May there be many summer mornings when,
with what pleasure, what joy,
you enter harbours you’re seeing for the first time.
These lines were written by one of Greece’s most famous poets, C F Cavafy, who loved Ithaca so much, that the island inspired one of his greatest poems, simply titled Ithaca. It is an island ideal for relaxed exploration, although Odysseus might have disagreed as it took him ten years to land back on his kingdom after the fall of Troy, and even then he had to slaughter all his wife’s unwanted suitors before he could relax! Visitors nowadays have no such problems and exploring from the sea in one of our modern, comfortable and fully equipped boats is a unique and delightful way to enjoy Ithaca’s history and natural beauty.
Your adventure will start from our base in the historic, sheltered harbour of Vathi, the island’s main port, perfectly situated for exploring the varied and beautiful East coast of the island.
As you leave the harbour you’ll see Lazaretto Island with its tiny chapel and pine trees, then pass through the narrow entrance guarded by the old Venetian cannons on the headlands and out into the wider Aetos Gulf where the choice is yours.
Turn your bows to the North towards Mount Niritos the highest peak of the island then West to the long pebble beach of Aetos, The Eagle, named after the sharp peak above, home not only to eagles but also the ancient Acropolis of Alalkomenes. The northern coastline of the gulf is wild and uninhabited, but there are many beautiful tiny inlets, backed by pebble beaches to be discovered before you round the headland to reach the pretty harbour of Kioni, with its waterfront tavernas and shops. The coastline North Kioni is dotted with small, picturesque tree-lined beaches, perfect for swimming, leading to the equally attractive little port of Frikes, tucked into the deep valley below Mount Niritos and the hills of the Marmaka peninsula.
Or, head East from Vathi, passing the tiny chapel dedicated to St Andrew, on the tip of the southern headland and peaceful, tree-lined Skinos Bay before turning South along a spectacular, rugged coast of rocky headlands and inviting beaches, such as Gidaki and Filiatro together with many strikingly lovely smaller beaches, some nestling at the back of tiny coves, that are only accessible by boat, where you can enjoy wonderful tranquility. Sail on South again and you will come into the bay of Caminia, with its crescent of shining white pebbles close to the tree clad small island of Pera Pigadi. It has a small stone quay and makes a wonderful picnic spot, surrounded by waters so clear that every detail of the sandy sea bed far below can be seen. Across the bay from Pera Pigadi are further tiny, remote and peaceful beaches including one below the impressive crags of Korax, The Raven, the hidden cave of Eumaius and Arethusa’s Spring in a cleft of rock, all features associated with Homer’s epic tale, and all accessible from the beach by those with energy to spare!
Our aim at Ithaca Boats is to provide you with the best boats, expert professional support and our local knowledge to give you the freedom to discover this jewel of the Ionian for yourselves.
