Ionian
Ithaca
Odysseus's home island — small, green, and profoundly unhurried.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Ithaca
Ithaca is one of the smallest and quietest of the Ionian islands, famous above all as the home of Odysseus. It has no big sandy beaches, no significant nightlife, and very little tourist infrastructure — which for the right traveller is the entire appeal. The landscape is dramatic and wooded, the sailing crowd loves it, and there is something genuinely special about the atmosphere in Vathy harbour in the evening.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very limited tourist infrastructure. Getting there requires planning and patience.
Hidden gem
Climb to the School of Homer ruins at sunrise — likely Odysseus' actual palace, almost always empty.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Ithaca — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Ithaca? +
- The best months to visit Ithaca are May to October. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Ithaca from Athens? +
- Ithaca has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Ithaca good for couples? +
- Ithaca is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Ithaca good for families with kids? +
- Ithaca is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Ithaca expensive? +
- Ithaca is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Ithaca? +
- You'll want a rental car on Ithaca — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Ithaca? +
- Very limited tourist infrastructure. Getting there requires planning and patience.