Assos, Kefalonia: Where To Eat, Stay, And Explore
Kefalonia (often spelled Cephalonia) is one of the most beautiful Greek islands that gives off major 'Mamma Mia' vibes. It is the largest of the Ionian islands at 787km² and is just 30km from the coast of Peloponnese.
The island is famous for its delicious Robola, Mavrodafni, and Moschato wines.
Assos sits on the North West Coast of the island and is traditionally an old fishing village, with just 100 residents. It is known to be a quiet and secluded destination that oozes romance, although groups of friends and families are also enticed by the charm of this village.
You might wonder why anyone would want to stay in a village so tiny, but once you see Assos, you'll understand. The village sits on a horseshoe-shaped harbor and if you look out to sea, you'll be struck by the bright turquoise waters that glitter like diamonds, that Greece is famous for.
On top of that, the buildings are brightly colored, reminding us of the Amalfi Coast, and the mountain views are picturesque. Add a good pinch of lush greenery, and you've got the perfect Greek village.
Assos Kefalonia is one of the top destinations to visit if you're looking for a peaceful and tranquil base for your Greek adventures.
Where To Stay In Assos Kefalonia
In such a tiny village, there are just a few accommodation options. Luckily, there are a couple of gems that stand out among them.
Vassilis Retreat
The location is what makes Vassilis Retreat one of the best accommodations in Assos. It has views directly over the bay which you can enjoy from your own private balcony, as well as a pool area, although the beach is just a 3-minute walk away if you'd rather dip your toes in the ocean.
There are 9 rooms available, with different options to choose from such as a twin room, double room, or a superior double room.
It can be hard to find breakfast options in Assos, but Vassilis Retreat provides kitchen utensils for you to make your own.
Villa M
Villa M is just a one-minute walk away from Assos beach, making it the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the island of Kefalonia.
The villa has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a patio, parking, and air conditioning throughout.
It is a comfortable and spacious accommodation option while you’re in Assos. The villa is decorated beautifully, and the bathrooms, unlike a lot of other accommodation options, are up-to-date.
The view of the bay is also spectacular.
The Cove Assos
The Cove is the most typical Greek hotel that we've seen in Assos, with an outdoor patio to enjoy your breakfast on, complete with a pagoda dripping with bougainvillea flowers, as well as stunning views of the ocean.
There is a bar on-site, as well as a garden for guests to enjoy. The villa is just 100 meters from the beach, and is suitable for larger groups, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and it boasts a fully equipped kitchen. If you don't wish to make your own breakfast, you can enjoy a freshly-made continental breakfast served to you every day.
Where To Eat In Assos Kefalonia
The small village has managed to maintain its authenticity thus far, despite its popularity throughout the day, and with that authenticity comes just a small smattering of restaurants.
With only 100 residents, there is simply no need for a whole host of restaurants to pop up throughout the village. Assos has four restaurants to choose from, all of which can be found along the seafront . With fresh seafood and a romantic setting, trust us, you won't be left longing for more options.
These are the top three restaurants that you must try while staying in Assos.
Hellenic Bistro
Rated the best restaurant in Assos, Hellenic Bistro is a classic Greek bistro serving up a whole host of traditional dishes, including the lamb which is a favorite of its diners. It also offers fresh seafood dishes such as fried anchovies and swordfish.
Vegetarians and vegans often struggle to find a meal in small towns while traveling, but if that's you, you need to check out this bistro. Vegan options include beetroot carpaccio with homemade lemon curd, fava bean and aubergine dip, and baked cauliflower. The cocktails are known to be a highlight and the staff are all incredibly friendly.
Platanos
Platanos is the first restaurant you'll come across as you enter Assos. This restaurant also serves Greek cuisine and is known for its roast suckling pig, although it's not on the menu every night. Other dishes include octopus and aubergine ragout, courgette cakes, and moussaka.
The wine here has been called the best in the area, but the service is known to be slow, and the staff have been called rude by some.
Nefeli-Anait
Another restaurant serving… you guessed it, traditional Greek dishes. Among the many dishes on the menu, Nefeli-Anait serves fresh seafood platters, stuffed vine leaves, and a feta cheese pie with tomato jam.
Of all of the restaurants in Assos village, this one probably has the best setting, right next to the sea. You can choose to eat inside the restaurant or by the water's edge on the harbor, making your dining experience a touch more special.
Where To Explore in Assos Kefalonia
You can use Assos as a base to explore the whole island of Kefalonia, and we recommend you take advantage of everything the island has to offer, such as the village of Fiskardo or Melissani Cave and Lake. But there are also several things to explore in Assos itself, so here are the top things to see and do that you shouldn't miss.
Assos Beach
You cannot visit Greece, and in particular, one of the Greek islands, without taking a trip to at least one of the many beaches.
Assos Beach in Kefalonia is located between Fiskardo and Myrtos beach. There are actually two bays that makeup "Assos Beach"- the large bay which is set up for tourists, with sun loungers and shops serving food and drinks, and the small bay without any of these amenities. Surprisingly, despite the tourist touches, both bays are relatively quiet, however, Assos is a popular day trip for tourists, which means the beach can get busier during these times.
The bays are made up of pebbles rather than sand, so ensure to wear your flip flops down to the water's edge. Don’t let that put you off as Assos Beach is one of the prettiest we've seen, with vibrant turquoise water that turns to deep blue as it gets further out, and views of the colorful village. This beach gets two big thumbs up from us.
Venetian Castle of Assos
The main attraction of Assos is the Venetian Castle. The castle was built in the 16th Century by the Venetians, to protect the village against pirate attacks, and it was once one of the largest castles in Greece. The entire village used to be covered in fortifications, but few of the ruins still stand.
When you visit the castle, look out for the church of Agios Markos and the House of the Venetian Commissioner, which are both a sight to see.
The best feature of the castle has to be the view. High on the hill, you can see endlessly out to sea. Watch out for any pirates though!
Boat Rentals
There is only one way to access the numerous private beaches around Assos- by boat, which is why we suggest renting a boat for the day and sailing off on an adventure.
There is one boat rental in the village of Assos, which is called Conteco, and you can find it on the pier.
There are lots of options of boats to choose from, depending on your skill. If your place on a boat isn't at its stern, but rather with your feet up, soaking in the sunshine, there is the option to join a boat tour instead. If you would rather not go with a crowd, but with a fellow female traveler who loves being at the stern, join our community and see if any like-minded females are in the area.
Final Thoughts On Assos
Assos is one of the most picturesque and charming villages of Kefalonia, and while it is a popular place for day-tripping tourists to visit, it is still not widely known, and has managed to keep its authenticity. Make sure you visit soon, before this hidden gem blows up in popularity.
If you're thinking of visiting Greece, check out our post on the best beaches in Peloponnese.