Polis Bay
The bay below the house is a deep, sheltered inlet on the west coast of Ithaca, with a pebble beach a short walk away. The water is clear and calm in the morning, yachts anchor here for the night, and the sun sets straight out over Kefalonia.
On the north side of the bay is the Polis cave, a sanctuary where archaeologists found offerings dedicated to Odysseus himself.
Stavros
The largest village in the north sits up the hill from the bay. Around its small square are cafés and tavernas, a bakery and shops for the essentials, enough for a week without driving far. Its small archaeological museum holds finds from the bay and the hills around it.
In the footsteps of Odysseus
Just above Stavros is the site known as the School of Homer, where archaeologists from the University of Ioannina have uncovered a Mycenaean-era complex that some believe was the palace of Odysseus. It is a short drive and an easy walk, best early or late in the day.
Villages and bays nearby
- Frikes
- A small harbour with waterside tavernas, and the summer ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia.
- Kioni
- A harbour village of old stone houses and windmills, one of the prettiest on the island.
- Afales Bay
- A wide, open bay on the north coast, for a quieter swim away from the boats.
- Anogi
- A mountain village with a frescoed Byzantine church and views over both coasts.
- Vathy
- The island capital: a harbour town in the south, about half an hour away by car.
How to get here
Ithaca has no airport, which is a large part of why it has stayed so calm. Most people arrive through Kefalonia, its neighbour across the channel.
Fly to Kefalonia (EFL)
Kefalonia International Airport has flights from Athens all year and direct flights from much of Europe in summer. From there, drive or take a taxi to Sami on Kefalonia's east coast.
Ferry from Sami to Pisaetos
The crossing takes around half an hour and runs all year, several times a day in summer. Pisaetos is a ferry ramp rather than a village, so arrange a car or taxi in advance.
Or, in summer, Fiskardo to Frikes
A seasonal ferry links Fiskardo in the north of Kefalonia with Frikes, a short drive from the house.
Drive north to Stavros
From Pisaetos the road climbs over the island and down into the north. Allow around half an hour. A car or scooter makes the whole island easy, since the bays and villages are spread out.
Timetables change from season to season, so check the current ones before you book. We are happy to help plan the journey.
When to come
July and August are hot, lively and busy with boats. June and September are warm enough to swim every day, with quieter roads and emptier bays. The sea is at its warmest from August into September.
