Ithaca, Greece
This morning, after a smooth night’s sailing, we woke up in a bay of the legendary island of Ithaca. After breakfast we had a late morning swim, either from the ship or from the beach in crystal-clear waters having a turquoise color. Some of us were having even more fun exploring the bay on kayaks. Later Sharon gave us a very interesting talk on olive oil, olives and the ancient traditional cultivation of the olive tree. That was a great insight into a local product. During lunchtime we entered another beautiful bay of Ithaca—Vathi. With mountains all around it, the oddly-shaped harbor forces ships to make two left turns to get into port and see the island’s largest town, Vath,i built like an amphitheatre.
By bus we explored the whole island which is one of the smallest of the group of the Ionians, and a universal symbol of love for one’s place of birth. We drove a windy road up to the monastery of Kathara, dedicated to Panaghia, protectress of the island. We visited the small church, which is full of votive offerings, and then walked to the best viewpoint on the island to enjoy a marvelous view of the port. Driving through Anogi, we got to the pleasant village of Stavros, built at the foot of Mt Niritos. It is said that this site is the place where the palace of Odysseus was, and archaeologists are trying to prove it.
Returning to the port we had time to explore the town and later to enjoy a Greek buffet dinner and celebrate our arrival to Greece, all finished with spontaneous frenzy of dancing. Off we sail, heading to another Greek port—Itea. Good night…
