Kefalonia Assos

More info about Assos

Where to swim

There are 2 beaches at the coastline of Assos, which offer an incredible, almost tropical, experience with their blue crystal-clear waters.
This scenery, in combination with the view of the surrounding forest area, in a deep green color, is a feast for the eyes. Both of them have pebbles, a great view of the bay, and serene, calm waters that will make you not want to get out of the sea! The calmness and clarity of the waters make them great places for snorkeling.

At the larger beach, there are a few umbrellas and sunbeds to rent. The second, smaller beach, does not have these amenities, however, it attracts fewer people, so if you want your own idyllic private experience, make sure to visit it, and stay until sunset for one of the most romantic experiences of your life!

If you want to discover the beaches nearby, you should visit Myrtos beach, which lies at a distance of 11.5 km from Assos, and is considered the most beautiful beach in Greece! It has sunbeds, umbrellas, a canteen, and there is also a lifeguard.

Another option for your sea activities is the beaches around Fiscardo, the village in the northernmost part of Kefalonia and very close to Assos.

Where to eat

Although it's a small village, and the options are not limitless, there are a few great places to have a delicious and quality meal.

The most famous one on the island is Platanos restaurant, which offers a lot of traditional homemade options, with many vegetarian options as well.
Another great option, as well, is the Nefeli-Anait restaurant, with great seafood dishes.

If you prefer a street food culinary option, the 3 Wise Monkeys kiosk is the place to go! It has many healthy and good-quality options. There you can choose from an array of delicious options, including tasty smoothies, cocktails, tacos, burgers and so much more!

If, however, you want to enjoy your cocktails in the midst of beautiful colors, Hellenic Bistro is the place we absolutely recommend. It is a sunset bar, with friendly staff and a variety of incredibly tasty dishes of local cuisine.

Brief history of the village

Assos became the administrative capital of North Kefalonia in 1593. Many Souliotes, fighters of the Greek War of Independence, from the resisting town of Souli, were relocated by the Great Britain rulers at Assos village, after their surrender in 1811.

To provide some historical context, from 1815 to 1864, Great Britain had possession of all the Eptanisa islands and used them as a settlement, appointing them with the name of "United States of Ionian Islands".

When the great earthquakes of 1953 destroyed Assos, the French, who had in the past conquered the Eptanisa islands in 1797, helped the islanders to rebuild the entire village. In return, the grateful inhabitants named the main square of the village, Panagia ton Parision (Notre Dame), to honor them.

What to See and Do

Visit Assos Castle

The Castle of Assos is one of the two remaining fortresses in Kefalonia and one of the largest castles in the country. It was constructed in the 16th century by Venetians. Its main purpose was to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids.

Fortunately, the outside walls did not crumble after the devastating earthquake of 1953. However, the people who lived inside it abandoned it and it has been uninhabited from 1963 onwards.

Through the ruins, you can see some abandoned buildings, churches and impressive sculptures. A few Venetian canons are visible, too.

The entrance to the castle is free of admission so make sure not to skip visiting it!

Rent a boat

One of the must-dos in Assos, if you are a lover of the less crowded, more secluded beaches, is to take advantage of the boat rental services provided by the Conteco Boat Service. It can be found at the pier of Assos and offers you the opportunity to explore all the surrounding, small, private beaches of the island, accessible only by sea.

If your budget allows it, you can use the luxury version of the boat, making your sailing trip an unforgettable experience. If you are on a tight budget though, you can also enjoy the picturesque beaches with the boats of the fleet.
Furthermore, you can have your private tour with your own experienced captain or be transferred to and back to the beach of your choice!

In brief, Assos is a picturesque village full of pastel-colored houses with a tranquil atmosphere. It surely should be on the bucket list of anyone who wants to visit Kefalonia. If you’re looking for a place to switch off, Assos is the perfect destination for you!

Its main historical attraction is the Assos Castle, built by the Venetians during the 13th to 18th century, who ruled over the Ionian islands.