What's New On Ithaca Greece
June 2020
Wednesday 10th
Below - Kioni looking very quiet for this time of year. Yes, there's something nice about the traditional serenity of this bayside village, but when you know the pain behind the beauty, one can only wish and hope for better times. I just want to reiterate that Ithaca had NO cases of covid-19. Health abounds on this fabulous rock in the Ionian.
Looking down onto Platrithia and Afales Bay from the road to Exoghi.
Friday 12th - There might be some trepidation with restrictions being lifted, but mostly locals are happy to be out and about again. Summer in Greece and staying indoors does not equate.
Above - A snapshot of Vathy taken from the road to Perahori. People always think that because Perahori is a mountain village, that it's miles away from sea and sun, but they'd be wrong. It's less than a 5 minute drive down the road into Ithaca's capital of Vathy, with all the glory of the bayside to be explored and enjoyed
Below - The other great thing about Perahori is that the views are amazing and the local community is so very friendly. It's also the location of the annual (well apart from this year) Wine Festival. Pure organic wine from the vineyards of Perahori.
Sunday 14th - Below - Filiatro Beach in the south of Ithaca.
Above - Sarakiniko Beach.
Above - Looking across to Krouvoulia 2 Beach
Above - One of the chapels in the village of Perahori.
Tuesday 16th - Below - Another stunning view of Vathy Bay. I know there are many of you who will be missing it this year. The good news is that this will still be here when the dust settles on the pandemic.
Above - Ag. Nikolaou chapel at Vigla. Restoring this little chapel took some effort. There is no road, everything was carried up. Alot of man hours, donated by some of the dedicated locals of Kioni. Photo above and below by Ester van Zuylen. Below - The little chapel in Ag. Sarantas has a terrace area now. The space was generously donated to the church by the Gabriel family and Dimosthenis Koutsouvelis. It's nice to see a terrace area replace a car park for a change.
Above - As some of you may know, Yefuri restaurant is under new management. Andy and Mark are off on some new architectural adventures elsewhere, but rest assured, they have not left the island for good. Their hearts will almost certainly spend some time on Ithaca. Meanwhile Roni, from Roni Construction, will be opening the doors to Yefuri and his makeover of the restaurant very soon. Photo by Ester van Zuylen.
Wednesday 17th - A few boats in Vathy harbour now. I'm sure everyone's feeling a little tense, but I have a good feeling things will be ok.
Above - It's not often you see all the northern gardners all in one place.
Thursday 18th - A few yachts in the harbour in Vathy, but as you can see, the virus has people staying put.
June 2020
Summer on Ithaca Greece
Wednesday 10th
It's going to be a very difficult year for many on Ithaca this year. Such a large percentage of the population depend on tourism and all we've seen so far is alot of cancellations, either for fear or the restrictions just being too restrictive to make travel worthwhile.
We hung on through 10 years of Austerity and I hope we can weather this storm too, but I personally fear it will be too much because it's not just 'our' storm this time, but a global storm.
Friday 12th
Above - The stunning aqua waters of Filiatro beach in the south of Ithaca. May it always stay pristine and open to all.
The wild flowers have faded and thistle blooms now carpet the island, well, at least until the strimming begins.
Sunday 14th
Above - Frikes is open for business. Odysseas Taverna.
Tuesday 16th - Pandemic or no pandemic, Ithaca is a special place in all our hearts. Some things are not changed by lockdowns and restrictions.
Wednesday 17th - It's a shame that since the last earthquake, Ag. Marina church has not been fixed. Let's hope we can find some money soon. It's a shame to let it sit in ruin all these years.
Thursday 18th - Whether it's in the north or the south of Ithaca, the seats are empty.
