The beautiful Greek island of Ithaca is home to mythical legends, quaint villages, picturesque beaches and lush greenery.

The second smallest of the seven main Ionian islands, Ithaca can be accessed via flying into Kefalonia and then taking a 25-minute boat ride.

Ithaca is known as the home of Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. The island is where his wife Penelope patiently waited twenty years for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War.

It was the place where Odysseus most desired to return to and epitomises love for home and family, making it the perfect romantic getaway.

In 2016, children’s author Anthony Horowitz wrote in The Telegraph: “My first impression was that it was far more beautiful than anywhere I’d been in Greece.

“I spent just two days there before moving on to Kefalonia but I wish I’d stayed longer.”

Reviews on TripAdvisor follow a similar pattern, describing the island as “Paradise on Earth” and “a perfect harbour village”.

One visitor wrote of Gedaki Beach: “One of the most beautifull beaches of Ithaca. Great blue close to Vathi. You will fully enjoy it with a boat.”

The capital, Vathy is home to the main harbour since the 16th-century. The pictureque village is dotted with pale cream, yellow and pink buildings, built following the devestating 1953 earthquake which caused considerable damage to much of the Ionian islands.

With financial help from Europe and the US, Ithaca was largely rebuilt.

The medieval village of Anogi and the historical Monastery of Kathara are also key places to visit. The monastery is built on the southeastern peak of the Homeric Mountain Nirito, opposite the bay of Ithaca’s harbour, so that the steeple is visible from every part of the south of the island.

The bell tower was also destroyed by the earthquakes and was later rebuilt.

Ithaca is generally much more peaceful than its bigger neighbour, Kefalonia. There is not much nightlife, with a few tavernas and lounge bars dotted around.

As put by Discover Greece: “Symbolic of the promised land for which everyone is searching, magical Ithaca fills you with inspiration on a journey through rich history, majestic scenery and beautiful beaches.”