Travel Guide Vathi

Welcome to Ithaca! Located in the southern part of Ulysses' island, the "capital" is built at the bottom of a gulf. Indeed, its name means "deep" in Greek. Literate travellers with a knowledge of the classics will find a fairly simple village, just as Homer described it. But others will appreciate it too. You can swim on the beaches of Tsirimbis, Paliokaravo, Loutsa, Aetos and Pisso Aetos. But it's best to discover Kinos, Sarakiniko and especially Ghidaki and Filiatro by caique.The protected bay of Vathi, with its deep waters, offers an ideal refuge for boats. However, the island's first inhabitants settled in the surrounding hills, and the port was only populated in the Middle Ages. Vathi became the island's capital in the 17th century, before being partially destroyed by the 1953 earthquake. Explore the charming village and stroll its streets. A stroll along the quayside will take you past some beautiful mansions and pleasant cafés. The town has been successfully rebuilt, and the little houses with their red-tiled roofs have a charming air about them. Alternatively, a 30-minute stroll will take you to the grotto of the Nymphs, where Ulysses hid the treasure of the Phaeacians. As for beaches, Dexia beach, a 5-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) to the north-west, is pleasant and shaded by pretty olive trees. From a practical point of view, Vathi is often a good place to find accommodation. On the museum front, take a trip to the Naval and Folklore Museum. Here you can discover what the rich interiors of the shipowners of yesteryear were like...