Assos sits on the west coast of the peninsular on Kefalonia, sadly damaged by the 1953 earthquake, but beautifully restored with the help of a donation from Paris. The nearby ruined Venetian castle, dating from 1595, can still be seen. There is little in the way of accommodation, so most visitors to Assos just stay for the day – a haven of tranquillity where you can find peace in an idyllic setting. For those wishing to relax on a beach, then Myrtos Bay has the most spectacular white sandy beach and is only 3 km to the south of Assos. The view from the road looking down on to Myrtos is a definite photo-stop. Myrtos, too, is a tiny village with only a few places to eat, mainly along the waterfront, but find time to go exploring by boat wending your way by the side of the tall limestone cliffs. There you will find an abundance of hidden pebbled coves where you can listen to the waves gently stroking the shore - more tranquillity, encompassing peace … heaven.

A stay in Assos will appeal to people who are interested in walking, rambling, photography, painting, bird-watching and those who love rugged coastal and mountain scenery. If you have an overstretched life, then the slow and relaxed pace of life in Assos can provide an ideal place to unwind. Breathe in the heady scent of herbs, listen to the sound of crashing waves against the steep cliffs and start to write that book! You will soon feel like part of the village as you watch the visiting flotillas come and go and enjoy some magnificent sunsets.
The history of the castle of Assos began in 1584 when the rocky promontory of Assos, a naturally impregnable location, was selected and 2000 metres of walls were built to follow the contours of the terrain forming one of the most famous landmarks on Kefalonia. The remains of the castle within remain abandoned and uninhabited in a place of scenic beauty well worth exploring.

Holidays in Assos - Kefalonia, GREECE
Holidays in Assos are an unforgettable experience. This charming village is perhaps the most beautiful on Kefalonia. Assos is a tiny place on the west coast of the island, 22 miles from the capital and surrounded by lush countryside and vineyard terraces, rugged coastline, cliffs and mountains. It is almost hidden in a fold in the west coast and reached by an extraordinary steep winding road. People choose Assos for its unique calm setting. Holidays in Assos enjoy the simple relaxing pleasures of an atmospheric picturesque hamlet built on a small peninsula and looking out to a secluded bay. Assos is wandering its narrow lanes and generally taking it easy. It is largely pedestrianised.
Assos was rebuilt sympathetically after the 1953 earthquake with the help of the French retaining a good deal of its charm, and now is a European Heritage site. Nights are spent in the romantic quayside tavernas or the modest selection of tavernas near the tiny curve of the pretty harbour and the village square. Assos enjoys the sunset scene used many times in the film of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The ruins of a large Venetian castle look over the village, along with the church of Agios Georgios. Assos appeals to those in search of cosy romantic atmosphere rather than big sandy beaches.  In fact without your own transport there is really hardly a beach here. Small sandy beaches and secluded coves can be found by hiring a small motor boat and exploring both sides of the peninsula. An essential holiday excursion is the drive or boat trip to Myrnos beach, the most famous and spectacular beach on Kefalonia. Assos is the ideal place to nature lovers, walkers, photographers and those seeking the simple life.
Information about Assos beach
There is a small pebble beach near the village square but the more attractive and secluded coves are accessible by boat just around the headland and small motor-boats can be hired locally. The most famous beach of all on Kefalonia - Myrtos Bay, described as one of the seven best Mediterranean beaches - is only a fifteen-minute drive away and can also be reached by caique cruise from Assos. The waterfront in Assos serves as the main village square and is officially known as Paris Square with a marble inscription acknowledging the assistance received from France in rebuilding the village.
Getting to Assos - Kefalonia
The local bus runs about once a week from Assos into Argostoli and there is a local taxi service, but car hire is recommended if you are staying in Assos and wish to see any other part of the island. If you travel south from Fiskardo down the west coast, before you get to Myrtos Beach take the right hand turn following the signs for Assos and Assos castle. A series of hairpin bends takes you down the peninsular to the bottom where you will find the romantic village of Assos. Almost as if it's been stuck in time, a village square with a few tavernas a small harbour with turquoise water lapping gently at the shore.
Higgledy-piggledy houses all jostling for room around the waters edge. This is the place to come and while away the day and do nothing, except sample the local wine, nibble on the fish caught that morning and just soak up the tranquillity and peacefulness that is Assos. A couple of independent tour operators have studios for rent here but it is a picturesque village not a resort of any kind. Certainly worth the day trip or even just a stop off for lunch.
Activities & Shopping in Kefalonia-Assos
To those who love nightlife, Kefalonia offers quite a number of choices. At Argostoli, in several villages and in many summer resorts they will find discos, pubs, modern music bars etc. There are also many tavernas, restaurants, rotisseries and pizzerias, ouzeries and snack bars, cafes and pastry shops. Naturally there is no lack either of fast food restaurants to suit the younger age groups. There is a cinema at Argostoli. During the summer there are various festivals and other artistic events. In Argostoli you can attend performances of the Cephalonian Amateur Theatre, which are quite remarkable. Also significant is the Music Choral Festival taking place at the end of August: choirs from all parts of Greece and Europe present a unique spectacle. The first weekend after Saint Gerasimos (which is 16th August), you can have fun and get drunk on the excellent wine Robola, at the Wine Festival which takes place in Frangata. Facilities for water sports (windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, etc) are provided by certain hotels and by organised beaches. There is also a watersports school which undertakes to train watersports lover. At Argostoli there are municipal tennis and basketball courts. Such courts are also provided by certain hotels. You may wish to take with you some of the genuine local products to remind you of your pleasant days on the island : fragrant thyme-honey, wine, myzithra and feta cheese, the delicious mandola (nougat) and pastokydono (quince paste).