Ithaca

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	| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | [[Image:Greece_IhacaS.jpg|350px]]Satellite view of Ithaca - ''Click for larger view''		| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | [[Image:Greece_IhacaS.jpg|350px]]Satellite view of Ithaca - ''Click for larger view''
-	|}{{TOCleft}}[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ithaka Ithaca]  or Ithake (Ιθάκη) or Ithaka has an area of about 95 km<sup>2</sup>, is 29 Km long and 6.5 km wide. There are about 2500 inhabitants. It is a beautiful island, a favorite, in the Ionian.	+	|}{{TOCleft}}[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ithaka Ithaca]  or Ithake (Ιθάκη) or Ithaka has an area of about 95 km<sup>2</sup>, is 29 km long and 6.5 km wide. It is separated from [[Kefalonia]], its near neighbour on the W side, by a two mile wide channel, the Steno Ithakis. One of the smaller Ionian islands of [[Greece]], it has about 2500 inhabitants, the majority of them living in the island.s capital and main ferry port, [[Vathi]]. Apart from its historic connections (many experts identify it with the Ithaca of Odysseus of Homeric fame), Ithaca is undeniably a beautiful island and many cruisers’ favorite among the Ionian islands. See [[History of Ithaca]] for further details. Consisting of two separate landmasses joined by a narrow isthmus, there are three harbours suitable for yachts, [[Vathi]], which lies at the head of a large gulf in the centre of the island’s E coast, and the smaller harbours of [[Kioni]] and [[Frikes]] on the NE coast. All offer shelter from the prevailing NW winds - although Vathi can be uncomfortable if on the main quay - but the latter two harbours are very uncomfortable and potentially even dangerous in strong SE or E winds. In addition, there are a number of anchorages around the island that are usable in appropriate weather conditions.
-		+
-	Ithaca has a long history. As everyone knows, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenian Mycenian] Ithaca was the home of [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Odysseus.html Odysseus]. During this time (1500-1100 B.C.) Ithaca rose to the highest level of its ancient history. The island became the capital of the Cephalonians states, which included the surrounding islands, and the opposite lands, and was referred to as one of the most powerful states of that time. The lthacans were characterized as great navigators and explorers with daring expeditions reaching further than the Mediterranean Sea. On [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_times classical times] the island was under the influence of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Corinth Corinth] and declined. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire Roman times] (180 B.C.-394 A.D.) the island was part of the province of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illyria Illyria]. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_empire Byzantine times] (394-1185 A.D.) Ithaca was annexed to [[Kefalonia|Cephallonia]] and both islands were under the authority of the Epirus province. The Byzantine Empire coerced the population into paying heavy taxes for any property or income they owned. The inhabitants had to deal with invasions from pirates, which forced them to seek refuge up in the mountains, where they established their homes and remained there until the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venetian_Republic Venetian] rule. During this period the Christian religion was instituted and churches and monasteries were erected in different areas of Ithaca. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normans#In_Byzantium Norman Occupation] (1185-1204 AD.) is the first in a number of continuous but rather short dominations, which altogether lasted for almost three centuries.	+
-		+
-	During the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusade#Fourth_Crusade_1202.E2.80.931204 Crusades] the Normans ruled Ithaca which became part of the Cephallonian-Zante county and was somewhat neglected. The county is ceded by the Normans to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orsini Orsini Family] of Rome (1204-1357 A.D.) who controlled the island by force with the cooperation of the pirates. The Orsinis' rule was ended by King Richard of Napoli, who placed the county under the jurisdiction of the Toques Family (1357-1479 A.D.) The Toques strengthened the county developing it into an independent state with a well equipped army and a naval fleet. They kept their authority until 1479. They abandoned the islands when they were informed that the then very powerful Turks were planning to annex the island to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_Empire Ottoman Empire]. In 1479 the Turkish forces landed on the islands setting the villages on fire, plundering, killing people and taking them captives. Ithaca became desolate and isolated. Many of the people fled from the island out of fear of the Turkish occupiers. Those that remained, were hiding up in the mountains to avoid the pirates who controlled the channel between Cephallonia and Ithaca and the bays of the island. In the following five years the Turks, Toques and Venetians placed claims on the islands diplomatically. The possession of the islands were finally given to the Turkish Empire (1484-1499 A.D.). During this time the Venetians had strengthened into major power with an organized fleet. The Ionian islands were part of their pursuits, and in 1499 a war between the Venetians and the Turks started. Ithaca, and the other islands were besieged by the allied fleets of the Venetians and the Spanish. The fleets prevailed, and from 1500 A.D. the Venetians controlled the islands. According to a treaty of 1503, Ithaca, Cephallonia and Zante belonged to the Venetians, and Lefkas to the Turks.	+
-		+
-	The Venetian rule (1504-1797 A.D.) of Ithaca officially began in 1504 with an appointed governor representing Venice. In order to build up Ithaca, the Venetians offered the sale of land for cultivation leaving a tax free period for the first five years. During the Venetian occupation Ithaca was considered a semi-independent island ruled with a liberal and democratic system, and was the only Ionian island where no aristocracy, upper and lower classes existed. Production, export and shipping were the main factors of the economical and social improvement on the island. The population steadily increased to 4,500 by the middle of the 17th century and reached a total of 10,000 at the end of the Venetian period. In that period the systematic cultivation, especially that of the raisin, which large amounts were exported, brought about a better economical situation for the people. In the same century ships were built on the island to confront the pirates. Within a short period of time a remarkable naval force was created with the over fifty large ships in its fleet and many excellent sailors from the population.	+
-		+
-	A few years after the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_revolution French Revolution], the Ionian area came under the rule of the French Democrats (1797-1798 A.D.) and the island became the honorary capital of Cephallonia, Lefkas, and part of the Greek mainland which formed the Ithaca country. The population welcomed the French, who took care in the control of the administrative and judicial systems, but later the heavy taxation they demanded, caused a feeling of indignation among the people. During this short historical period the new ideas of system and social structure greatly influenced the inhabitants of the island. At the end of 1798 the French were succeeded by Russia and Turkey (1798-1807 A.D.) which were allies at that time. [[Corfu]] became the capital of the Ionian States, and the form of government was democratic with a fourteen member senate in which Ithaca had one representative. The Ithaca fleet flourished when it was allowed to carry cargo up to the ports of the Black Sea. In 1807, according to an agreement with Turkey the Ionian islands, once again, came under the French rule (1807-1809 A.D.). The French quickly began preparing to face the English fleet, which had become very powerful, by building a fort in Vathy.	+
-		+
-	In 1809 England gained possession of the Ionian Sea and Ithaca after the siege on the French fort at Vathy. Under the English rule (1809-1864  A.D.) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_the_Ionian_Islands The United States of the Ionian Islands] was formed, governed by a constitution, which was imposed in 1817, and Ithaca was represented in the Ionian Senate by one member. In the years of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Revolution Greek Revolution] against the Turkish occupation, Ithaca was one of the islands where hospitality and medical care were offered to the revolutionaries. A number of Ithacans also participated in the Greek fleet. The population steadily increased and reached a total of 15,000 by the end of the English period. A few people emigrated most drawn to Romania, the number of sailors were increasing and several Ithacans kept high positions either in intellectual or financial areas in Europe. The island and the people were progressing in all fields and there was a lot of construction including that of the road from Vathy to Northern Ithaca. During the last years of the English rule three main parties were formed. The most important of the three was the ''Radical Party'' which supported the Union with Greece. Finally, because of the international situation in Europe, and after a series of negotiations, England granted the Ionian islands to Greece in 1864.	+
-		+
-	In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWII WWII] the island was first occupied by the Italians who were followed by the Germans. During this time the inhabitants suffered. A 7.2 earthquake damaged  most of the buildings in the 1953 and many had to be rebuild. Finally in more recent times, Ithaca, like many other Greek islands, was invaded by the tourists.	+
	==Charts==		==Charts==
	; BA		; BA
	: 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi<br/>		: 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi<br/>
-	: 1557 Argostoli Port
	; Imray-Tetra		; Imray-Tetra
	: G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos		: G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
Line 51:		Line 38:
	==Approach and Navigation==		==Approach and Navigation==
-	All approaches are straightforward. Be prepared for some strong katabatic winds entering the outer harbour.	+	All the harbour approaches are straightforward, but be prepared for some strong gusts in the prevailing NW winds when entering them – especially Vathi.  See individual port entries for details.  Shelter in the harbours is mostly good in  the prevailing W/NW winds but less good in strong easterlies – especially Kioni and Frikes, which could become dangerous.  Vathi experiences a brisk afternoon seabreeze most days of up to F4-5, which causes an unpleasant chop for a few hours but usually dies down by nightfall.
	==Berthing Options==		==Berthing Options==
	===Ports===		===Ports===
-	==== Vathi  ====	+	All the principal harbours of the island are on the more sheltered E coast. From N to S the harbours are:
-	[[Image:Ithaca Vathi h.jpg|thumb|right|345px|Chart of Vathi<br />''Click for larger view'']]	+
-		+
-	[[Image:World icon.png]] {{Coord|38|21.91|N|20|43.11|E|}}<br />	+
-	Vathi (Βαθύ) or Vathy or Port Vathi is the main harbor of the island. You can either moor stern-to along the western quay or anchor off the E side. The bottom is mud and weed and the holding is not always good.	+
-		+
-	When approaching Vathi bay you will find on the left site a restaurant with a quay. This one is usually well occupied which also means it must be good. The north side of the harbor is quite shallow which is good for motor but not so good for sailing boats. The southwest part provides better depth for sailing boats but don't go to far into the bay. When the ferry comes traffic toward the town and noise will increase dramatically. [[User:Rodger|Rodger]] 08:08, 6 May 2010 (UTC)	+
-		+
-	=====Last Visited  Details Checked (and updated here)=====	+
-	''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop &amp; this page's details validated'':	+
-		+
-	*June 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece Icon.png]]	+
-	*June 2009 --[[User:Rodger|Rodger]] [[Image:Luxembourg-icon.png]]	+
-	*May 2012 - [[User:Monterey|Monterey]] [[Image:Bermuda Icon.png]]	+
-		+
-	<div style="clear: right;">[[Image:Ithake1.jpg|300px|thumb|center|Approaching Vathi<br />''Click for larger view'']]</div>	+
	====Frikes====		====Frikes====
-	[[Image:Ithaca Frikes h.jpg|thumb|right|345px|Chart of Frikes<br />''Click for larger view'']]	+	See separate wiki page for [[Frikes]].
-		+
-	[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|38|27.6|N|20|39.89|E|}}<br />	+
-	Frikes (Φρίκες) is a small harbor in the NE. You can moor side-to, if there is room. The small village is charming and the food is good.	+
-		+
-	=====Last Visited &amp; Details Checked (and updated here)=====	+
-	''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop &amp; this page's details validated'':	+
-		+
-	*July 1988 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece Icon.png]]	+
-	*May 2010 Although Frikes is a nice little place, it is treacherous if the wind changes to the East and is funneled into the harbour. This happened to me in 2008 and we nearly had the boat washed up onto the north quay. Pilot books warn of the prevailing westerly, but not the easterlies.Suggest you are&nbsp;not tempted to moor alongside north quay. --[[User:Fourplay|Fourplay]] 13:01, 8 May 2010 (UTC)	+
-		+
-	<center style="clear: both;><gallery perrow="2" heights="200px" widths="200px" caption="Frikes">	+
-	Image:Ithaca_Frike2.jpg|''Click for larger view''	+
-	Image:Ithaca_Frikes1.jpg|''Click for larger view''	+
-	</gallery></center>	+
	====Kioni====		====Kioni====
-	[[Image:Ithaca_Kioni_h.jpg|345px|thumb|right|Chart of Kioni<br />''Click for larger view'']]	+	See separate wiki page for [[Kioni]].
-	[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|38|26.9|N|20|41.5|E|}}<br />	+	==== Vathi  ====
-	Kioni (Κιόνι) or Port Kioni is a pleasant village. Anchor on the S corner or moor stern-to the north quay. The bottom is hard mud and weed. Holding is not always good.Charter fleets may be stern-to two deep along the quay. The village is over run with feral cats so mind your passarelle is well of the dock.	+	See separate Wiki page for [[Vathi, Ithaca]]
-		+
-	<font color="red">Warning:</font> Strong down down-draughts and gusts from the NW.	+
-		+
-	=====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)=====	+
-	''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':	+
-	* June 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]	+
-	* July 2005 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Atheneoflymington]] 16:55, 12 January 2010 (UTC)	+
-	* June 2011 --[[User:Monterey|Monterey]] [[Image:Bermuda Icon.png]]	+
-		+
-	<div style="clear: both;">	+
-	[[Image:Kioni.jpeg|center|thumb|350px|Cooling off in Kioni<br />''Click for larger view'']]	+
-	</div>	+
	===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===		===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
Line 130:		Line 76:
	* June 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]		* June 1995 --[[User:Istioploos|Istioploos]] [[Image:Greece_Icon.png]]
	*		*
-
-	<center style="clear: both;"><gallery  widths="200px" heights="200px" perrow="2">
-	Image:Ithaca_PoliBeach.jpg|Polis
-	Image:Ithaca_Polis1.jpg|Early Morning: Ithaca in the Mist<br/>''Click for larger view''
-	</gallery></center>
	====Sarakino Point====		====Sarakino Point====
Line 146:		Line 87:
	[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|38|20.1|N|20|44.8|E|}}<br />		[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|38|20.1|N|20|44.8|E|}}<br />
-	Parapigadi Island is a pleasant and deserted anchorage. Anchor in 4-5 m between Ithake and the island. Reasonable holding. There are also 2 small coves just few hundred meters to the south.	+	Parapigadi Island is a pleasant and deserted anchorage. Anchor in 4-5 m between Ithaca and the island. Reasonable holding. There are also two small coves just a few hundred meters to the south.
	<font color="red">Warning:</font> It is reported that large rats live on the island. Do not tie a line to the small quay.		<font color="red">Warning:</font> It is reported that large rats live on the island. Do not tie a line to the small quay.
Line 164:		Line 105:
	====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====		====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
	; Fuel		; Fuel
-	: In [[#Vathi|Vathi]], there is a fuel dock on the East side. Mind your depth as you come alongside. In 2012 they only accepted cash which is availiable at a bank machine in the centre of town (1 km).	+	: In [[#Vathi|Vathi]], there is a fuel quay on the East side. Depths at the end are 2.75 metres but it is less than a metre towards the root. In 2012 they only accepted cash which is available at a bank machine in the centre of town (1 km).
	; Water		; Water
	: In [[#Vathi|Vathi]]a water truck will come by the western quay. Enquire at the adjacent taverna for their telephone number.		: In [[#Vathi|Vathi]]a water truck will come by the western quay. Enquire at the adjacent taverna for their telephone number.
	: In Kioni a water hose is passed along the quay for a modest fee		: In Kioni a water hose is passed along the quay for a modest fee
	; Electricity		; Electricity
-	: N/A	+	: None
	==Things to do Ashore==		==Things to do Ashore==
	====Tourism====		====Tourism====
		+	There are several sites associated (at least, for the benefit of tourists, even if the archaeologists disagree) with Homer’s Odyssey.  The Cave of the Nymphs is a dingy cleft in the rocks leading to a cave which can be entered by a rickety ladder (take a torch).  It lies up a side road 1.5 kilometres out of Vathi on the road N.  The Fountain of Arethusa is at the SE end of the island and is a long, dusty trek from the road along a dirt track.  More tangible evidence of what may have been the palace of Odysseus (at any rate, the remains are of the right Mycenaean period) is the mountaintop acropolis of Alalkomenes off the road a few kilometers further N from the Cave of the Nymphs.  A hard uphill trek of around 1.5 hours brings you to the impressive walls of the settlement, with superb views N over the island.  Further archaeological evidence of Mycenaean settlement can be found at Pelikata near the town of Stavros at the N end of Ithaca.  Finally, the route back to Vathi along the spine of the island, via the village of Anogi, has spectacular views down over Vathi.  The church of Agia Panagia in the village has some (sadly not very well preserved) Byzantine frescoes, which can be spied through the windows if the church is not open.
		+	<center style="clear: both;><gallery perrow="3" heights="220px" widths="300px" caption="Ithaca">
		+	Image:CaveNymphs.jpg| Entrance to the Cave of the Nymphs <br />''Click for larger view''
		+	Image:ViewAlalkomenes.jpg | View north from Alalkomenes <br />''Click for larger view''
		+	Image:CisternAlalkomenes.jpg | Ancient water cistern, Alalkomenes <br />''Click for larger view''
		+	</gallery></center>
		+
		+
	=====In Vathi=====		=====In Vathi=====
	The [http://www.greeka.com/ionian/ithaca/ithaca-museums.htm Archaeological Museum] has exhibits from the Geometric to the Roman periods.		The [http://www.greeka.com/ionian/ithaca/ithaca-museums.htm Archaeological Museum] has exhibits from the Geometric to the Roman periods.
	=====Stavros=====		=====Stavros=====
-	It is believed that Odysseus' [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/SUITORSPENELOPE.html palace] was located here. There is a small [http://www.ithaki.gr/el/museums.html Museum].	+	One of the theories places Odysseus' [http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/SUITORSPENELOPE.html palace] here (the other possible location is Alalkomenes). There is a small [http://www.ithaki.gr/el/museums.html Museum] in the town.
	====Grocery & Supply Stores====		====Grocery & Supply Stores====
-	* Good shopping in [[#Vathi|Vathi]]	+	* Good shopping in [[#Vathi|Vathi]].  Limited elsewhere.
	* The local wine is worth buying		* The local wine is worth buying
	*		*
	====Eateries====		====Eateries====
-	* In [[#Vathi|Vathi]] Nickos near the square is one of the best tavernas in the Ionian. Great roast meats and prepared Greek dishes	+	* In [[#Vathi|Vathi]] Nickos near the square is one of the best tavernas in the Ionian. Great roast meats and prepared Greek dishes.
-	* In [[#Vathi|Vathi]], try the ''Eumeos'' (''Εύμαιος''), there are also several other tavernas there	+	* In [[#Vathi|Vathi]], try the ''Eumeos'' (''Εύμαιος''), there are also several other tavernas there.
	* Good food in [[#Frikes|Frikes]]		* Good food in [[#Frikes|Frikes]]
Line 196:		Line 145:
	====Motorbike & Car Rentals====		====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
-	In [[#Vathi|Vathi]].	+	In [[#Vathi|Vathi]].  Alpha Rentals have good scooters, often with low mileage on them.
	====Garbage Disposal====		====Garbage Disposal====
-	There are bins around the harbor and in several anchorages.	+	There are bins around all the harbours and in several anchorages.
	====Transportation====		====Transportation====
-	There are daily ferries to [[#Kefalonia|Cephalonia]] and [[Patras]].	+	* Ferries to [[Sami]] on [[Kefalonia]] and [[Patras]] from [[Vathi]]
		+	* Seasonal ferries from [[Vathi]] to [[Astakos]] on mainland and [[Nidri]] on [[Lefkas]]
	==Routes/Passages To/From==		==Routes/Passages To/From==
Line 212:		Line 162:
	==Forum Discussions==		==Forum Discussions==
	List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')		List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
-	*
	*		*
Line 226:		Line 175:
	Personal experiences?		Personal experiences?
	* Vathi is an attractive large port that should always have room and shelter. There is frequently a strong katabatic wind as you enter the harbour approach in an afternoon NE wind that can surprise you.[[User:Monterey|Monterey]] June 2012		* Vathi is an attractive large port that should always have room and shelter. There is frequently a strong katabatic wind as you enter the harbour approach in an afternoon NE wind that can surprise you.[[User:Monterey|Monterey]] June 2012
-	*	+	* Frikes can be dangerous under certain conditions, especially when large ferries pass too close to the island.  Read the instructions on the Wiki page with care before you moor up there. [[User:atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]
	====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)====		====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)====

---

Revision as of 13:08, 15 June 2013

Ithaca

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Ithaca.

(Click links for more information)
	38°21.91′N, 20°43.11′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Satellite view of Ithaca - Click for larger view

Contents 1 Ithaca 2 Charts 3 Radio Nets 4 Weather 5 Approach and Navigation 6 Berthing Options 6.1 Ports 6.1.1 Frikes 6.1.2 Kioni 6.1.3 Vathi 6.2 Marinas & Yacht Clubs 6.3 Anchorages 6.3.1 Polis 6.3.1.1 Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) 6.3.2 Sarakino Point 7 Offshore Islands 7.1 Parapigadi Island 7.1.1 Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) 8 Yacht Services and Repairs 8.1 Marine Stores 8.2 Repairs/Yards 8.3 Fuel, Water, & Electricity 9 Things to do Ashore 9.1 Tourism 9.1.1 In Vathi 9.1.2 Stavros 9.2 Grocery & Supply Stores 9.3 Eateries 9.4 Internet/WiFi 9.5 Laundry 9.6 Motorbike & Car Rentals 9.7 Garbage Disposal 9.8 Transportation 10 Routes/Passages To/From 11 Cruiser's Friends 12 Forum Discussions 13 External Links 14 References & Publications 15 Personal Notes 15.1 Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) 16 Contributors to this page 17 Cruising Wiki Navigation

Ithaca or Ithake (Ιθάκη) or Ithaka has an area of about 95 km², is 29 km long and 6.5 km wide. It is separated from Kefalonia, its near neighbour on the W side, by a two mile wide channel, the Steno Ithakis. One of the smaller Ionian islands of Greece, it has about 2500 inhabitants, the majority of them living in the island.s capital and main ferry port, Vathi. Apart from its historic connections (many experts identify it with the Ithaca of Odysseus of Homeric fame), Ithaca is undeniably a beautiful island and many cruisers’ favorite among the Ionian islands. See History of Ithaca for further details. Consisting of two separate landmasses joined by a narrow isthmus, there are three harbours suitable for yachts, Vathi, which lies at the head of a large gulf in the centre of the island’s E coast, and the smaller harbours of Kioni and Frikes on the NE coast. All offer shelter from the prevailing NW winds - although Vathi can be uncomfortable if on the main quay - but the latter two harbours are very uncomfortable and potentially even dangerous in strong SE or E winds. In addition, there are a number of anchorages around the island that are usable in appropriate weather conditions.

Charts

BA

203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi

Imray-Tetra

G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos

NIMA

54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti

Greek

30 Kefalonia, Ithaki

Radio Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
• Olympia Radio - VHF channel 03

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

• See Ionian Sea Weather
• Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides

Approach and Navigation

All the harbour approaches are straightforward, but be prepared for some strong gusts in the prevailing NW winds when entering them – especially Vathi. See individual port entries for details. Shelter in the harbours is mostly good in the prevailing W/NW winds but less good in strong easterlies – especially Kioni and Frikes, which could become dangerous. Vathi experiences a brisk afternoon seabreeze most days of up to F4-5, which causes an unpleasant chop for a few hours but usually dies down by nightfall.

Berthing Options

Ports

All the principal harbours of the island are on the more sheltered E coast. From N to S the harbours are:

Frikes

See separate wiki page for Frikes.

Kioni

See separate wiki page for Kioni.

Vathi

See separate Wiki page for Vathi, Ithaca

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Polis

Sketch of Polis

38°26.36′N, 20°38.39′E

That very Moment
great Odysseus woke from sleep on native ground at last—
he'd been away for years—but failed to know the land,
for the goddess Pallas Athena, Zeus's daughter,
showered mist over all ...

Odyssey Book 13:213 (Trans Robert Fagles)

Polis (Πόλις) is the cove where it is believed that Odysseus first landed on his return to Ithaca. Anchor in the middle of the cove. It safe to leave the boat and visit Stavros, about 30 minutes uphill, where it is believed that Odysseus' palace was located.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 1995 --Istioploos

Sarakino Point

Is a small cove N of Parapigadi Island.

Offshore Islands

• Kefalonia

Parapigadi Island

38°20.1′N, 20°44.8′E
Parapigadi Island is a pleasant and deserted anchorage. Anchor in 4-5 m between Ithaca and the island. Reasonable holding. There are also two small coves just a few hundred meters to the south.

Warning: It is reported that large rats live on the island. Do not tie a line to the small quay.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 1988 --Istioploos

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None, only fishing supplies.

Repairs/Yards

Minimal.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

In Vathi, there is a fuel quay on the East side. Depths at the end are 2.75 metres but it is less than a metre towards the root. In 2012 they only accepted cash which is available at a bank machine in the centre of town (1 km).

Water

In Vathia water truck will come by the western quay. Enquire at the adjacent taverna for their telephone number.

In Kioni a water hose is passed along the quay for a modest fee

Electricity

None

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

There are several sites associated (at least, for the benefit of tourists, even if the archaeologists disagree) with Homer’s Odyssey. The Cave of the Nymphs is a dingy cleft in the rocks leading to a cave which can be entered by a rickety ladder (take a torch). It lies up a side road 1.5 kilometres out of Vathi on the road N. The Fountain of Arethusa is at the SE end of the island and is a long, dusty trek from the road along a dirt track. More tangible evidence of what may have been the palace of Odysseus (at any rate, the remains are of the right Mycenaean period) is the mountaintop acropolis of Alalkomenes off the road a few kilometers further N from the Cave of the Nymphs. A hard uphill trek of around 1.5 hours brings you to the impressive walls of the settlement, with superb views N over the island. Further archaeological evidence of Mycenaean settlement can be found at Pelikata near the town of Stavros at the N end of Ithaca. Finally, the route back to Vathi along the spine of the island, via the village of Anogi, has spectacular views down over Vathi. The church of Agia Panagia in the village has some (sadly not very well preserved) Byzantine frescoes, which can be spied through the windows if the church is not open.

Ithaca

Entrance to the Cave of the Nymphs Click for larger view

View north from Alalkomenes Click for larger view

Ancient water cistern, Alalkomenes Click for larger view

In Vathi

The Archaeological Museum has exhibits from the Geometric to the Roman periods.

Stavros

One of the theories places Odysseus' palace here (the other possible location is Alalkomenes). There is a small Museum in the town.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Good shopping in Vathi. Limited elsewhere.
• The local wine is worth buying

Eateries

• In Vathi Nickos near the square is one of the best tavernas in the Ionian. Great roast meats and prepared Greek dishes.
• In Vathi, try the Eumeos (Εύμαιος), there are also several other tavernas there.
• Good food in Frikes

Internet/WiFi

Internet Café in Vathi

Laundry

?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

In Vathi. Alpha Rentals have good scooters, often with low mileage on them.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around all the harbours and in several anchorages.

Transportation

• Ferries to Sami on Kefalonia and Patras from Vathi
• Seasonal ferries from Vathi to Astakos on mainland and Nidri on Lefkas

Routes/Passages To/From

• Cruising the Greek Ionian Sea

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Ithaca Wikipedia
• Odyssey

References & Publications

See Ionian Sea.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• Vathi is an attractive large port that should always have room and shelter. There is frequently a strong katabatic wind as you enter the harbour approach in an afternoon NE wind that can surprise you.Monterey June 2012
• Frikes can be dangerous under certain conditions, especially when large ferries pass too close to the island. Read the instructions on the Wiki page with care before you moor up there. Athene of Lymington

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

See individual ports, anchorages, and islands in this page.

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Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Rodger, Fourplay, Monterey

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