Across
the island of Ithaca from the Katharon Monastery, a 4 kilometre road
runs up to the mountain village of
Anogi or Anoi,
its name means 'at the top of the world', it is at a height
of 500 meters and is Ithaca's oldest village. My
journey continues for approximately another 12 kilometres passing
through the village of Stavros and into the tiny little fishing
village of Frikes, approximately 20 kilometres from Vathi.
The name Frikes either originated from the ancient god Frikon,
or from the pirate Frikon who used the bay as his base. The
area was uninhabited during the Middle Ages due to the presence
of pirates. Frikes was founded (after the
16th century)
by
the inhabitants
of
the villages of Anogi and Stavros and is a lovely coastal settlement.
Today, only a hundred residents permanently live in Frikes.
The little
village surrounds
a
picturesque port lying deep into the bay. Despite its size,
there are ships going to Nydri in Lefkada and Fiskardo in Kefalonia
all year round.
The village which, according to certain writers, identifies
with Rithro port, mentioned by Homer, is related to Greece's
recent history since it was here on the 13th of September, 1944 where
local members of the resistance with very few weapons succeeded
in seizing the German warship "Antuanetta" and capturing
its crew.
The road here is extremely narrow, but I am very pleased I
decided to pause my journey in such a peaceful place. There
are two well-preserved windmills on
both sides
of the
port, the bay is an ideal place to relax and swim. I would
have liked to stay longer, but unfortunately
my time on Ithaca was limited, so I reluctantly left Frikes to
continue my journey leaving behind this really lovely place.
. . . I really must revisit in the future
and spend more time here.