Q&A about
Olivea | Premium Holiday Homes

What is premium about Olivea Homes?
Olivea offers a premium hospitality: Premium sustainable comforts, Premium private patio in natural garden, Premium location in Ithaca.

What is unique about this accommodation?
It's a unique combination of state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor comforts, sustainable boho-chic simplicity and privileged location.

Is Olivea expensive?
Olivea is definitely a value-for-money choice, with highly competitive prices when compared to relevant, nearby accommodation options.

Whom is Olivea suitable for?
Solo traveller, Couple, Newly Weds, Family, Big party or Working nomads? Doesn't matter. Olivea addresses to all those who look for an oasis of comfort, relaxation and discrete luxury during their stay; to big families and groups who wish to stay in adjacent houses; to digital nomads who needs good vibes and inspiration during remote working; to off-season travelers who want a homey and ideally conditioned accommodation.

Where is Olivea located?
Just a 3-minute walk from the main street of Stavros! Stavros is an authentic, picturesque traditional Greek village. On its main street, and amongst the greenery of pines and eucalyptus trees, everything needed for a hassle free stay is available: numerous excellent restaurants and patisseries, Bakery, Pharmacy, Kiosk, Greengrocer shop, Supermarket, Butcher, Souvenir Shop, Children's Playground, Museums, Church, Doctor, Hair salon, ATM.

Is Stavros a convenient location?
Stavros is located in the heart of North Ithaca, just in the center of all Ithaca villages, 1km form Polis beach and close to numerous exquisite beaches as well as Odyssey's Palace. It is the ideal springboard to discover Ithaca's natural beauty, archeological-mythological, cultural and gastronomic wealth.

Q &A re. Ithaca
Highlights & Experiences

Which are the most popular Ithaca beaches?
Gidaki, Platinammos, Aspros Gialos, Kourvoulia, Filiatro

Which Ithaca beaches are organized?
- Poli (umbrellas, sunbeds, shower, canteen, canoe & boat rental)
- Aspros Gialos (umbrellas & sunbeds only)
- Gidaki (umbrellas, sunbeds, canteen; access by boat or by 40' walking path)
- Sarakiniko (umbrellas, sunbeds, canteen)
- Filiatro (umbrellas, sunbeds, shower, beach bar, restaurant, water sports)
- Marmakas (canteen with traditional local food; not so easily accessible)
- Kaminia (umbrellas, sunbeds, shower, canteen; not so easily accessible)

Are there private / organized boat tours & water sports available?
Private boat rental is available at Polis beach, Frikes and Kioni. Organized day excursions to Platinammos & Gidaki or nearby islands (Fiskardo-Kefalonia, Porto Katsiki-Lefkada) as well as guided Kayak, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling tours and private yacht cruises start from Vathy (and a few from Frikes and Kioni).

Where are the best restaurants on the island?
There are excellent restaurants everywhere on the island. Taste exquisite local delicacies (at Stavros and Platrithias) and enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences by the sea (at Frikes, Kioni and Vathy) or in front of a breathtaking, panoramic view (at Lefki, Exogi, Perachori).

Which are Ithaca's most popular highlights & activities?
Swim in emerald, crystal-clear waters
Stroll in the picturesque villages of Stavros, Frikes and Kioni
Enjoy the panoramic view of Vathi and 7 neighbouring islands from Kathara Monastery
Gaze at the luxurious yachts moored in the calm, lake-like bay of Vathy, observe the preserved buildings of the elegant Ionian architecture and visit the Folklore Museum
Enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences by the sea or in front of breathtaking, panoramic views
Walk along historic paths that lead to Odyssey's Palace (guided archaeological tours available)

What are some less obvious experiences on the island?
Rent your own boat from Polis, Frikes or Kioni
Take a hiking trail to enjoy the untouched nature and breathtaking views
Have a coffee in the vintage grocery store of mountainous Anogi
Admire the geological treasures with ridges since ice age at Anogi & discover the giant monolith of Araklis
Dance till dawn at the local panigiria
Drink fresh water from the spring of Kalamos
Attend a cooking class in Stavros
Explore the magical seabed of Ithaca, protected by "NATURA" with diving or snorkeling

Q &A re. Travelling to Ithaca

How can one get to the island of Ithaca?
*By ferry from Patras, Kefalonia, Kyllini, Astakos (daily/year-round) and from Lefkada and Zakynthos (summer only)
*By air via Kefalonia international airport (daily iterinaries most of the year) or via Aktion-Preveza international airport (just a quick drive from Lefkada)
*By passenger boats (transporting people only)

How can one get from the port to Olivea and overall around the island? Are there car rental companies in Ithaca?
Stavros is 16 km away from Pisaetos port and 2 km from Frikes port. If you don't have your own transportation, you can rent a car or a scooter from Vathi. It is common practice that rental car companies bring your vehicle at the port. There also taxis, available 24/7. Visitors might also like to rent a bicycle or an e-bike (but note that there are lots of uphill and downhills).

What is the weather like in Ithaca?
Ithaca weather is mild and pleasant all year round. In winter temperatures range between 5^o-13^o; in Spring and Fall between 10^o and 25^o, whereas in summer between 18^o and 34^o. During summer there might be 2-3 days of scattered showers, while all the rest are sunny. In the colder months, 1/3 of days are rainy, but still most of the time it is sunny.

Which is the best season to visit Ithaca?
Summer is the default time to visit Ithaca. Nonetheless, Ithaca has much to offer to visitors in all year round. The serenity of Ithaca off-season, the simple way of living, the untouched, natural beauty, combined with the inexpensive way of life, constitute a smart option for working nomads and year-round travelers.

Which is an ideal length of stay on the island?
Ithaca is a very small island, yet there is lots to see and enjoy. A minimum stay of 4-5 days is highly recommended.

Which surrounding Ionian islands are worth visiting?
Many visitors combine their trip to Ithaca with other nearby islands such as Kefalonia, Lefkada and Zakynthos with which there is a direct connection by ferry.

General Information about Ithaca

What are some basic information about Ithaca?
Ithaca is part of Greece, the second smallest of the Ionian Islands. As such, the official language is Greek and the local currency EUR €. Ithaca's official population is less than 3.000 inhabitants (census 2021).

What is Ithaca known for?
Eternally associated with the timeless myth of Homer's Odyssey, Ithaca is an iconic island, the global symbol of every traveller's life destination. "Keep Ithaca always in mind, arriving there is what you are destined for" wrote our famous poet allegorically.
* C.P.Cavafis poem 'Ithaca', recited by Sir Sean Connery, with music specially composed by Vangelis: https://youtu.be/1n3n2Ox4Yfk

Which are Ithaca's most important points of archaeological interest?
School of Homer with remains of a prehistoric acropolis, Archaeological Museum of Stavros and the Mythological caves from Homer's Odyssey Loizou, Eumaeus and Nymphs

Why is Ithaca considered as a hiking destination?
Ithaca is ideal for eco-tourism. Its natural, untouched landscape and its mild weather year-round, constitute an ideal environment for hiking. In total, there are more than 50 km of well-preserved, marked paths, hence naming Ithaca as a walker's paradise.

Is Ithaca a quiet or a cosmopolitan island?
Ithaca has the reputation of a quiet island. Ithacans enjoy a simple and authentic way of life and are genuinely mild and polite people. This small island has a unique natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. It thus inspires retrospection and creativity and is a favorite destination of intellects, artists and spiritual people.
Yet, Ithaca will not disappoint those looking for a wild nightlife - beyond panigiria, feasts, festivals and concerts: the few but fine bars in Vathi, Frikes and Kioni promise entertainment until sunrise.

What is «panigiri»?
A panigiri is a centuries-old tradition, a festival full of live music, traditional food and local wine taking place on the greek island villages during summer. On Ithaca, there are plenty of such joyful, carefree feasts throughout the summer. Especially the panigiri of Stavros is a uniquely authentic experience, a landmark, one should not miss: Young and old, locals and foreigners, all blend together dancing until dawn to the rhythms of the local orchestra, where European dances, waltzes, tangos, fox, quadrilles alternate with greek folk songs creating a joyful and carefree atmosphere.

Which are the most exquisite local products?
Excellent virgin olive oil, juicy olives from the native variety, Ithacan feta from a local breed of sheep, bread from the traditional wood oven, wine from small, family vineyards and fresh fish. Some local delicacies include tserepato and rovani.