As the ship entered the port of Piso Aetos, an August breakfast about ten years ago, I was surprised to see that Ithaca was not the classic green island of the Ionian Sea, with huge olive trees, cypress trees and myrtle trees.
There nature was more sparing. I remember more of something low olive trees lined up on a pretty stone ground. This was the first image, which, if nothing else, inspired and nothing magnificent for the place.
Yet, a few kilometers away was the coastal capital of the island, Vathy, which was distinguished for its discreet graphicness and tranquility, despite the shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and elegant hotels that harmoniously mingle in the landscape.
From then on, each of our choices was accompanied by a pleasant surprise. The beaches, the food, the locals, the paths, the green mountainous Ithaca were a package so special that you rarely meet it in one place. So let's talk about (some) of the places worth visiting and the seas you will dive into.
Ithaca is an island with a history of 6,000 years. It was first inhabited by the Neolithic Age. Though Odysseus' palace has not yet been revealed, the excavations have managed to bring to light more than thirty archaeological sites. There are also two Archaeological Museums on the island. One is located in Vathi, behind the beach, where objects from the excavations to the south of the island are exposed, while at the Archaeological Collection of Northern Ithaca, in the village of Stavros are exhibited the findings of the excavations to the north. You can also visit the Nautical - Folklore Museum, located in Vathi.
Although the island is overwhelmed by tourists, it has, to a large extent, kept its image and its authenticity, at least as far as the architecture of the structure is concerned. A characteristic settlement of beautiful beauty is Kioni. Set in an enclosed bay, it stands out for its beautiful and simple stone houses and, among them, the pieces of modern shops.
Opposite the beautiful Vathy is an island, the Savior or Lazareto. On top of it is a small 17th-century church, and there is also a building that was used in difficult times as an infectious one.
The word lazaretto is indissolubly linked to the concept of an infectious agent, and it is easy to see the story behind this verb if it considers that a corresponding island, with the same exploitation and the same name, is located in Corfu and Chania, that is, cities that occupy them centuries past the Venetians.
On September 7, one of the biggest festivals of the island, in a place of particular, great religious and historical value, The monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa, which is celebrated as the patron saint of the island, is located at the Homeric mount Nerios, the only spot on the island. It is built in 1696 and is one of the island's attractions.
There is a medieval village, in the mountainous part of the island, Anogi. It is the oldest village in Ithaca and is known for its unique prehistoric grandeur of monument, also known as "menir". Between the rocks, created as you will see them with the sole care of nature, stands Araklis with a height of 8 meters!
Another unique element of the island is its bottom of the sea. For lovers of scuba diving, and for those who want to experience Ithaca for the first time, with the beautiful Posidonia meadows, the caves and the reefs, it is ideal.
Outside the village of Stavros is Loizos cave. The name was taken by the homonymous man who became rich when he discovered ancient gold coins he would find accidentally in the cave. In this place, besides ancient loot, statues of deities were discovered for Artemis, Athena, Hera and other gods and goddesses. Experts believe that these findings indicate that the cave was a center of worship, from the Early Helladic period to the first century AD.
The beaches of Ithaca are not endless. They are usually small or slightly larger creeks. But they are so wonderful. Gidaki, a secluded beach with access from the sea (with a boat that leaves from Vathi) or 4x4 by road, is the queen of beaches. The small pebble, sweet and hollow pebble, where there is no sand, the waters a dream and a bar to offer that cool you need.
The list goes on, of course, with Skino (at the bottom picture), Agios Ioannis, Filiatro, Aphalas, Sarakiniko, Loutsa, Kurvoulia, Afales and Aspro Gialos. Other drowned in the green, other sandy or pebble, but with water you want to dive to drink!
With intense influences from the Venetian period, as is the case throughout the Ionian Sea, traditional dishes are distinguished by flavors that are worth trying. Tserepa chicken, made in a clay pan, the shrimp-pie, the savoro fish, the sweet poulenda with sugar, corn flour and raisins, and the fig-pies are the classic representatives of the local cuisine.
But there is a sweet, roveni made of rice, honey and oil, and it is exquisitely accompanied by ice cream, that is to say on the hot afternoons of August.
There are two other things that are rarely found in a travel guide for Ithaca, but it is worthwhile to observe and then you will love this place a bit more.
One is the routes on the island. A large part of the road is at such a height and distance from the sea that the trips in the island are an experience of their own. The passenger especially can relax and gaze at the beautiful view unfolding at every turn. Enjoy the tranquility and the sweet blue of the Ionian Sea. The driver unfortunately needs to be less relaxed.
The second interesting feature is a monument located in a corner of the capital of the island, dedicated to the National Resistance of the locals developed during the Italian-German occupation. Behind the cosmopolitan showcase of the island, there is a place with a brilliant history that even links Ithaca with its older sister, Cephalonia. The monuments and locals are ready to talk to you.
information: www.discovergreece.com, www.ithacanews.gr
By Dr Angel,
Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
