Three kilometres to the northwest lies the so-called
Cave of the Nymphs (Nimfon Cave). Here according to the myth,
Odysseus hid the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians who deposited
him upon Ithaca's shores ten long years after the end of the Trojan
War.
Also worth visiting is the medieval Monastery of the Archangels
at Perahori. North of the capital and 600 metres above sea level,
the Kathara Monastery (Moni Katharon) has a unique view of
the island from its bell tower.
On the horizon you can make out the mountains of Akarnania, the
Echinades islets, the peaks of Zakinthos, the eastern coast of Cephalonia
and even the entrance to the Gulf of Patras.
The bay of Polis to the west is the site of another cave
(Loizos' cave). Ôhis one yielded up sherds on which were carved
inscriptions testifying to the worship of Artemis, Hera and Athena.
Åíen more interesting, in the cave were also found recently twelve
tripods similar to the other that the Phaeacians were supposed to
have given to Odysseus.
Stavros, a village 17 kilometres northwest
of Ithaki, is a good base from which to explore the northern section
of the island. About 1 kilometre north of Stavros is Pelikata;
excavations ïn this hillside between the bays of Polis and Frikes
brought to light remains of a small Bronze Age settlement. The finds
unearthed there reinforce the theory that the ancient city of Ithaca
lies somewhere in the vicinity. Kioni and Frikes,
typically lonian villages, on the northeast coast are unspoilt,
wonderful places for a short excursion or an extended sojourn.
Ithaca offers lovely beaches for bathing, caves for
exploring and uncrowded hamlets where noisy nightlife is unheard
of.
"When you set out
for Ithaca", wrote the poet Constantine Kavafis.
He was refering to Ithaca as one's ultimate destination. Thus, Ithaca,
this verdant lonian island, may become your ïwn favourite place,
a place that draws you back year after year, when yïu plan your
summer holiday. |
accommodation | 
