Vathy is a lovely small town, despite being the capital of Ithaki. It is located in a deep bay which itself is located in a larger bay. The landscape is marvelous giving the impression of a lake. The houses are picturesque and a stroll along the quayside is highly recommended. There you may enjoy good and plentiful food at reasonable prices in the many tavernas. There you may also find some nice bars, creperies, clubs and restaurants, all allong the quayside.......The port is very big and has many places to moor. However the area is vulnerable to gusts when the winds are strong, coming from the high mountains all around, despite the fact that the bay is very closed. Fortunatelly the sea botton is sandy ans holds well, however we advise you -if the gusts are strong- not to moor in the quay, but to anchor in the middle of the port....A safer place to anchor with north winds is the northern coast of the bay, from where you take a line from the stern out to the rocks. There is no quay but you...You may also swim at the northern coast, but we do not recommend the sea of Vathy town for swimming, since there are many beautiful beaches in the whole island. Loutsa beach (20 minutes easy walk) has a nice and is sheltered in a cove. Dennes (the Australian) is a taverna which you pass going to or from the beach. Good food with lovely views towards Vathy......Skinos and Sarakiniko (see separate listings) are two beautiful beaches, near by, but you'll need a car to reach them. If you go to Skinos take the footpath over the hills to the marvelous Gidaki beach (see separate listing) on the east coast; a delightful walk with stunning views as you climb.....Bus service runs twice-daily between Kioni and Vathy (though not during school holidays).