Assos Kefalonia

beach report and Assos map

Assos Kefalonia

ASSOS has long been touted as one of the most beautiful locations on Kefalonia. The setting on the west coast is as spectacular as it is romantic with a horseshoe harbour of cobalt blue overlooked by a hilltop Venetian fortress. It has now been listed as a World Heritage Site.
Assos beach is 37km from Argostoli and is approached down an almost suicidal descent from the main road to Fiscardo. Despite the hairpin bends it's a favourite destination for coachloads of day trippers. Cars are not allowed in the village and a car park has been built on the edge.
Assos village has about 100 permanent inhabitants and most of its building were spared in the 1953 earthquake. Not so say there hasn't been some modern building as the resort has expanded and, although most of it is sympathetic to the surroundings, there is an ugly clutch of nasty apartments that bring down the tone.
Assos has five tavernas and a mini-market Many of the back streets are cobbled and unlit, so you need a torch if you stay here.
Assos beach is a thin strip of shingle and sand beneath the tavernas that line the waterfront. The rocky promontory curves around to form a natural, shallow and sheltered harbour. As well as the shady waterfront tavernas, more have sprung up on the hillside.
Most Assos tavernas enjoy good sunsets. There is also a tiny cove of pebble as you enter the village with views across the bay.
There is little to do in Assos other than relax and unwind. There are no clubs or music bars other tourist trappings. It's enjoyed by those interested in walking and relaxing.
The Assos fortress was built in 1584 on the rocky promontory, and the abandoned remains are in a pretty poor state. Work started on a conference centre within the castle walls with EU funding but the future of this project is still uncertain. A long and steep winding walk up a track gets you there - cars are no longer allowed. Take some water as there are no facilities. The church of the Virgin Mary in Plakoula is about half way up.
There is bus to Argostoli but it only runs once a week so car hire is essential. Boat hire is available and there is a taxi rank in Assos square, although you may have to ask in the mini-market to find a driver.