Assos is in my oppinion the most atmospheric place on Kefalonia, standing on its own little Isthmus in the northern half of the island,off the road leading to Fiskardo, it was rebuilt by the french following the 1953 earthquake. Its small harbour and sixteenth century Venetian castle

add to the charm.The castle can be reached by foot, about an hour's uphill trek or by car for the less enegetic.Within its walls are the ruins of the Catholic church of Agios Markos, the governors house, barracks and a prison which was in use until 1815..Inside the castle walls there was once sixty public buildings and 200 private homes.

If you take a walk around the village, there are many pre-earthquake buildings, stairs, and doorways in evidence.

It is well worth visiting,even if the road down is an experience with a number of hairpin bends.It always amazes me how the tour busses manage to navigate them!

Fiskardo bound busses will stop at the' turning for Assos if requested but it is a fair trek down. The beach here is narrow and mostly shingle, but the snorkelling was excellent and sheltered. There's harbourside tavernas, and a couple of shops.Recommended if you just want to sit around and watch the world go by in the small village square named Platia Parison in gratitude to the french for rebuilding after the earthquake.

Parking is available in the village and this is just a short walk from the harbourside area.There is little in the way of tourist accomodation in Assos, although some is available with upmarket tour operator "Tapestry" but this helps Assos retain its traditional village charm.