Villas in Ithaka

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a villa in Ithaka?
• Villas in Ithaka: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Ithaka: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Ithaka?

• Villa choices: From cosy hillside cottages to sea-view villas with private pools, Ithaka offers self-catering villas for couples, families and groups, many within walking distance of quiet coves.
• Best base areas: Vathy suits first-time visitors with everything close by, while Kioni and Frikes offer a quieter, harbourside feel with easy ferry links to neighbouring islands.
• Guest feedback: Visitors consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere, spacious outdoor terraces and the warmth of local hosts across Ithaka's self-catering villas.
• Best time to visit: Late May to June and September bring warm, sunny days without peak-season crowds, while July and August are the busiest weeks.
• Top activities: Highlights include a boat trip to Melissani Cave, walking the coastal paths around Frikes, and tracing the island's links to Homer's Odyssey.

Ithaka's villas range from traditional stone cottages tucked into olive groves to modern hillside retreats with infinity pools overlooking the Ionian Sea. Many come with private gardens and sea views — and if you fancy island-hopping, our Ionian Islands holiday villas and Kefalonia villas are just a short ferry ride away. Here's what you can typically expect to find included with a self-catering villa stay in Ithaka:

• Private or shared swimming pool
• Sea-view terrace or balcony
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Air conditioning and fast WiFi
• Private parking

Pet-friendly options are also available for travellers who would rather not leave four-legged family members behind.

What are the best areas to stay in Ithaka?

Vathy, the island's capital, is the best all-round base thanks to its harbourside restaurants, shops and ferry connections. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently highlight how peaceful and unspoilt Ithaka feels compared with its busier Ionian neighbours. Reviewers often mention spacious outdoor terraces, sea or hillside views, and hosts who go out of their way with local recommendations — from the best tavernas in Vathy to quiet coves only reachable on foot or by boat. Cleanliness and value for money are frequently praised, particularly for villas set slightly outside the main towns, where guests say the extra tranquillity is well worth the short drive.

Ithaka is a small, mountainous island in the Ionian Sea off Greece's west coast, sitting just northeast of Kefalonia and reached only by ferry.

🥗Where to eat in Ithaka?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Kohyli is the best-rated restaurant in Ithaka. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Charlotte and Henry recommend Odysseas in Ithaka: for a relaxed evening of fresh Ionian fish and local wine, best enjoyed at a harbourside table just as the sun goes down.

1. Walk around Frikes Harbour
2. Explore Vathy, Ithaka's capital
3. Take a boat trip to Melissani Cave
4. Visit the Arethousa Fountain
5. Relax at Gidaki Beach
6. Discover Sarakiniko Beach
7. Trace the Odysseus legend around Vathy

1. Walk around Frikes Harbour

   A stroll around Frikes Harbour is a must when staying in a villa in Ithaka. This picturesque fishing village hides behind one of the island's most charming ports, with several walking routes leading up into the hills above. Round off your visit with a seat at one of the harbourfront tavernas, watching the ferries come and go from neighbouring islands.

2. Explore Vathy, Ithaka's capital

   Vathy is the island's largest town and offers plenty of cultural and historical interest. Legend has it that Odysseus himself once stayed here, and a bust in the town square marks the connection. There's also a family-friendly beach a short walk from the centre, plus cafés, shops and the Archaeological Museum of Vathy, which houses artefacts from the island's ancient past.

3. Take a boat trip to Melissani Cave

   The Melissani Cave, a short ferry ride away on neighbouring Kefalonia, is one of the most memorable day trips from Ithaka. This underground lake formed after a 1953 earthquake and is known for its strikingly turquoise waters. A ten-minute boat tour takes you through the cavern while guides explain the site's geology and mythology. Combine it with a night among our Fiskardo holiday villas if you fancy extending your stay.

4. Visit the Arethousa Fountain

   The Arethousa Fountain is steeped in Greek mythology and makes for a rewarding half-day walk from Vathy. The trail winds through pine woods with sea views along the way. The spring itself is modest, but the setting and the stories attached to it make the walk worthwhile.

5. Relax at Gidaki Beach

   Gidaki Beach is only reachable on foot or by water taxi from Vathy, which keeps it wonderfully uncrowded. Pebbles give way to clear, calm water that's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There's a small seasonal beach bar for drinks and light meals. Arrive earlier in the day during July and August if you want to be sure of a spot on the sand.

6. Discover Sarakiniko Beach

   Sarakiniko Beach sits a few kilometres from Vathy and is one of the island's most photogenic spots, ringed by pale rocks and pine trees. The water is calm and clear, making it a favourite for families. It's quieter than the beaches nearer the capital, so it's worth the short drive if you're after a peaceful afternoon by the sea.

7. Trace the Odysseus legend around Vathy

   History lovers can spend a day tracing sites linked to Odysseus around Vathy, including the ruins said to be his palace and the statue in the town square. Guided walks and local guidebooks help piece together fact and legend.