| Ithaca is Kefalonia's smaller neigbour that lies to the east of the island. Few visitors make the effort to come across to this wonderfully interesting island. Throughout the summer there are plenty of ferries which ply the straits.
Ithaca is essentially two islands, north and south. To the north, there are the strange and forgotten villages of Anoghi and Exoghi which used to serve as the principal towns of the north until pirate raids ended in the 17th Century. There is also the charming ports of Frikes and the picturesque harbour of Kioni, which has for a long time been one of those closely guarded secrets.
The whole of the northern region is great for exploring and wherever you go, you will never be far from the sea. At Pilicata, the region just above Stavros, there are views of three seas which many believe qualifies this area as the most likely site for Odysseus's castle. The tiny musuem at Stavros houses many of the finds made locally.
In the south there is the capital of Vathy to explore with its tiny backstreets and it low-slung waterfront. Not far from here is the agricultural heart of the south, Perahori. Perched high above the port, Perahori has a loyal following of visitors who each year come to stay in the village as part of a popular agrotourism project. Click the box to the right to find out more details about staying in the village.
Friends of the Ionian have published five trails for Ithaca, which include, Kioni, Frikes, Stavros, Exoghi and in the south, Perahori.
Local historian and avid walker, Denis Sikiotis has recently started a scheme to reopen many of the trails that once used to criss-cross the whole of the island. In the coming years, Ithaca is sure to become a hot destination for those who enjoy walking and wildlife. | 
the great bay of Asphales 
the charming harbour of Kioni 
