Chani Cafe overlooking Vathy Bay and Cephalonia Isthmus. Great views on Ithaca, Greece. Greek Island Cafe.
 
 
   
 
   
Chani Cafe Bar
Chani (Hani) Ithaca Greece Tel: +30 69494 29106
   
The old Inn on Ithaca revives

The renowned Inn (Chani), Dimias' Inn owned by Doriza family from Vathi, is situated at the point where North Ithaca meets South Ithaca and the Ionia Sea is seen from both sides of the island at an altitude of 180 metres at the slope of Niritos near Laertis' homeric field and under the patroness of Ithaca, Virgin Mary of Kathara.

 
 
   
     
This is the point where passers-by with their pack-animals used to have a rest at a time when the only means of transport was wheel-driven carriages. When people headed for the town center (Chora), they were very happy when they reached Chani, because this was the point from where the descent towards Aetos started. The same thing happened when they were coming from the center of the town. The tiring ascent was over and there followed a relaxing straight road leading to Stavros and the other villages.
   

Chani Cafe Bar

Konstantis and his wife, Vangeloula, along with his father, old man Dimia were always there, friendly and kind, ready to offer their hospitality and service to passers-by. People of the countryside, wise and simple, they offered "loukoumi" (marsh-mallow), water and coffee, which were necessary, along with freshly baked bread and cheese, which smelt of the savoury of the mountain since it came from their own sheep.

   
   
 
 
 
   
At the historic Chani, in the scorching sun in the summer the tired passer-by would find coolness in the shade of the leafy olive-tree. In heavy winter, he would feel warm not only because of the fireplace with the live logs but also because of the care of the hospitable family. Even the tired horses would rest and quench their thirst at Damias' water-tank.
   
   
 

Enjoy the Great views across Ithaki

When Lord Byron visited Ithaca and while he was on his way to Homer's School, he stopped at Chani and was accommodated there to have a rest and enjoy the beauty of nature.

 
   
   
During German occupation, Chani, because of its pivotal position, checked as an observatory the movements of the enemy and Dimias' family provided the inhabitants and the partisans with valuable information
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
Nowadays, at the same place, in the fairytale of the sea and the mountain, Kostas Dorizas, Dimia's grandson, revives the old Inn (Chani) which starts offering its services to people in Summer 2006.
   

The modern cafeteria in the old building of the 8th century and the new restaurant in conjunction with the family tradition of hospitability invite the visitor once again and hope to gain his confidence.

 
     
   
You can afford to treat yourself every day at Chani Cafe

Set in the hills overlooking Ithakis' Capital of Vathy and its' surrounding bay and Cephalonia island across the Strait, Chani makes the ideal place to refresh yourself with a cool beverage and snack.

For a glimpse at the Menu please Click Here

 
   
 
 

www.ithacagreece.com

(C)2006 www.ithacagreece.com - Phtographs by Gerry Karavias - Text by Dennis Sikiotis