Day 5: 20 Nmiles, Friday, Sailing from Vathi, Ithaca to Port Kalamos, Kalamos
Destination Vathi, Ithaka
About Vathi
No Greek Island sailing holiday in the beautiful Ionian sea would be complete without a visit to Ithaca. A much smaller version of its neighbour, Kefalonia, Ithaca has been largely ignored by mass tourism. It is a peaceful Greek island that can only be reached by boat from Kefalonia. It has a population of about 3000 people and is approx. 37 square miles in size. Like Kefalonia it is mountainous, very narrow in the middle to the extent that it is almost two islands.
It’s main claim to fame is that is that it is believed to be the home of Homer’s mythological hero Odysseus. However, recent research favours Paliki, near Lixouri in Kefalonia.
It cannot be denied though, that Ithaca is a truly beautiful and peaceful Greek island and is a very popular destination for anyone sailing in the Ionian. Apparently Lord Byron who visited Ithaca in 1823, fell in love with the island and wanted to buy it for himself.
The capital of Ithaca, Vathy is one of the world’s largest natural harbours – a horseshoe shaped bay surrounded by restaurants specialising in Greek Mediterranean cuisine, fish and seafood. Don’t expect the nightlife of Nydri here, but take time to relax and enjoy the special beauty of this outstanding bay.
Frikes, a tiny village north of Vathy, is also worth a visit if you are sailing in this area. With a population of only about 25 inhabitants, it still manages to offer a choice of four restaurants to its largely yacht sailing clientelle.
Pilotage
As you sail into the bay you will see the chapel and light of Aghios Andreou and tiny island of Skartsoupo. Continue between these two landmarks and you will soon see the buildings of Vathy.
A large horseshoe shaped bay, Vathy offers plenty of mooring options for sailing yachts, although the wind strength and direction may dictate where you berth. Vathy means “deep” in Greek, so have enough scope prepared where necessary. You Greek Islands Sailing pilot will offer more detailed information.

Yacht Facilities and Provisions
Vathy harbour is registered as a Yacht Replenishment Station which means that most yacht related requirements have been met. This includes the provision of yacht repairs and spares, fuel station, water and electricity.

Yacht Sailing Conditions
Similar to the conditions of Kioni, the wind can blow up to Force 6 during the summer, providing some excellent sailing along the east coast. Whether you are travelling north or south, be sure to leave enough time to sail to the many anchorages along this coastline, such as Akrotiri and Sarakiniko.

Eating Out
There are several restaurants in town offering mostly Greek style cuisine. Fresh fish seems available in abundance and you will enjoy your meal here. Sample the home made ice-cream for dessert from any of the cake-shops along the seafront.