Vathi
Vathi is the island capital and the port. It is a preserved traditional settlement with beautiful houses with tile roofs and picturesque alleys. The Venetian influence is very significant. The largest part of the town was restored or reconstructed after the disastrous earthquake of 1953. At the entrance of the port you will find the island of Lazaretos with the chapel of Sotiras (1668).

What to see in the town:

•  The cathedral of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) with wood carved chancel.
•  The church of Taxiarchis which is famous for the icon of the Crucifixion reportedly made by El Greco.
•  The library of Ithaca Educational Center with a collection of rare books.
•  The neoclassical residence of Drakoulis Family by the sea.
•  The Archaeological Museum.
•  The Folklore and Maritime Museum.
•  The remains of a Venetian castle.
•  The remains of the ancient town of Alalkomenes built on a hill in the region of Aetos. There are boats departing from Pisaetos, the small port of Aetos bay, for Kefalonia.
•  The Cave of the Nymphs or Marmarospilia (3 km W of Vathi), where according to Homer Ulysses hid the gifts of Faiakes on his back from Troy.