Ithaca Trail 01A

This hike takes place in a spectacular landscape above the southeastern coastline of Ithaca. You are at the northern end of the plateau of Marathias and you are about to walk on one of the first carriage roads of Ithaca, built in the 19th century to facilitate the  access of farmers to their estates on the plateau, At the beginning of the route you have an amazing view from Lefkada in the north to Kefalonia in the south. At the turn of the road with the shrine, at the highest point of the route, the view becomes magnificent! In front of you lies the Ionian Sea visible as far as Patraikos Gulf. Almost under your feet you see the coastline of Ithaca and Nisopoulos islet and to the right the awesome "Korakos Petra". You continue downhill, on a mountainside, towards a schrubland filled with sedums and  carob trees. In front of you now you have a different picture, where all the mountains of the region alternate with parts of the sea on many overlapping surfaces: Petaliko, Akrotiri, Niritos, the mountains of Lefkada, Central Greece... and in between Vathy, the gulf of Molos, the Ionian Sea.

It feels like you're walking across a giant 3D map! You arrive at Anemodouri. The altitude decreases, the view is less exciting and the landscape becomes more humane. You start to see fields with olive and pear trees. You pass over the bridge and enter the path to the cave of Rizes. A small opening in the rock will lead you to the impressive interior of the cave. You return to the main route. The human presence becomes even more noticeable. You pass vineyards, farmhouses, cottages and reach a crossroad. Head left, on the route taken by the inhabitants of Perahori to reach their properties on the plateau. An uphill, yet shady path will take you to the chapel of Agios Athanasios and shortly you will reach the first houses of Perachori.