go.

Romance is alive and well on the island of Ithaca, Greece. Whether you’re up for an adventure or prefer downtime to relax and connect, you’re going to find it here.

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Getting to Ithaca Island

Before you can enjoy Kioni Harbor, you need to first make your way to Ithaca. Like most islands in Greece, you can arrive here by ferry. There is no direct route from Piraeus to Ithaca, you need to take the ferry from nearby Simi to or Poros. The closest airport is on the island of Kefalonia and from there, you can also take a ferry to Ithaca. Flights leave from Athens to the Kefalonia Airport several times a day.

Why Visit Kioni Harbor

Kioni Harbor is located in a picturesque village by the sea. Some visitors to the island agree that it is one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Even on the island, this places is known as a great place to escape, relax, and unwind. Sure, this is why people do end up on an island like Ithaca, but the fact that there are hidden gens such as Kioni Harbor makes it even more worthwhile a place to be. People report that it is a great place to relax and feel their stresses melting away.

Activities to Do in Kioni Harbor

The scenery here is very green and much of the life in this beautiful village is concentrated by the harbor. Once you make your way to the harbor, you will be greeted by plenty to do, too. Here’s a look at what you can do while at the harbor:

• Eat a Great Meal. One of the best things about Kioni Harbor are the many cafes, restaurants, and tavernas that are along the water and in the surrounding area. The atmosphere here is very relaxed, so you can eat a leisurely meal for several hours and feel you stress melt away.
• Go for a Walk. Another great activity to do here is walk along the harbor and meander through the streets. Browse through the shops and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you walk.
• Enjoy the Water. The best thing to do while here is find a way to enjoy the water. Sailing is a popular activity here, so if you’re interested, ask at your hotel for advice on how to take a sailing trip.

Ithaca is one of those fabled places that seems larger than life. Once you get here, though, you realize that this really is a great island to spend time at. While visiting, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Kioni Harbor!

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Still not convinced that you should spend some time here? Here are some very good reasons why you should visit this idyllic Greek island:

Has a Rich History

The way Homer described his beloved Ithaca, it sounds larger than life. As a result of this, there has been much debate as to the actual location of the “mythical” Ithaca. While each theory seems to have a different result, the most widely accepted is that the legendary Ithaca is none other than the modern island. Even if this really isn’t the location of Homer’s Ithaca, you still can’t help but feel the presence of the past. Over time, the island has changed hands several times – first under occupation by the Romans, followed by the Normans, Turks, Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire. Today, it’s part of the modern day country of Greece.

Off the Beaten Path

If you would like to spend time on a Greek island but don’t want to get caught up in all the tourist crowds, this is a great island to do so. The magic of the place lies in its serenity. Life is at a slower pace here, and many of the places seem as if they are frozen in time. For travelers, this creates one of those experiences that you can’t get anywhere. Despite the fact that most places have access to modern conveniences, the fact that the island moves at a different place makes it so much easier for you to relax away your cares. Isn’t this what vacations are all about?

Stunning Natural Beauty

The thing that really draws people to Ithaca is that it has an amazing natural beauty. Sure, there are plenty of places in Greece that are absolutely gorgeous, but Ithaca wins in terms of simplicity. Since the island is a manageable size, the beauty of the island is a bit more understated, which makes it an appealing choice for couples and families alike. While here, be sure to enjoy the crystal blue waters, amazing beaches, and the ancient footpaths that weave their way throughout the island. Enjoy the scenery as much as you can!

What to Do While Here

While spending time on this island, you should use its serenity to your advantage. Since Ithaca has some of the best beaches in all of the Ionian Islands, it’s a great island for those who love to relax and unwind by the water. It’s also possible to explore the island by foot. Ancient footpaths that connect the villages together are just as historical as they are enchanting. The island does have a cuisine all its own, too, so be sure to eat plenty of food from the local cuisine!

No matter what you decide to do while on Ithaca, one thing is for sure – the island is just as enchanting now as it was thousands of years ago

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