landmark
Ithaca
The legendary homeland of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, a lush green Ionian island of secluded bays and mythical resonance.
0 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeGreeceIonian Islands
Itháki
Ionian Islands, Greece · Europe
About Itháki
Itháki works well as a base: 25 minutes from Sámi, 15km from Melissani Cave.
Itháki is a town located in Ionian Islands, Greece. With a population of 1,843, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Itháki sits in Greece, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Athens time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Itháki to your route.
About Itháki
Vathy (Greek: Βαθύ) or Vathi is the largest settlement on the Greek Ionian island of Ithaca and the seat of the Ithaca regional unit. It is located in the southern part of the island, in a deep natural harbour. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of 1,693.
In the Middle Ages, Ionian islands were subjectRead more
to frequent pirate raids, which forced inhabitants to build settlements inland. Vathy was only formed in the 16th century, during the late Venetian rule, when the families living uphill in the settlement of Palaiochora ('old town'), began moving down to Vathy. In 1807, the French built a fortress on the Loutsa hill at the port entrance. The dockyard at the port operated throughout the 19th century, and over 200 ships were built during the period. Wealth from shipbuilding, trade and fishing caused expansion of population and house construction. During the British rule in the 19th century, the population rose to about 5,000. However, in the 1920s the naval activity dwindled, and the economy of Vathy stagnated.
Vathy was devastated by the 1953 Ionian earthquake which left only a few buildings standing. Gradually, the buildings were rebuilt in the original Venetian style. A law was passed in 1978 protecting the architectural heritage of the town, mandating that style and colour of all repairs and new constructions must be preserved.
Islet of Lazareto at the entrance to the Bay of Vathy hosts the chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior, built in 1668. Since 1560, the islet served as a 40-day quarantine station for ships entering the harbour.
Where to Stay in Itháki
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Filter presets
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Itháki.
Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Itháki.
Loading map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Itháki?
Itháki offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Itháki?
Plan your road trip to Itháki with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Itháki as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Itháki located?
Itháki is located in Ionian Islands, Greece, Europe. The coordinates are 38.3642 latitude, 20.7185 longitude.
What is the population of Itháki?
Itháki has a population of approximately 1,843 people, making it a town in Greece.
Plan a Road Trip
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Itháki as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripWhat's Nearby?
Discover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Itháki. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Explore now
Quick Information
- Population
- 1,843
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Ionian Islands
- Timezone
- Europe/Athens
- Coordinates
- 38.3642, 20.7185
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Greece
Tourist police (English-speaking): 171.
Full driving guide for GreeceTags
Worth the detour from Itháki
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Melissani Cave
A stunning subterranean lake inside a collapsed cave on Kefalonia where midday sunlight illuminates the water in electric blue.
15 km · about 30 min drive
beach
Myrtos Beach
A breathtaking sweep of white pebbles backed by enormous limestone cliffs on the Ionian island of Kefalonia.
16 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Assos
A tiny pastel-colored village on Kefalonia connected to a Venetian castle on a peninsula, surrounded by cypress-covered hills.
16 km · about 30 min drive
beach
Porto Katsiki
A dramatic Lefkada beach at the base of towering white cliffs, accessible via a steep staircase with vivid blue waters below.
30 km · about 35 min drive
natural wonder
Blue Caves
A series of natural sea caves along Zakynthos's northern coast where the reflected light turns the water an intense electric blue.
48 km · about 55 min drive
beach
Lefkada
An Ionian island connected to the mainland by bridge, famous for its west coast beaches with towering white cliffs and Caribbean-blue water.
52 km · about 60 min drive
beach
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
A dramatic cove on Zakynthos accessible only by boat, famous for a rusting shipwreck on brilliant white sand surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
57 km · about 65 min drive
Driving in Greece
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.88/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€7.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Itháki.
Plan a trip around Itháki
Plan a Road Trip from Itháki
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning