Vathi, protected from the winds in the homonymous bay, is the capital of Ithaki. It has been the capital and most important port since the 16th century. Ferryboats from Patra and Cephalonia connect Ithaki with Greek mainland and surroundings.
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As the ship enters the bay, the pretty island of Lazaretto appears with a picturesque church built in 1668 and in the background, Vathi spreads nonchalantly on the hill slope.
The town has several old mansions, not destroyed by the earthquakes, as well as many modern houses, which were built respecting the environment and the traditional architectural style.
Among the places worth visiting are the Archaeological Museum, the Library and the Cultural Centre.
Last but not least, you should not fail to visit the very important Historical Record of the island where the manuscript Libro d' Oro (Golden Book) of the island's noblemen, which goes back to the period of the Venetian occupation, is kept.
Wandering along the small, picturesque streets of the town will be a relaxing experience and once you get tired you can stop and have a pastry or a drink at one of the cafeterias and pastry shops next to the sea.
