City break in Ithaka Island. Active leisure ideas for Ithaka Island - attractions, recreation and nightlife

Ithaka is a wonderful place for those who love walking. There are small paths linking all the main settlements with natural and historical attractions. A road to Stavros is a good example. There are amazing views on the way to the settlement. There are many hiking tracks on the island of different length. You can walk for a couple of hours or go camping to the main settlements for several days.

If you want, you can not only walk on foot on Ithaka. There are many bike paths on the island and you can easily rent a mountain bike in Vathy or Stavros. Be sure to visit the Cave of the Nymphs (known locally as Marmarospili). According to ancient legends, Odysseys hid the gifts from Alcinoe at that place. However, the real cave was closer to the beach, but it was destroyed because of the mining works. The cave is very beautiful, so every tourist should visit it.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Fountain of Arethusa. It is not only a picturesque place where you can drink clean water. There is a cave near the fountain where, according to the legends, lived Odysseys. He came to his island and found shelter at Evmey’s house. There is no evidence that it was that exact cave, but you should visit it and admire stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

You can rent a boat on Ithaka and go to nearby Arcoudi. The island is uninhabited now, but it was owned by the wealthy European people in the past. Their gorgeous mansions are still on the island, but they are almost destroyed by the time. Arcoudi had a name of Asterida in the past and scientists believe that Homer described this place in «Odyssey». But there is no real evidence of it, except for the description given in the poem.

A boat trip around Ithaka is an amazing journey. Picturesque views will please every traveller. Moreover, you can swim in the secluded bays where people get only by sea. If you want to go somewhere for a couple of days, Meganisi is the best choice. The island is famous for its sea caves and wonderful secluded bays. Green forests, beautiful mountains and «Greek» villages will make your holidays better.

You can also go to the open sea for fishing. Most of the locals engaged in fishing for many centuries. The island is an ideal place for this activity. Moreover, you can ask local fishermen to show you the basics of fishing techniques and teach you all the fishing "ins and outs". Moreover, you can easily buy or rent all the necessary fishing equipment. However, you can fish from the shore but sea fishing gives unforgettable emotions and experience. There are several diving sets on Ithaka which can be interesting for professionals and beginners. The underwater world of Ithaka is rich with different species of flora and fauna.

If you want to try snorkelling, try to find secluded places. For example, Gidaki and Mnimata beaches. Tria and Roboti are secluded and remote beaches too but it is hard to reach them. Equipment for surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking and waterskiing can be found near Polis and Agios Ioannis beaches. The second one is considered to be the most popular place on the island. Dexa is the best sand beach on Ithaka. There are several bars and clubs near the beach, where are held noisy parties. If you want to enjoy Greek nightlife, go to Vathy nightclubs or look for open-air night parties on the beaches.