Ithaca, an island tradition and history

Vathi, which is protected from the winds in the homonymous bay is the islands capital. At the southern part of the island, 5 klm. away from Vathi, the visitor arrives at Perahori, a mainland community. To the northern part of the island there are two roads. The first one goes through Anogi, a mountainous village on Mount Nirito whereas the second, parallel to the coast, goes through Lefki, picturesque village 13 klm. from Vathi.

Ithaki has been inhabited since the Neolithic period (4000-3000 BC) and since the following millennium (3000-2000 BC) there are organized settlements on the island as witnessed by the ruins of settlements, streets and walls found in Pilikata area and the finds in Loizos Cave. The origins of the islands first inhabitants are unknown. In the beginning, the population was gathered at the northern part of the island and, around 1500 BC, people move towards Vathi. This transfer is the beginning of a prosperous period in the islands life. The state of Cephalines is founded, having Ithaki as capital and including the surrounding islands and part of the neighbouring mainland coast.