Ithaca focuses on sustainable tourism to avoid overtourism

Ithaca is implementing a strategy focused on sustainable tourism to avoid the negative impacts of overtourism while maintaining its authentic character. Local authorities, including Mayor Dionysis Stanitsas, emphasize that the island lacks large hotel complexes and instead relies on small businesses, which serves as a comparative advantage for preserving local life and infrastructure.

To extend the tourist season beyond peak months, the island is targeting niche markets such as hikers, cyclists, and rowers, particularly from Central and Northern Europe. The island utilizes a certified 52-kilometer network of trails and promotes local gastronomy, including olive oil, wine, and cheese, to attract visitors seeking cultural and natural experiences.

Infrastructure projects are also underway, including the upgrading of the port in Vathy to better serve leisure vessels and the repurposing of the former Ithaca Hostel to provide accommodation for workers and spaces for cultural and conference activities.