Worth getting out of bed for
Take a short drive through Ithaca’s olive groves and cypress-covered hills and you’ll come across the ruins of the ancient city of Alalkomenes and the preserved mountain village of Exogi, said to be one of the oldest settlements on the island. If you prefer to explore Ithaca from the water, you can hire a boat for €55 a day from the Captain Yiannis Hotel (+30 69458 07913).
Back in Vathi, explore the small boutiques lining the town’s cobbled streets (the island is particularly good for unusual hand-crafted jewellery) or wander along the two paths leading from the town to the ancient Fountain of Arethusaand the enormous Cave of Nymphs, where Odysseus is said to have hidden treasure.
Local restaurants
Smart, stylish Liberty (+30 26740 32561) overlooks Vathi’s port. The decor has a subtle nautical theme and the menu features light Greek meals. On warm evenings, nab one of the two stone booths on the terrace. Paliocaravo (+30 26740 32573) is a family-run portside taverna with a big outdoor terrace where you can feast on fresh fish and lobster.
Local bars
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A bottle of champagne
