Introduction

Ithaca is located south of Lefkada and northeast of Kefallonia, from which it is separated by the Strait of Ithaca.  It is one of the major destinations in the Ionian Sea for those travelling on sailboats and yachts.

Mild winds and an abundance of moorings ensure a comfortable journey. During the summer months the winds are mostly north-eastern of mild to moderate strength. There are numerous wonderful beaches, some famous for their beauty and many are accessible only from the sea. Most of them are on the east part of the island, one beach after another all along the coastline. As Ithaca is located in the centre of the Ionian Sea, it offers an enormous choice for short trips to all directions, within distances of 10 to 15 miles. Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Arkoudi,  Echinades Islands and Atokos are in the north  and north-east ,  Kefallonia is west and south-east,  all having picturesque coves and beaches accessible only by sea.

© Giorgos Lilas
© Giorgos Lilas

Ithaca has rich coastal landform on the eastern coast, which is characterized by many bays and capes. The northern end of the island is Cape Melissa, while the southernmost tip is Cape Agios Andreas. In between these two extremes there are the bays of Frikes, Kioni and Aetos (Molos ). In the bay of Aetos ( Molos ), there is   the port of Vathy with the eponymous settlement. The west coast is harbourless except Polis Bay in the northwest and the Bay of Piso Aetos in the south west which is also the main port of Ithaca.

The bays of Frikes and Kioni and the bays of Aetos (Molos) and Vathy attract the largest number of boats which can find very good and safe moorings during the summer. The supply of water and fuel is arranged after consultation with private providers and repair and machinery maintenance services are limited. There is a filling station for boats at Mylos in Vathy   (fuel-lubricants-water)

Frikes Bay 1

The bay of Frikes lies on the north-eastern coast of the island, has an irregular shape and deep waters and is open to east and north-eastern winds. Several coves which are very good anchorages are formed on the coast of the bay. Depending on the direction of the wind boats can select the safest anchorage.

The port of Frikes lies in the northwest shore, in front of the eponymous village. It is a natural harbour with a quay. The edge of the bay is marked by a red flashlight.  The port provides security at all times except for north-east and east winds, which affect the bay. Due to the strong local north-western wind that blows during the summer, conditions are ideal for windsurfing.

Frikes is a major tourist destination with organized tourist facilities and numerous options for coffee, delicious food, fresh fish, and drinks by the sea. The supply of water and fuel is arranged after consultation with private providers and repair and machinery maintenance services are limited.

References

1 Dimarakis Anastasios, Portolan, Vouliagmeni 1997

© Dimitris Artavanis

Kioni Bay 1

The bay is formed in the north-eastern coast immediately south of Frikes bay. It is open to east-north eastern winds and the mouth opening is 3/10 of the mile.  It has great depths that gradually lessen near the anchorage outside the harbour and present no risks.

The port lies at the north-eastern corner of the bay. The small harbour has a pier at the edge of which is there is a steady green light at night. There are no navigational hazards when you approach it. Because of the great depths you will need to drop the anchor deep enough, about 10-20m and boats may need a second anchor. The west- north western prevailing winds blow in gusts from the surrounding steep cliffs. This requires special attention to mooring. It is possible to anchor on the north-eastern side of the bay where light west breezes blow but here, too, the depths are great.

© delas photography
©Athens Daedalus Flying Club

The picturesque Kioni rightfully deserves its  a place among the most famous and popular destinations in the Ionian Sea. On the seafront, visitors can enjoy their coffee in the cafes of the village and taste the delicious food of the restaurants. The supply of water and fuel is arranged after consultation with private providers and repair and machinery maintenance services are limited

References

1 Dimarakis Anastasios, Portolan, Vouliagmeni 1997

Aetos Bay or Molos 1

Aetos Bay is formed approximately in the centre of the east coast of Ithaca; it has great depths and faces north-east. In the middle of the north-eastern shoreline is Skartsoumponisi islet, in the north edge of which there is a lighthouse. It is the only danger for navigation during the night, with limited visibility. Aetos Bay forms two distinct smaller bays, the bay Brosta Aetos and the harbour of Vathy.  Both these bays are excellent and well sheltered anchorages. On either side of Vathy are the smaller bays of Dexia and Skinos.

The port of Vathy is a natural harbour and provides excellent anchorage, known from Homeric times as particularly sheltered. Anchored boats find a safe haven without additional support. It is protected from all winds, except the north-west, which blows in gusts. It has extensive waterfront enabling a large number of vessels to moor. Staying at anchor is possible in the eastern or northern part but the prevailing winds are quite strong, therefore, boats must make sure they are securely anchored. The Lazaretto islet in the centre of the harbour has a green light.

© Giorgos Lilas
© Foivos Tsaravopoulos

Vathy is the most developed tourist area of ​​the island. It offers good food and fun, nice promenade, but also a friendly community that provides the right atmosphere for quality holidays. There are many hotels, guest houses, apartments and rooms as well as car and bike rental agencies.  During the summer months the port attracts many yachts and sailing boats. The port facilities do not provide boats with electricity or water.  In the northeast of the harbour, at Mylos, there is a filling station for vessels (fuel-lubricant-water). Additionally, the supply of water and fuel may be arranged after consultation with private providers and repair and machinery maintenance services are limited.

References

1 Dimarakis Anastasios, Portolan, Vouliagmeni 1997

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