Ithaca
From CruisersWiki
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Ithaca.
| Ithaca
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 Satellite view of Ithaca |
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
Communication
- 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
Passages
Islands
Parapigadi Island
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.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
Ports
All the principal harbours of the island are on the more sheltered E coast. From N to S these harbours are:
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Polis
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 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.Sarakino Point
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 Vathi a water truck will come by the western quay. Enquire at the adjacent taverna for their telephone number (it is also on a phone booth nearby).
- In Kioni a water hose is passed along the quay for a modest fee
- Makis +30 6979 687 862 has a water truck that services Vathi, Frikes and Kioni
- 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.
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 to Patras from Vathi
- Seasonal ferries from Vathi to Astakos on mainland and Nidri on Lefkas
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)
Links
- Ithaca at the Wikipedia
- Ithaca at the Wikivoyage
- Odyssey at the Wikipedia
- A yachtsman's video guide
References & Publications
See Ionian Sea.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
- 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
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Ithaca and this page's details validated:
- July 1988 (Parapigadi)--Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
- June 1995 (Polis) --Istioploos
- Sept 2014 --Threshold
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Rodger, Fourplay, Monterey |
