Legendary Greek Ithaca - one of the Ionian Islands. It is located to the east of the north-west coast of Kefalonia, from which separated a small strait. This small, picturesque island is literally surrounded by greenery. Ithaca is often referred to as the birthplace of Homer's Odyssey, but reliable evidence of this was found.

Most likely, the island was inhabited as early as 3000-2000 years BC, but its greatest economic and cultural prosperity in Ithaca reached the Mycenaean period (1500-1100 BC). It is believed that the island was the capital of the Kingdom of the Ionian, which has been one of the most powerful states of that time, and the port of Ithaca played an important role in trade relations around the Mediterranean. Over time, the impact of Ithaca and its population has significantly decreased, but, nevertheless, the island continued to live their pretty active life (as evidenced by archaeological excavations). The island has repeatedly changed their masters. One after another came the Romans, Franks, Byzantines, Turks, Venetians, French, English ... It was not until 1864, when Ithaca with the other Ionian Islands joined Greece.

The capital of the island of Ithaca is a city of Vathi, which is located on the shore of one of the largest natural harbors in the world. This cozy town with mostly two-story houses roofed with red tiles, narrow streets, paved with stone blocks and architectural reminders of the Venetian era. City harbor in the holiday season is full of beautiful white yachts. The city is worth visiting the small Archaeological Museum and Museum of Folklore and Culture. Not far from the Vati is a legendary cave of the nymphs, the source of Arethusa and the ruins of the ancient city Alalkomena. Interesting

Archaeological Museum is also in the town of Stavros (the second largest town of the island). It preserves ancient relics found in the cave Loizou and excavations on the hill near the town Pelikata. But the main attraction, of course, are the ruins of the ancient palace, which many historians describe as the possession of the legendary Odysseus.

Ithaca is famous for its picturesque beaches and beautiful secluded bays with crystal clear waters and fascinating ancient history of the island every year attract more and more tourists.