A popular lore many of us have grown up hearing, Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ takes us to ancient Greece and talks of a man and his decade-long journey returning to Ithaca after the historic Trojan War. This homecoming tale becomes the premise of Christopher Nolan’s newest mythological epic, The Odyssey (2026), and as expected, the movie is drawing crowds to the theatres in numbers.
Those who have watched the film, or are yet to experience it but have seen the trailers, are unanimously mesmerised by Nolan’s portrayal of Greece, particularly the island of Ithaca. In fact, Odysseus’ home has become one of the most talked-about destinations ever since the movie’s theatrical release.
If you, too, are one of them, you are in luck. Below, we have curated some of the experiences that you can enjoy while in Ithaca. But first, here are some things to know about the island.
Why is Ithaca famous?
Ithaca plays a huge role in Homer’s epic poem, ‘Odyssey’, as the home of its protagonist. Following the Trojan War, Odysseus, the Greek king, embarks on a daunting 10-year-long journey to return to his homeland.
Owing to Homer, Ithaca has become a symbol of ‘the journey’ in Greek culture. It is signified as the ultimate destination that people reach in their life’s journey after going through meaningful experiences.
Coming back to the place itself, Ithaca is thronged by travellers who wish to explore ancient sites that connect to Odysseus’ tale. The island is serene and a perfect destination for those who want a laid-back vacation.
Is modern Ithaki the Ithaca from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’?
This debate has divided scholars and geologists into two segments. Many are advocates of the ‘Kefalonia Theory’ — according to multiple research studies conducted over two decades, Paliki in the western peninsula of Kefalonia is earmarked as the Ithaca from Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, since in the poem, he mentioned that Ithaca sits the farthest out to sea. Meanwhile, the modern island of Ithaca (also known as Ithaka) is situated east of Kefalonia.
On the other hand, the traditional view widely accepts the modern-day Ithaca as Odysseus’ home island. Ancient inscriptions unearthed here indicate that the place was home to the celebrated Greek mythical hero as early as the third century BCE.
Which of these two theories holds more water, you ask? Well, we cannot say anything with absolute certainty. For now, we consider the present-day island in Greece as the Ithaca seen in The Odyssey, and move ahead with all that you can do here.
Welcome to the home of Odysseus: Best things to do in Ithaca
Explore Vathy, the island’s lively capital
Of course, Ithaca is not the same as it was in ancient Greece (which Nolan showed in The Odyssey). But the island has a modern-day charm of its own.
Set in a deep natural harbour, the capital, Vathy, is surrounded by lush uplands that offer a picturesque view. The buildings reflect Greek architectural heritage (it is mandated by a law from 1978) and perfectly sit with the overall ambience of the island.
You can visit the Archaeological Museum of Vathy to learn about Ithaca’s past, or simply stroll around the harbour and enjoy a mesmerising sunset. If you are in the mood for traditional Greek food, you will find several eateries serving local seafood.
Travel to the Cave of the Nymphs
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The Cave of the Nymphs is an important destination in Greece that holds historical and mythological significance. According to the locals, people used to worship nymphs in this cave, which is how it got its name. Meanwhile, legend has it that Odysseus chose this place to hide the gifts bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians.
Owing to security reasons, entry inside the cave is restricted to the public. But you can still make the most of this visit by exploring the surrounding area and travelling to the nearby Stravos village.
Venture on the ‘Odysseus Trail’ hike
If you want to experience the charm of ancient Greece as seen in The Odyssey, make sure your Ithaca trip has room for the famous ‘Odysseus Trail’. The trailhead starts from Anemodouri, around three kilometres outside of Ithaca.
This 2.35-kilometre hike takes you through olive groves and lush terrain across five distinct mountain ridges (including the Exogi village) to a steep limestone cliff. At its base is the Arethusa Spring, a freshwater source where Odysseus is said to have met his swineherd, Eumaeus.
Swim or snorkel off Filiatro Beach
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The pebble beach offers crystal-clear water and is ideal for swimming. If you are a bit of an adventurer, you can carry your snorkelling gear and explore the underwater domain filled with starfish and aquatic plants.
Filiatro Beach is usually not too crowded, so if you want to enjoy a peaceful time away from the ancient Greek mythology, this is the place to be.
Sail around the island
Most of The Odyssey is about sailing from Troy to Greece, so a trip to Ithaca will remain incomplete without hopping on a boat and sailing around the coastline. In fact, many scenic spots like the Gidaki Beach and Skinos Bay are only accessible by boat, making this a non-negotiable activity.
(Featured Image Credit: Josh Chiodo/Unsplash)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
