The tiny island bracing for an Odyssey tourism boom — even though it wasn't in the film

Giorgia Ongarato, an Italian lawyer, was on the ferry en route to the Greek island of Ithaca, expressing her eagerness to visit the location famed in Homer's epic poem. Donning a T-shirt emblazoned with the term "Odyssey" in ancient Greek and a line from the poem, she spoke of her love for Greek literature and the film adaptation by Christopher Nolan. Despite not being the primary reason for her island visit, Ongarato also admitted to being a fan of the film, describing it as "wonderful".

Ithaca, a small island in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece, is not typically a popular tourist destination. Despite its stark beauty and tranquil atmosphere, the island has never been a regular stop for travelers. The rugged landscape, dotted with olive and cypress trees, remains calm even during peak tourist seasons.

The hype generated by Nolan's film has, however, significantly increased interest in Ithaca. Local businesses and officials anticipate a surge in tourism, driven by the film's worldwide release on 16 July. Xhimi Xoxha, a restaurant owner in Ithaca's capital, Vathi, welcomed the publicity, predicting that it would continue to benefit the island.

While the island itself did not feature in the film, village squares and the town hall bear statues of Odysseus and Homer, and boats in the harbor are named after characters from the poem. Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras expects a significant increase in visitors, noting that tourists are seeking more than just beach relaxation; they are interested in the island's history and mythology.