Kassiopi: A Corfu Haven Blending History and Port Life

1. By air: Of course, before reaching Kassiopi you must come to Corfu first. The nearest airport is the Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport in Corfu town, which is approximately 37 kilometers away. Many airlines operate regular flights to Corfu from major cities across Europe, making it easy to reach the island by air. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car.
2. By ferry: Corfu is also accessible by ferry from the Greek mainland and other nearby islands. Ferries operate from the port of Igoumenitsa on the mainland to Corfu town, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from Kassiopi. From Corfu town, you can take a taxi or rent a car.
3. By bus: There are regular bus services from Corfu town, with several departures each day. The journey takes approximately one hour, and buses depart from the main bus station in town.
4. By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car from the airport or the town and drive up here. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from Corfu town.

1. Kassiopi’s central Beach: Located just a short walk from the center of the village, Kassiopi Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Albanian mountains across the sea.
2. The beaches of Erimitis: Erimitis is a beautiful and unspoiled area located on the northwestern coast of Corfu, and it is known for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. While there are no sandy beaches in the area, there are several rocky coves and bays that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
3. Avlaki Beach: A picturesque bay located about 3 km to the east of the village center, Avlaki Beach is a long, sandy beach with calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area.
4. Agios Spyridon Beach: Located about 7 km from Kassiopi to the north, Agios Spyridon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There are also several tavernas and beach bars in the area.
5. Kerasia Beach: A beautiful pebble beach located about 5 km to the south, Kerasia Beach is a secluded spot with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the coastline.
6. Kalami Beach: Located about 9 km to the south, Kalami Beach is a picturesque pebble beach with clear waters and stunning views of the bay. The beach is also known for its connections to the famous writer Lawrence Durrell, who lived in the village during his time on the island.

• Supermarkets: There are several supermarkets, including Lidl and AB Supermarket, where you can buy groceries and other essentials.
• Souvenir shops: Kassiopi has a range of souvenir shops selling traditional Greek gifts, including ceramics, jewelry, and clothing.
• Fashion and accessories stores: There are several fashion and accessories stores, selling clothing, shoes, bags, and more.
• Convenience stores: There are several convenience stores in Kassiopi, selling snacks, drinks, and other items.

Restaurants:

• Tavernas: You can find several traditional Greek tavernas serving local dishes, such as souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood.
• Italian restaurants: There are also several Italian restaurants, serving pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes.
• International cuisine: Many local restaurants serve international cuisine, such as Chinese, Indian, and Mexican food.

Bars:

• Cocktail bars: There are several cocktail bars in Kassiopi, serving a range of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
• Sports bars: Kassiopi has several sports bars, where you can watch live sports events on big screens.
• Nightclubs: There is a couple of nightclubs, which are popular with young people and stay open until late at night.

Overall, Kassiopi has a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and accommodation options, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for visitors.

Lodging in Kassiopi

Kassiopi offers a variety of lodging options, ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious villas with private pools. Here are some examples of the types of lodging available:

1. Hotels: There are many hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels with swimming pools and spa facilities. Some popular hotels include:

• Melina Bay Boutique Hotel: A stylish and modern hotel with sea views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
• Kassiopi Bay Hotel: A family-run hotel with a swimming pool and a garden, just a short walk from the beach.
• Corfu Secret Boutique Hotel: A luxurious hotel with a spa, a swimming pool, and private access to a secluded beach.

2. Apartments and studios: Kassiopi has several apartments and studios available for rent, offering self-catering facilities and a more independent stay. Some popular apartments and studios are:

• Makris Apartments: A complex of self-catering apartments with a swimming pool, just a short walk from the harbor.
• Kassiopi Resort Apartments: A family-friendly complex of apartments with a swimming pool and a restaurant, just a short walk from the beach.
• Corfu Country House & Apartments: A peaceful complex of apartments and studios with a swimming pool and a garden, just a short drive from Kassiopi.

3. Villas: Kassiopi has several villas available for rent, which are ideal for families or larger groups who want more space and privacy. Some popular villas are:

• Villa Parys: A luxurious villa with a private pool, a Jacuzzi, and sea views, just a short walk from the harbor.
• Villa Margarita: A spacious villa with a private pool, a garden, and sea views, just a short drive from the village’s center.
• Villa Medusa: A beautiful villa with a private pool and a garden, just a short walk from the beach.

Overall, Kassiopi offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every budget and preference, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Corfu.

The port of Kassiopi

Kassiopi has a small but charming port located in the center of the village.

The port which itself is a small natural bay with two small quaysides to protect it from the north winds is primarily used by local fishermen, as well as pleasure boats and small yachts. The port area is a popular spot for tourists to take a stroll and enjoy the sea views and picturesque scenery.

The port is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering visitors a variety of dining and drinking options with a view of the sea. There are also a few small shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and other items near the port.

From here, visitors can also take boat tours to explore the nearby beaches and bays, including the popular beach of Avlaki and the secluded cove of Limnopoula. Boat rentals are also available for those who want to explore the coast at their own pace.

All roads here lead to the sea and particularly to this port that seems the center of daily activities in the village. Here are mooring small boats with tourists from all over the island and therefore is quite busy.

Divers say that in the middle of the harbor a freshwater spring rises, and not far offshore is an islet with a well to enable sailors to refill their water supplies.

Overall, the port of Kassiopi is a charming and picturesque spot, offering visitors a taste of traditional Greek fishing village life, as well as access to the beautiful sea and coastline of Corfu.

Kassiopi Port Obelisk

Kassiopi Port

The Ancient Village of Kassiopi

Kassiopi was an ancient village and has played a major role in Corfu’s history, as can be proven by the impressive ruins of the castle overlooking the harbor.

The city was built in the 3rd century BC by the king of Epirus Pyrrhοs and was used as a supply point during his war against Rome.

Later, during the Roman conquest of the island in 230 BC, many Emperors visited it, most notably Emperor Nero.

It is said that Nero watched a play in the local theatre and visited the temple of Dias here.

Antony and Cleopatra stayed here a couple of days before the battle of Actium, where they suffered a huge defeat.

The Castle of Kassiopi

The Castle of Kassiopi is a historical landmark located in the heart of the village. It was built during the Byzantine era in the 13th century and has been the site of many battles and invasions throughout its history.

The castle is perched on a hill overlooking the sea and the village, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle itself is in ruins, but it still retains much of its original structure, including the outer walls, towers, and entrance gate. Visitors can explore the castle and climb to the top of the towers for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and a significant part of Kassiopi’s cultural heritage. It is open to visitors all year round, and there is a small admission fee to enter. In addition to exploring the castle, visitors can also learn about its history and significance through informational displays and guided tours.

Wrapping Up

Overall, Kassiopi is a wonderful destination for those looking for a relaxing holiday surrounded by natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Kassiopi remains a very Greek village, a charming and picturesque place surrounded by green vegetation, that welcomes visitors, many of whom return every year, as the village retains its traditions and local color.