In the 16th century, the presence of pirates decreased, allowing the people from the neighboring mountain villages of Anoghi and Exoghi to form the inhabitation, cultivating the fertile land, and using the nearby ports of Polis and Frikes, west and east of Stavros. The geographical position was the reason of the quick growth of the area, and although Stavros was never a crowded place, it became the important crossroads for commerce, trade, and transportation for the people of the surrounding villages.

During the Venetian period, the monastery of Agios Nicholaos was functioning, where as today only the church remains. Later on, in the 18th century primary schools were built for the education of the children. With further growth in the 1900's, the Post Office provided a bank and telegraph service for Northern Ithaca, and in 1937 a private business created and supplied electrical power for Stavros and the other villages of the area. The population today is less than 300 people with cultivation, fishing, trade, and tourism being their main activities.

In the center of the village there is a small park, where the only sculptured bust of Ulysses stands, which was made several decades ago. There are few traditional buildings that survived the earthquakes. The most important architecturally is the Tzovanatos house, built during the Venetian period. Stavros has plenty of taverns, cafes, trade shops and many rooms to let. Also there is a doctor's office with basic medical facilities and a telephone service for international communication in the post office.

A road, 2 km from Stavros brings you to the picturesque Bay of Polis which is the nearest port.The beautiful large beach is used daily by residents and visitors, there are also a few fishing boats which use the channel between Cephallonia and Ithaca.

Out in the bay lies the Byzantine city of lerousalem, destroyed by a strong earthquake in 967 AD. On the left coast of the bay is the Cave of Louizos. This place was found to have been used as a temple to worship the Gods from the ancient times until the 1st century AD.
The excavations and explorations of the cave produced many tools, pottery, objects of daily use and dedications to the ancient Gods, Nymphs and Ulysses. Considered a very important finding archeologically is part of a female face mask made of clay engraved with the words <<EYXHN OAYYEE (Dedicated to Ulysses) which can be seen among many other interesting objects at the Stavros Archeological Museum.

Travelling towards Platrithias just outside of Stavros is the hill of Pilicata (of Hermes), where according to most interpretations was the city of Ulysses. After series of excavations, ruins of buildings, walls and roads, dating from the Neolithic up to the Corinthian period were discovered. Several of the objects found are in the museum which is located nearby.

The possibility that the ancient city is located at this site is strengthend by Homer's description in the Odyssey. According to his writings the city was situated between "three mountains"; Pilicatais in the middle Mt. Neritos, Mt. Exoghis and Mt. Marmakas, also writes of having in view "three seas"; the hill overlooks the channel to the west, Aphales bay to the north and the bay of Frikes to the east.

The city was situated at this particular location, not only for its strategic advantage, but also because of its fertile land and availability of water.

In the main square stands the central church of Stavros, "Sotiros", which is built in the traditional Byzantine design. The festival of Sotiros is the biggest on the island, taking place for two days, on the 5th and 6th of August. Thousands of people come from parts of the island, and even from abroad to enjoy food, live music, and dance.

Stavros has quick access to many places and beaches with asphalt roads linking it to the villages of Platrithias (3 km.) Anoghi (5 km.) and Frikes (3 km.).