Perachori
 The
picturesque village of Perachori lies at a distance of 3 km.
from Vathy, at an altitude of 300 m. on the mountain of Petaleiko.
Founded by the people of Paleochora during the Venetian period,
it has since been the most inhabited village of Ithaca, with
a population of approximately 1,000 people until the first decade
of this century. Today, it is the village with the largest permanent
population of 350 people, cultivating the fertile land at the
southern part of the island.
From the outskirts of Perachori, a path leads up to the
old inhabitation of Paleochora This is where most of the population
of the island settled during the Middle Ages, and the first
period of the Venetian years. The houses of Paleochora were
built defensively in order to enable the population to defend
themselves from the pirate invasions.
The materials used to build them were of wood and stones that
were found in the area nearby. Looking like small forts there
was only one entrance and a few very small windows that were
used for defense, and had no balconies at all.
Each of the houses had a warehouse, with an entrance only
from the inside, and their own cisterns (water reservoir)
filled by rainwater conveyed from the clay-tiled roof through
tubes. Large spaces were left between the houses instead of
being built up against each other for defense.
The common opinion was that the people of Paleochora came
from different places and that the trust between them was
restrictive. Today the ruins of these houses and several roofless
churches, with excellent Byzantine frescoes are what remain
of the village of Paleochora.
 There
is a dirt road, from Perachori, which leads up the mountain.
After 3 km it reaches the old monastery of Taxiarchon, which
lies at an altitude of 500m.The monastery, was founded in
1645 and functioned until the beginning of this century.
The cells were ruined by the recent earthquakes, but the old
wood rereads survived and were moved to the Church of St.
Rafael in Perachori. The monastery church was rebuilt but
is used only once or twice a year for holy services and visitors.
 From
the monastery, another dirt road leads to the fertile areas
where vine trees are cultivated. Although it is 10 times less
compared to the beginning of this century Perachori comes
first in the production of wine on the island.
In August, people come from all over the island, to participate
in the Perachori wine festival. Also celebrated in the village
is the festival of Taxiarchon with dancing and music taking
place on May 1st.
The convenience of taverns, cafes and many rooms to let, can
be enjoyed in Perachori, along with a beautiful view of the
Bay of Vathy.
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