What's New On Ithaca Greece
August 2023
Tuesday 1st - Blue skies, sunshine and anticipation. It hasn't been too busy so far this year, but August has all sorts of expectations. Let's see how it pans out.
Above - Yefuri in Platrithia, Piano music over dinner. Below - Weekends bring in the big guns in terms of yachts. Luxury on the calm seas of the Ionian.
Above and Below - Karamela Cafe in Vathy may not be in the midst of the cafe scene of Vathy Square, but it's a great place to watch the yachts sail in on the bay front or sit in the private garden with some cooling shade.
Friday 4th - We have a bad forecast for the weekend. Apparently we are expecting a 10 degree drop in temperatures with some areas predicted to snow? Well let's see about that. Will keep you updated.
The word on the street is that Ithaca is very quiet for this time of year. It has it's bursts of activity, but generally speaking it's not...so far...as busy as an August is expected to be.
Saturday 5th - With 36C yesterday, it's hard to imagine the forecast of a massive temperature drop could happen for Sunday, but I guess we'll find out soon enough. For now it's hot and the sun is baking the earth and everyone on it in this little corner of the world.
Above and Below - Stavros. The village is getting ready for tonight and tomorrow - Sortiros.
Above - Afales view.
The Stavros Panighiri (Sortiros) has been postponed until tomorrow and Monay due to the forecast thunderstorms and rain so here is something to tide you over. A Day around Ithaca. Click Here or on photograph below.
Last night's Panighiri in Stavros was HUGE. I haven't seen it this packed and enthrusiastic in many years. Cars parked too far to walk. Traffic jams in, traffic jams out. It was almost dawn the the band stopped playing. Photos and videos can't do last night justice. It was a spectacular Sortiros! Click Here or on photo below for some pics.
Wednesday 9th - The 2nd night of Sortiros was pushed forward to Monday due to thunderstorms on Saturday. Sunday's first night was so big there were actually people who couldn't get there due to cars being backed up and parked too far for access. When I arrived in Stavros for the 2nd night, all was very quiet. I thought people had worn themselves out from the night before, but by midnight, Stavros was jumping again. Not as many as the first night, to the relief of many, but plenty to have a great time with. For the 2nd night I decided to video only. See below.
Above and Below - On the far side of Vathy Bay.
Above and Below - Polis Bay and beach.
Friday 11th - A busy week of festivals with late nights and early mornings. The weather is fine, but a little weird with a wind starting up each afternoon, something that usually happens in June. Before the next Panighiri in Anoghi on the 14th and then directly following on the 15th, the Platrithia Panighiri, let's revisit last night's Frikes Panighiri. CLICK HERE or photograph below for more.
August 2023
Summer on Ithaca Greece
Tuesday 1st
There really is no place better to be with temperatures from the mid to high 30's, than in the water at one of the beautiful beaches we have on Ithaca.
Below - In the north, Frikes is a cool..ish place to sit when it's really hot.
Friday 4th - Huddle up and ring the bell because some cold weather is forecast to sweep through Ithaca on the 2nd night of the Stavros Festival, 6th August.
Above - Hello, it's Day Tripper time again.
Above - With fires burning around various areas of Greece, cutting dry grass should be a priority every year.
although it's not super busy yet, it's great to see some familiar faces back on the island.
Saturday 5th - The Day Tripper fashion parade continues as it will for the entire summer. It's a trip around the islands, then a quick stop here and there, just long enough for a Greek coffee and to buy some trinkets from the gift shops, to go 'ooh' and 'aah' and then it's back on the boat and off to the next stop.
Monday 7th - Saturday's storm was short lived. All fine again on the Ithacan home front. Weather is fine and hot.
Wednesday 9th - There's definitely a changing of the guard at the panaghiria this year. So many more young people. It's good to know the traditions are being upheld and even enjoyed by them. The panaghiri waltz remains.
Above - Mr. Yefuri taking a break to take his daughter to the Stavros Panighiri.
Above - View to Afales from the edge of Ag. Sarantas.
Friday 11th - During August it makes little difference whether it's a weekday or a weekend. It's Summer and the island is full. At least fuller than winter.
