Ithaca, the small Greek island immortalized in Homer's Odyssey as the birthplace of King Odysseus, is experiencing renewed attention following Christopher Nolan's epic film adaptation of the ancient tale. Measuring just 37 square miles and home to a permanent population of only 2,000, Ithaca is one of the smallest Ionian Islands, second only to Paxos at 9.8 square miles.
Myth and Reality Intertwine
Historians have long debated whether Homer's description of Ithaca matches the modern island or places like Paliki on Kefalonia. Some scholars even question Homer's existence, suggesting The Odyssey may have been written by a collective. Regardless, modern-day Ithaca remains far quieter than other Greek destinations. In 2025, Greece welcomed 43.31 million tourists, a 6.4% increase from 2024, but Ithaca sees only 20,000 to 30,000 visitors annually. By contrast, Zakynthos, dubbed the 'capital of overtourism,' had six million overnight stays in 2023 against a population of 40,000—150 stays per resident.
Things to Do on Ithaca
Ithaca offers pristine beaches like Gedaki, with its crystal-clear waters and crescent shape, as well as Filiatro and Polis beaches. Vathy Bay provides charming views across red-topped houses. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking, or hire a bike to explore the hilly terrain. Accommodation options have expanded from a single hotel called 'Hotel' to properties such as Homer's View Villas, Captain's Apartments, and Odyssey Apartments. A visit to the Cave of the Nymphs, where Odysseus was allegedly abandoned by the Phaeacians, offers a full mythological experience.
How to Get to Ithaca
Ithaca has no airport. Travelers can fly to Preveza International Airport (3 hours 20 minutes from London Gatwick via easyJet, with August flights around £167) or to Zakynthos Airport (3 hours 50 minutes from Luton via Wizz Air). From Preveza, a car journey leads to the Fiskardo–Vasiliki port for a ferry to Fiskardo on Kefalonia, then drive to Aetos for the Sami ferry to Ithaca. The total journey from Zakynthos takes about five hours.
When to Visit
Summer offers highs of 30°C in July and August, while September remains balmy at 27°C. Winter sees November highs of 20°C, and January and February average 14°C, providing a sunny escape.
