Ithaki island's sites associated with Homer's Odyssey are among its top visitor attractions - though you might find the walks to reach them rather more rewarding than the sites themselves. There's a wonderful walk from the capital Vathy to the Arethoussa Spring, in the south of the island, where Odysseus allegedly met his faithful swineherd Eumaeus upon his return to Ithaki. A shorter walk to the west of Vathy takes you to the Cave of the Nymphs where our hero stored a treasure trove of gold, copper and rich fabrics. As for the disputed site of Odysseus' palace - you can take your pick of the excavated site on the road between Piso Aetos and Vathy or the more likely site above Stavros in the north west corner of Ithaki.
If following in the footsteps of Odysseus doesn't particularly appeal, you'll still find rambling through the countryside or exploring well worn tracks on a scooter a rewarding experience, especially in the north of the island. Tiny Frikes, in the north east corner of Ithaki, is a charming fishing village wedged between two steep hills, and pretty Kioni, five kilometres down the coast is also worth a visit with its picturesque harbour, good tavernas and some fine examples of pre-20th century architecture which survived the devastating 1953 earthquake. You'll some lovely pebble beaches between the two villages.