Along the paths of myth and nature
Ithaca reveals a distinctive character through its trails. The island’s hiking routes connect mountain and coastal settlements, unveiling landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.
One of the most iconic routes is Anogi – Kioni (Dionysis Sykiotis Trail), linking the ancient mountain village of Anogi with the picturesque harbour of Kioni. The trail passes through plateaus, old cultivated land, chapels and viewpoints with panoramic views towards Lefkada, Meganisi and the coast of Aetolia-Acarnania, before ending at Kioni’s pebble-strewn little harbour.
Equally interesting is the moderately difficult Vathy – Perachori – Pera Pigadi route, 13.68 km long, which reveals the island’s hinterland and offers changing scenery from olive groves to panoramic viewpoints.
For gentler outings, the Vathy – Gidaki Beach route leads to one of Ithaca’s loveliest beaches, while the Vathy – Agios Andreas (Porto) trail combines coastal walking with cultural interest.
If you have more hiking experience, choose the Kioni – Anogi via Vigla route. The mountain hike along the Vigla ridgeline is one of Ithaca’s most impressive routes, combining natural variety with an authentic mountain landscape. It begins at the picturesque little harbour of Kioni and climbs towards the stone-built hamlet of Rachi, ascending steadily to Vigla. Kermes oaks, lentisk shrubs and strawberry trees provide shade, while the route passes streams, ancient olive trees and old shepherds’ huts. It eventually opens onto a small plateau, where Vigla’s two windmills stand prominently, with magnificent views over the Ionian Sea.
As you continue along the ridge path, enjoy the landscape of imposing rocks, dry-stone walls and stone huts, passing the secluded chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the ruined church of Agioi Theodoroi. The route ends at the vast plateau of Anogi, with Mount Neritos rising before you, and reaches the village square via a rural road.
One of the most iconic routes is Anogi – Kioni (Dionysis Sykiotis Trail), linking the ancient mountain village of Anogi with the picturesque harbour of Kioni. The trail passes through plateaus, old cultivated land, chapels and viewpoints with panoramic views towards Lefkada, Meganisi and the coast of Aetolia-Acarnania, before ending at Kioni’s pebble-strewn little harbour.
Equally interesting is the moderately difficult Vathy – Perachori – Pera Pigadi route, 13.68 km long, which reveals the island’s hinterland and offers changing scenery from olive groves to panoramic viewpoints.
For gentler outings, the Vathy – Gidaki Beach route leads to one of Ithaca’s loveliest beaches, while the Vathy – Agios Andreas (Porto) trail combines coastal walking with cultural interest.
If you have more hiking experience, choose the Kioni – Anogi via Vigla route. The mountain hike along the Vigla ridgeline is one of Ithaca’s most impressive routes, combining natural variety with an authentic mountain landscape. It begins at the picturesque little harbour of Kioni and climbs towards the stone-built hamlet of Rachi, ascending steadily to Vigla. Kermes oaks, lentisk shrubs and strawberry trees provide shade, while the route passes streams, ancient olive trees and old shepherds’ huts. It eventually opens onto a small plateau, where Vigla’s two windmills stand prominently, with magnificent views over the Ionian Sea.
As you continue along the ridge path, enjoy the landscape of imposing rocks, dry-stone walls and stone huts, passing the secluded chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the ruined church of Agioi Theodoroi. The route ends at the vast plateau of Anogi, with Mount Neritos rising before you, and reaches the village square via a rural road.
