Like all the Ionian islands, Ithaki has a rich history in art and literature. The island was influenced primarily by the Italians and then assimilated to local traditions. The most significant scholar of Ithaki was Lorentzos Mavilis, known for his constant fights in the Greek Parliament to validate the common language. Mavilis was famous for his phrase : "There is no vulgar language, only vulgar people". His poems were characterized by their musical quality due to their absolute rhyme, intense passion and lyricism.

The island's restaurants offer tasty chicken at "tserepa". In the seaside villages, one can buy fresh fish, cooked by the locals, with raisins and rosemary. The pastry shops sell delicious "ravani", filled with rice and honey.