This very pretty seaside village in Kefalonia will undoubtedly steal your heart. Filled with beautiful bougainvillea and colourful villas, as well as a small little bay that’s surrounded by a handful of seafood taverns- Assos is the perfect spot to spend some time over summer.
If you are looking for a place that offers slow living and stunning scenery, add Assos to your list. And even if you decide to stay elsewhere on the island, make sure you set some time aside to get here- as it’s the perfect day trip that can easily be combined with a stop off to popular Myrtos Beach, which is very close by.
Assos Beach
There are only two beaches in Assos and the clear waters make them both ideal for snorkelling. The larger one of the two is organised with umbrellas, loungers and there is a shower and changing facilities here. Two footsteps away there is a small eatery that offers a casual lunch menu including burgers, chips, and club sandwiches; there is also a little store selling sunscreen, water toys, and other souvenirs. The smaller bay is completely unorganised and by far less crowded- perfect if you are after a spot that offers complete rest and relaxation. They are both pebble beaches and offer stunning views out over the bay. What makes it so picturesque is the crystal clear waters contrasting with the beautiful backdrop of the bright villas that line the naturally shaped harbour.
Sail Around
We highly recommend you hire a boat and sail around the little village. Hiring a boat on your own allows you to explore the gorgeous surrounding beaches that are private and only accessible by sea. However, if you do not feel confident enough to sail on your own, there are also many great tour options available and you can book them from travel agents in Argosotoli (the main town in Kefalonia) or through locals in the village.
Ammos tou Grammatikou
One of the most stunning secluded beaches close to Assos village is Ammos too Grammatikou and you can reach here either by a short swim (easier if you are travelling without kids) or otherwise, as mentioned above, there are also boats available for rental through a travel agent, or even some of the local fisherman on Assos who are also able to take you fishing, and speed boats which also offer parachute gliding to land on the local beach- making it a really memorable experience.
Village Square
The village square is quite small, however, it is very charming and boasts traditional Ionian architecture. There is quite a bit of Parisian influence thanks to the French that came to help the locals rebuilt their houses after the catastrophic 1953 earthquakes. In fact, the square is dedicated to the French, and is referred to as “Paris Square.” The village square is located near the waterfront where you will find the village war memorial as well as an anchor and an old cannon honouring the French.
Taverns
There is only about a handful of eateries in Assos and most of them specialise in seafood dishes, as it is after all a seaside village. There are also two cafes that boast splendid views of the harbour and Assos Castle, which is set on the opposite side of the hill. No matter which place you decide to eat at, you will be able to select from a menu that includes a range of fish, seafood, vegetarian, and mezzedes, which is the perfect way to end your day after a day of swimming.
Assos Castle
Assos’ historical 1570’s castle is a fine example of Venetian architecture and although visiting the site requires effort as it’s a long walk, it is worth the visit (just make sure you don’t go during the peak of the day while it’s still very warm). The hike will take you through olive tree forests to an arched entrance, which is well preserved. Set right on top of the gorgeous village, from here you can enjoy some of the best views of the island. Tip: We recommend you try and get here just before sunset so you can enjoy the beautiful shades of the Ionian.
Getting there
The easiest way to visit Assos village is by car, or you can also arrive by taxi. If you hire a boat or sail on a yacht, you are also able to enjoy the many small and private beaches nearby. Assos is located around 40 km from Argostoli Town and within 48 km from Kefalonia International Airport. Mytros Beach is only 10 km away, while Fiskardo Village (also worth a visit)| is 20 km away. Note: Assos is located at the bottom of a very steep and windy hill and there’s only one main road in and out. There is a large parking space when you get to the end of the road, however, it does get packed, so you may need to try to park your car on the side of the road.
Staying in Assos
What makes Assos even more special is there are no major hotels or resorts as of yet. However, there is a range of apartments and stunning villas available- both right on the water and more towards the town square. Tucked away in the spectacular cliffs of the west coast of the island, you will find small, family-owned luxury villas including Assos View and Braunis Horio Villas.
Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)
