Page 86 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

18
ITHÁKI

ΙΘΆΚΗ

g Vathý @ n Vathý; www.ithaca.gr
EXPERIENCE The Ionian Islands Itháki date back as far as 4000–3000 BC, and by Archaeological Collection
Small and rugged, Itháki is renowned as the home of
Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic Odyssey. Finds on
Mycenaean times it had developed into the capital of a
Bust of ancient
kingdom that included its larger neighbour, Kefaloniá.
king Odysseus
in Stavrós
2
1
Vathý
The capital, also known as
' § 26740 23955
⌂ 16 km (10 miles) NW
Itháki town, is an attractive
# 8:30am–3pm Tue–Sun
of Vathý
port with a lively waterfront. StavrÓs of StavrÓs
¢ Main public hols
Its terracotta-roofed houses Stavrós, the largest village in
huddle around the bay. The northern Itháki, has only 300
surrounding hills were the site inhabi tants but is a thriving 3
for the first settlement, and hill community and market
the town expanded down to centre. Nearby Pólis Bay is Fríkes and Kióni
the harbour in medieval times. thought to have been the old ⌂ 19 km (12 miles) NW
Vathý became the capital in port of ancient Itháki, and the of Vathý
the 17th century. Destroyed site of an important cave
by an earthquake in 1953, it sanctuary to the Nymphs. The tiny port of Fríkes is
was faithfully recon structed to Odysseus’s Palace may have surrounded by diminutive
match existing styles. The only stood on the hill known as pebble beaches and a series
town on Itháki, Vathý has Pilikáta. To find it, ask at the of rock coves, and is located
transport links to the island’s Archaeological Collection of en route to Kióni, an upmarket
villages. The Archaeological Stavrós, which also displays yachting and fishing harbour
Museum has a collection of a terracotta fragment from that is also a popular resort.
Myce naean vases and votives. Pólis cave with the inscription Built around a steep bay, the
In the church of Taxiárhis is a “Dedicated to Odysseus”. The village’s buzzing waterfront
17th-century icon of Christ, curator here gives guided has good tavernas and
probably painted by El Greco. tours in several languages. accommodation options.
Lefkáda
Fríkes Itháki
Fiskárdo
Kióni
Pólis
Bay Stavrós
Léfki
Ágios Gidaki Beach
Ioannis
Vathý
Pissaetós
Perahóri
Filiatró
Agia Efthymía
Kefaloniá Antísamos
Beach
Astakós
Sámi
0 km 6 N Traditional taverna at
Vathý, with tables laid
0 miles 6
out beside the sea
86

086-087_EW_Greek_Islands.indd 86 27/11/2018 16:05

EW Must-see / Catalogue template v1.1 – 18th May 2018
Fonts: Aptifer Sans LT Pro, Posterama Text, Soho Gothic
Pro, Soho Pro, ITC Caslon 224