What's New On Ithaca Greece
July 2023
Saturday 1st - Hello July! Everyone is expecting a booming season on Ithaca for 2023. Lots of yachts. That's already apparent in Vathy and Kioni, not to mention the various bays around the island. Frikes will be next with flotillas sailing in and heading to the bars at night. Below - Afales view from Ag. Sarantas.
Above and Below - So good to see Ageri Restaurant doing so well in Frikes. This village has some excellent food choices now.
Below - The days of the 'Day Trippers' is back. People get off, have a quick look around, maybe a coffee or an ice-cream, a quick dip if they're lucky and then head off to the next place.
Above - Kioni. It's no secret that this village is one of the most picturesque in the Ionian. Below - Around the cafes in Vathy.
Sunday 2nd - Yesterday we had more thunderstorms in our forecast. VERY unusual for Ithaca to have rain, let alone thunderstorms at this time of the year, in fact, I've never experienced it. Anyway, yesterday's skies remained blue and the temperature, hot. Today it's been cloudy occasionally, slightly cooler when the sun is behind the clouds, but still hot when it re-emerges. It looked precarious, but at 5pm, still no rain or thunder. Below - Lefki.
Below - Ag. Sarantas
Above - A greenhouse in Kolieri.
Below - Margarita Cafe has been a stapel in the northern village of Stavros' culture. Always reliable, whether early or late, rain or shine. Maki and Maria with their son, seem to be tireless in running their business, and you get a smile too.
Above - If you've ever been to Ithaki before, you'll know how stunning the Lefki and Ag. Ioanni sunsets are. If you haven't been before, here is a taste.
Wednesday 5th - Sometimes it feels like there's hardly a 'visitor' soul around and then all of a sudden you look around and it's buzzing. I think there is one thing working locals have incommon at this time of the year on Ithaca, and that is finding it difficult to work when everyone around you is on holiday.
Below - Party boat in Kioni. Usually they end up in Frikes. Quite unique to hear that much screaming enthusiasm and Abba and 80's greatest hits turned up to 11 and echoing around the bay.
Above - The swimming hole in Kioni just below Lizzys Restaurant. Below - Temenos.
Below - Gunilla Eversen and Georgia Bettoja have an exhibition of their works in the Kioni old school until the 14th July. Get along and have a look. There are pieces for sale. All the works are inspired by Ithaca and in particular, Raxi. Open from 6 - 9pm. For an extra incentive - there's wine on hand.
Below - Another gorgeous Lefki sunset.
Below - Along the Kioni promenade
Saturday 8th - When people are out and about, there's a real holiday vibe around the island, and when Vathy and Kioni are packed with yachts, somewhere in the middle, you can find your little piece of paradise and have it all to yourself.
July 2023
Summertime on Ithaki
Saturday 1st
'Summer time and the livin' is easy' that's true, but there are no fish jumpin around here, in fact summer sea traffic around the island, keeps the fish further out.
Above - One of the mills in Frikes Ithaca.
Above - The Agalio area above Kioni. Below - Yachts in Kioni mooring up wherever there's a gap in the water.
Sunday 2nd - I don't know why people think that Exoghi is too far away. It's less than a 5 minute drive down the mountain and then a couple more minutes into Stavros. The views from there over Afales and Frikes and in fact, Platrithia villages, is just amazing. Now there's a restaurant in the village you have one more reason to get on up there.
Above - Around Mavrona Bay.
Below - Anoghi.
Above - Tourists off a bus from Kefalonia seek some shade on a hot day in Stavros.
Wednesday 5th - Below - Don't be too busy looking at the waterside in Vathy, there's lots to see when you look up too. Maybe take a drive up to Perahori. The views from there over southern Ithaca and beyong are spectacular. There's a cafe and restaurant to enjoy them from.
Above - Frikes. Below - Kioni early evening.
Below - The exhibition in Kioni is called 'IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD - A VILLAGE'.
Below - The moment the sun went down we saw the blood red moon rising over Kioni Bay.
Saturday 8th - It's the weekend!! At this time of year, it doesn't really make much difference. If you're on holiday, one day blends into another and if you're working on Ithaca, then it's a 7 day week.
Ithaca Greece is a special place, don't you think?
