Vathy, has been the capital of the island since 16th century and has a population of approximately 2,000 people.
Description
Vathy, has been the capital of the island since 16th century and has a population of approximately 2,000 people. During the Middle Ages this area was called "Vale di Compare" (Valley of the Godfather). Today the official name is Ithaka, but everyone refers to the capital as Vathy or Chora.
Who goes to Vathy?
Vathy is ideal for anyone in search of the unspoilt & authentic Greece of yesteryear and all its traditional charm.
Destination Profile
The Town has been built along the coastline of one of the most natural ports of Greece. Extending from the coastline, the town meets a small valley full of citrus trees, vineyards, olive trees, and agricultural farming. This resort is quiet, beautiful and traditional. There are a handful of tavernas, all of which are very good. The nightclubs play mostly Greek music. There are a selection of shops including general shops, supermarkets, tourist/handicraft shops, bakers, chemists and a launderette. There are 2 banks and a post office.
Things To See
Paleochora - A walk through the ruins of the old medieval capital of Ithaca will bring back the memory of the past, when the city was full of life, before its inhabitants abandoned it to move towards the coasts of the island.
The vestiges of old houses fortified against the pirate raids can be admired, as well as some ruined Byzantine churches which still have some very beautiful frescoes.
Aretousa Spring - 5 kilometres south of Vathy, Ithaca's capital, on the most south-east corner of the island is the Spring of Aretousa, which is supposed to be the spring described by Homer in the Odyssey, where Eumaeus, Odysseus' swineherd, brought his pigs to drink and where Odysseus met him on his return, following the directions of the goddess Athena.
The path leading to the spring is shadeless and surrounded by ravines in some spots, so one has to be careful and not afraid of the highs.