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Ithaca digital nomad guide

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Nomad score 5.6/10

38.4019, 20.6701 Europe/Athens #2388

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Researched Updated Oct 29, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Other Services and Amenities

Tech Repair Services
None. Most locals use repair shops in Argostoli (Kefalonia).
Table Tennis Spots
Local sports court area in Vathy.
Language Classes
Private Greek tutors available; check notices in the Vathy supermarket.
Parcel Delivery Service
Hellenic Post in Vathy is on +30 26740 32386. The local phone list does not name a private courier office. 17
Libraries & Study Spots
The Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, keeps a library of about 10,000 volumes. Phone +30 26740 32248. A local phone list also gives a public library on +30 26740 33448. 13 17
Community Centers
Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, hosts talks, exhibitions and dances. Phone +30 26740 32248. Elpinor, the former open centre for older people, is a separate service on +30 26740 32370. 13 30
Gaming Lounges
None available.
Casino & Gaming Halls
None. The nearest is in mainland Greece (Patras).

Essentials

City
Vathy, Ithaca (Ithaki), Ionian Islands, Greece 1
Population
2,862 residents in the 2021 census. The 2011 census counted 3,231. 2 1
Internet Speed
Average 45 Mbps (VDSL available in Vathy; Starlink is highly recommended for stable 150+ Mbps)
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR). On 22 October 2026 the European Central Bank rate was 1 euro = 1.1205 US dollars, about 0.8925 euro per US dollar. 4 3
Tap Water
Tap water is drinkable in most tourist areas; taste varies on small islands, and bottled water is widely sold. 3
Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko). 3
SIM Card
Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova are the main networks, and a prepaid SIM needs a passport or ID. Vodafone Combo 9GB is 14.50 euro for 30 days, with 9 GB, unlimited national calls and 100 SMS. Vodafone Data Day is 1.20 euro for 15 GB for 24 hours. 6 3
Banking for Expats
Revolut and N26 are widely used; local ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard.
Accommodation
Traditional stone villas, seaside apartments, and boutique hotels in Vathy and Kioni.
Cashless Friendly
Cards are widely accepted; cash is still common on smaller islands and in kiosks. 3
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb and Booking.com. Prices range from €50-€120 per night.
Budget Accommodation
Mentor Hotel (Vathy), approx. €65 per night in shoulder season.
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Kioni, a harbour village of traditional houses above a small bay, with cafes and restaurants on the water. It is about 24 km by road from Vathy. 16
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Vathy, the capital and main harbour, for the bus, ferry taxis, the museums and the shops. 1 5

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
The municipal getting-around page lists hire desks, the bus, taxis and boats, and does not list a coworking space. 5
Best Cafe for Work
Coffee Lab in Vathy is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. A cappuccino is 2 euro and a freddo cappuccino is 3 euro. 22
Networking Events
Informal meetups at the Vathy Yacht Club during the sailing season.
Social Events for Expats
'Ithaca International' Facebook Group organizes occasional gatherings at Poseidon Bar.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
The municipal tourism page does not list a ride-hailing app. Taxis wait at Piso Aetos and Frikes in the busy season. In Vathy it names Amitsis Panagis on +30 6993925759. A visitor directory lists a taxi desk on +30 26740 33030. 5 29
Bike/Scooter Rental
Zambelis Rent a Scooter in Vathy charges 25 to 45 euro a day and includes helmets. Phone +30 26740 33686. Alpha Bike and Car Rental is also in Vathy; the municipal list does not print its prices. 19 5
Best Beach Nearby
Gidaki Beach, reached by boat from Vathy. The municipality says boats from the town run there. 5 28
Top Regional Airline
Olympic Air / Sky Express (flights to nearby Kefalonia Airport EFL).
Top International Airline
Aegean Airlines, Ryanair (to Kefalonia or Preveza).
Highway Access
The municipal tourism site says the road network is generally tarred and in good condition. Tracks to some remote beaches need a four-wheel drive. 5
Main Train/Transit Hub
Pisaetos, also called Piso Aetos, is the ferry ramp for Levante Ferries to Sami on Kefalonia and on to Patras. Taxis wait at the ramp. 21 5
Public Transport Passes
KTEL Kefalonia runs the Kioni, Frikes, Stavros and Vathy bus. The Kioni to Vathy fare is about 3.10 euro, paid to the driver. The winter timetable shows one weekday morning departure from Kioni. No monthly pass is published. 20
Regional Travel
Levante Ferries sails between Patras, Sami on Kefalonia and Pisaetos on Ithaca. From 3 September to 31 October 2026 the page lists Sami to Pisaetos at 07:05 and 16:45, and Pisaetos to Sami at 07:40 and 17:15. It does not print a fare or a crossing time. 21

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Health Centre of Ithaca on Eumaiou street in Vathy, phone +30 26740 32222. A regional medical centre in Stavros is listed on +30 26740 31207. 17 31
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Ithaca Yoga Retreat (near Perachori) offers seasonal classes and workshops.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
IronFitness in Vathy offers personal training. Phone +30 697 569 2374. The studio page does not publish a membership price. 18
Laundry Services
Self-service laundry available at 'The Bubble' near Vathy harbor.

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
None. Manual phone orders to local pizzerias like 'To Kantouni'.
Best Local Dish to Try
Savoro (fish with rosemary, raisins, and vinegar) or Rovani (honey cake).
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
O Nikos (Vathy) - offers traditional veggie dishes like Briam and Gemista.
Best Dessert Spots
Dodoni Ice Cream (Vathy) and local bakeries for Rovani.
Affordable Shopping Spots
AB Food Market (Piso Aetos road) for competitive prices.
E-commerce/Online Store
Skroutz.gr (The Greek Amazon) for all tech and home goods.
Grocery Delivery
Local supermarkets like Spar (Vathy) offer delivery via phone request.
Bar/Nightlife Area
Vathy Harbor. 'Mylos' for cocktails and late-night music.
Local Brewery
None on-island. Nearby: Kefalonian Beer (Red and Gold ale) is widely served.
Wine Bars
Yefuri (near Platrithrias) offers a curated selection of local Ionian wines.
Street Food Stalls
Gregory's Souvlakia (Vathy square) - Gyros for approx. €4.50.
Popular International Cuisine
Kohili, two doors from the council building on the Vathy waterfront, serves Constantinople dishes and seafood pasta as well as Greek plates, at 6 to 12 euro a plate. 23

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Kathara Monastery (Panagia Kathariotissa), at 556 metres on Mount Niritos, looks over the island. The feast is 8 September. 15
Museums & Art Venues
Archaeological Museum of Vathy, near the Metropolis on Anastasiou Kallinikou, shows finds from the geometric period through Roman times, mostly from southern Ithaca. Phone +30 26740 32200. 14 12 26 17
Historical Sites
The Cave of the Nymphs and the School of Homer archeological site. 12 1 25
Religious Sites
Church of Panagia Spiliotissa (Cave church accessible via hiking).
Annual Events
Wine Festival in Perachori (August) and Vathy Panigiri (August 15th).
Cultural Districts
Anogi, on the slopes of Mount Niritos, has the Araklis stone monolith and the church of the Dormition, painted in 1680, with a Venetian bell tower. 16
Theater Venues
Open-air theater at the primary school in Vathy during summer festivals.
Local Markets
Occasional fish market at the Vathy docks early mornings (07:00).
Music Scene
Traditional 'Cantades' (Ionian songs) performed at village festivals.
Street Art
Minimal. Ithaca focuses on preserving its traditional architectural heritage.
Cooking Classes
Private sessions at Levendis Estate (Northern Ithaca).
Art Galleries
The Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, hosts exhibitions, talks and music in its hall. 13
Historic Buildings
Lazaretto islet guards Vathy harbour. It has the church of the Saviour and the remains of an old gaol. 1 27
Local Heritage
Odysseus; the island is the legendary home of Homer's hero. 1

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Afales Bay, on the northwest coast. 1
National Parks Nearby
Mount Ainos National Park is on neighbouring Kefalonia. The summit is 1,628 metres, and Ithaca is in view from the top on a clear day. 24
Cycling/Walking Paths
The trail from Anogi to Kioni (approx. 2 hours, well-marked).
Scenic Viewpoints
The road above Vathy at sunset, overlooking the entire fjord-like bay.
Birdwatching Locations
Vathy bay wetlands during the spring migration (March-April).
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
A national fire ban runs from 1 May to 31 October and covers campfires, bonfires and barbecues outdoors. Call 112 if you see a fire. 3

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000 in Vathy harbor).
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000 in Stavros village).
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000).
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €126,000).
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000).
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000).
Corporate Tax
22% 7 11
Dividend Withholding Tax
5% 7 11
Tax System
Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. You are tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Greece in any 12-month period, or if your centre of vital interests is here. 32 11
Highest Income Tax Bracket
44% on employment and business income above 60,000 euro. From 40,000.01 euro to 60,000 euro the 2026 employment and pension rate is 39%. 7 11
VAT
Standard VAT is 24%. Reduced rates are 13% and 6%, with 4% on some disability-access works. A 30% island cut, which turns 24% into 17%, applies on listed North Aegean, Dodecanese and Samothrace islands, not on Ithaca. 8 9
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. Undistributed passive income of a foreign affiliate is taxed in Greece when a resident owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50%. A real business with staff and premises in the European Economic Area can fall outside the rules. 11
Property Tax
ENFIA (Annual tax based on location, age, and size; varies significantly). 9
Property Transaction Tax
3% of the taxable value when the sale is not charged VAT, plus a municipal surcharge that brings the rate to 3.09%. Notary and legal fees are extra. 9
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
The digital nomad residence permit does not itself grant a special tax status or an automatic exemption for foreign remote-work income. Article 5C exempts 50% of qualifying Greek employment and business income for seven years. Articles 5A and 5B provide alternative regimes for qualifying investors and foreign pensioners. 10 11

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 29, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. English Wikipedia Ithaca, capital Vathy, 2021 population 2862, Odysseus, Afales Bay and Lazaretto isletSecondary
  2. ELSTAT 2021 census booklet, Ithaca resident population 2862, down from 3231 in 2011Official
  3. Wikivoyage Greece, 230 V plugs, tap water, cards, prepaid identification and the summer fire banSecondary
  4. European Central Bank euro reference, country prep rate of 22 October 2026Official
  5. Municipality of Ithaca getting around, roads, bus, taxis, Gidaki boats, Alpha and ZambelisOfficial
  6. Vodafone Greece prepaid tariff, Combo 9GB at 14.50 euro and Data Day at 1.20 euroOfficial
  7. Greek finance ministry income tax, 2026 scale, dividends at 5 percent and company tax at 22 percentOfficial
  8. Greek finance ministry VAT, 24, 13 and 6 percent, and the islands that get the 30 percent cutOfficial
  9. PwC Greece other taxes, reviewed 8 September 2026, ENFIA and transfer tax 3.09 percentSecondary
  10. AADE inbound regimes, articles 5A, 5B and 5C, with no digital nomad visa on the pageOfficial
  11. Deloitte Greece highlights 2026, 183 days, 44 percent above 60000 euro, pensioner and employment regimes, foreign company rulesSecondary
  12. Municipality walk through Vathy, museum, Cave of the Nymphs, cultural centre library and GidakiOfficial
  13. Cultural Centre of Ithaca, library of about 10000 volumes, hall and phoneOfficial
  14. Archaeological Museum of Vathy, finds from the Mycenaean period to Roman timesOfficial
  15. Kathara Monastery at 556 metres on Mount Niritos, feast on 8 SeptemberOfficial
  16. Municipality villages, Kioni harbour and Anogi church and monolithOfficial
  17. Ithaca phone list, health centre, banks, post office, public library and taxi mobilesSecondary
  18. IronFitness personal training studio in Vathy, phone on the page, no membership priceOfficial
  19. Zambelis scooter hire in Vathy, 25 to 45 euro a dayOfficial
  20. KTEL Kioni to Vathy fare about 3.10 euro, weekday morning busSecondary
  21. Levante Ferries Patras, Sami and Pisaetos timetable for autumn 2026Official
  22. Coffee Lab Vathy menu, open 09:00 to 21:00, cappuccino 2 euroShop
  23. Kohili Restaurant Vathy, plates 6 to 12 euro, Constantinople dishes and cardsShop
  24. Mount Ainos on Kefalonia, national park, summit 1628 metres, view to IthacaSecondary
  25. OpenStreetMap Cave of the Nymphs near PerachoriReference
  26. OpenStreetMap Archaeological Museum of Ithaca on Anastasiou Kallinikou, VathyReference
  27. OpenStreetMap Lazaretto islet in Vathy bayReference
  28. OpenStreetMap Gidaki beach at VathyReference
  29. Greeka Ithaca numbers, health centre, taxi desk, National Bank and Alpha BankSecondary
  30. Elpinor, the former open centre for older people, separate from the libraryOfficial
  31. OpenStreetMap Health Centre of Ithaca on Eumaiou, VathyReference
  32. PwC Greece personal income tax, worldwide taxation and the 2026 income bandsSecondary

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • Art Galleries Local art exhibitions often held at the Cultural Center 'Ithaka'. The Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, hosts exhibitions, talks…
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads Digital Nomad Visa offers a 50% income tax reduction for the first 7 years for those… The digital nomad residence permit does not itself grant a special tax status or an…
    • Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads Vathy (Capital) for year-round services, supermarkets, and the port. Vathy, the capital and main harbour, for the bus, ferry taxis, the museums and the shops.
    • Best Area to Stay for Tourists Kioni for its picturesque harbor and upscale dining. Kioni, a harbour village of traditional houses above a small bay, with cafes and…
    • Best Beach Nearby Gidaki Beach (accessible by boat from Vathy or hiking trail). Gidaki Beach, reached by boat from Vathy. The municipality says boats from the town run…
    32 more changes
    • Best Cafe for Work Libretto Cafe (Vathy) - reliable Wi-Fi, power outlets, and great coffee. Coffee Lab in Vathy is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. A cappuccino is 2 euro and a freddo…
    • Best Coworking Space None dedicated. Most nomads work from 'The天井' (The Loft) or quiet hotel lobbies. The municipal getting-around page lists hire desks, the bus, taxis and boats, and does not…
    • Best Hospital Vathy Health Center (Public). Serious cases transferred to Argostoli Hospital, Kefalonia. Health Centre of Ithaca on Eumaiou street in Vathy, phone +30 26740 32222. A regional…
    • Best Taxi/Ride App No apps. Local Taxis (Ithaca Taxi Service) available at Vathy square (+30 26740 33069). The municipal tourism page does not list a ride-hailing app. Taxis wait at Piso Aetos and…
    • Bike/Scooter Rental Alfa Rentals (Vathy). Scooters approx. €20-€30/day. Zambelis Rent a Scooter in Vathy charges 25 to 45 euro a day and includes helmets. Phone…
    • Bonfire-Friendly Spots Strictly prohibited due to forest fire risk; controlled fires only in winter. A national fire ban runs from 1 May to 31 October and covers campfires, bonfires and…
    • Cashless Friendly Mostly. POS terminals are mandatory in Greece, but small tavernas prefer cash. Cards are widely accepted; cash is still common on smaller islands and in kiosks.
    • Community Centers Cultural Center of Ithaca (Vathy waterfront). Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, hosts talks, exhibitions and…
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, EU-synchronized anti-tax avoidance rules apply. Yes. Undistributed passive income of a foreign affiliate is taxed in Greece when a…
    • Cultural Districts Anogi Village for its monolithic stones and medieval church. Anogi, on the slopes of Mount Niritos, has the Araklis stone monolith and the church of…
    • Currency & Banking 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Greek banks include Piraeus Bank and National Bank of Greece in Vathy. Euro (EUR). On 22 October 2026 the European Central Bank rate was 1 euro = 1.1205 US…
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers Outdoor training at the Vathy Nautical Club area; no commercial indoor gyms. IronFitness in Vathy offers personal training. Phone +30 697 569 2374. The studio page…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 44% (for income over €40,000) 44% on employment and business income above 60,000 euro. From 40,000.01 euro to 60,000…
    • Highway Access No highways. Narrow, winding coastal and mountain roads connect the island. The municipal tourism site says the road network is generally tarred and in good…
    • Historic Buildings The Lazaretto building on the small island in Vathy harbor. Lazaretto islet guards Vathy harbour. It has the church of the Saviour and the remains of…
    • Libraries & Study Spots The Public Library of Ithaca (Kapi) – quiet but limited afternoon hours. The Cultural Centre of Ithaca, 32 A. Kallinikou Street in Vathy, keeps a library of about…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Piso Aetos Port (Ferry connections to Kefalonia, Patras, and Astakos). Pisaetos, also called Piso Aetos, is the ferry ramp for Levante Ferries to Sami on…
    • Museums & Art Venues Archaeological Museum of Vathy (Small but significant Mycenaean finds). Archaeological Museum of Vathy, near the Metropolis on Anastasiou Kallinikou, shows finds…
    • Must-See Landmarks Kathara Monastery for panoramic views of the island and bay. Kathara Monastery (Panagia Kathariotissa), at 556 metres on Mount Niritos, looks over the…
    • National Parks Nearby Mount Ainos National Park (located on the neighboring island, Kefalonia). Mount Ainos National Park is on neighbouring Kefalonia. The summit is 1,628 metres, and…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Afales Bay for dramatic white cliffs and turquoise water. Afales Bay, on the northwest coast.
    • Parcel Delivery Service ELTA (Greek Post) and ACS Courier in Vathy. Hellenic Post in Vathy is on +30 26740 32386. The local phone list does not name a private…
    • Popular International Cuisine None significant; the island strictly adheres to Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Kohili, two doors from the council building on the Vathy waterfront, serves Constantinople…
    • Population 3,200 2,862 residents in the 2021 census. The 2011 census counted 3,231.
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C and F (Europlug and Schuko).
    • Property Transaction Tax 3.09% of the property value. 3% of the taxable value when the sale is not charged VAT, plus a municipal surcharge that…
    • Public Transport Passes Local KTEL bus (approx. €2-€5 per trip). No monthly passes. KTEL Kefalonia runs the Kioni, Frikes, Stavros and Vathy bus. The Kioni to Vathy fare is…
    • Regional Travel Ferry to Kefalonia (Sami) takes 40 minutes via Ionion P. Lines (approx. €5). Levante Ferries sails between Patras, Sami on Kefalonia and Pisaetos on Ithaca. From 3…
    • SIM Card Cosmote (best coverage), Vodafone, and Nova. 20GB for approx. €15. Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova are the main networks, and a prepaid SIM needs a passport or…
    • Tap Water Not drinkable (High mineral content). Locals use bottled water or communal filtered… Tap water is drinkable in most tourist areas; taste varies on small islands, and bottled…
    • Tax System Resident-based/Worldwide income; Greece offers a 7% flat tax for retirees/qualifying… Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. You are tax resident if you spend more than…
    • VAT 24% (standard), reduced rates for certain essentials. Standard VAT is 24%. Reduced rates are 13% and 6%, with 4% on some disability-access…

    Fix pass aligned Currency & Banking, Tap Water, SIM Card, Cashless Friendly and Tax System with the Greece country prep and clarified Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads using the country tax profile; refreshed research date and model attribution. Added explicit verification limits for Art Galleries, Libraries & Study Spots, Community Centers, Museums & Art Venues, Best Hospital, Regional Travel, Best Cafe for Work and Public Transport Passes, retaining previous values where only partial evidence was accessible (en.wikivoyage.org, taxsummaries.pwc.com, aade.gr, ithaca.gr, levanteferries.com).

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