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Surrounded by turquoise waters and hillsides draped in pine and cypress trees, Assos is a seductress hidden on the Erissos peninsula on the North West coast of Kefalonia. The minuscule village of about 100 inhabitants spreads out across the horseshoe shaped harbour; colourful pastel houses and a few but great places to eat are amid verdant surroundings, two tranquil beaches come with pebbles and calm waters and on the promontory above stands the Castle of Assos. Grand star in this beautiful scenery is the must-see sunset - a shimmering kaleidoscope of natural colour.
Only 36 km away from Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, this small village is a romantic setting. A little wander around the narrow alleys reveals some fine examples of Venetian architecture among well-groomed houses with vibrant colours that tell the tale of a bygone era, blooming bougainvilleas, a small pier for private boats, lovely paths and old churches. All wanderings lead to the main square which is, unexpectedly, named Paris Square as a thanks to the French who helped to restore the village after the devastating earthquake in 1953.
You can’t miss the Assos Castle proudly standing on the top of the high hill which encompasses the entire peninsula. A proclaimed European Heritage Site and one of the two remaining fortresses in Kefalonia, the 16th-century castle was built when the island was under the Venetian rule to protect from pirate and Ottoman invasions. A classic example of Venetian and military architecture and one of the largest castles in Greece, the castle was constructed to take advantage of the naturally impregnable peninsula that made it uninvadable. Until 1684, it was the capital of northern Kefalonia as a fort large enough to house the village’s entire local population. The visit to the castle requires a long walk uphill among olive trees with the view getting better and better the higher you go. Until you reach the archway, where you will discover the most commanding panorama.
Assos is also an ideal jumping off point to explore more of Kefalonia island. So, when you are in Assos, take a day trip to the island’s most famous trademarks, like the favorite of celebrities Fiskardo village, which is conveniently located about thirty minutes by car, or to Myrtos beach, one of the most photographed beaches.
