Holiday rentals in Kassiopi

On the northeast coast of the island of Corfu, Kassiopi is a historic fishing village and seaside resort town that manages to maintain the charms of both those elements, side by side. Mount Pantokrator provides a scenic backdrop to the south, and closer still looms Kassiopi Castle, sitting on top of the headland. At its feet, narrow streets crowd around its traditional harbour, the beating heart of the village. Fishermen still haul in their catch each morning, and come evening Kassiopi transforms into an enjoyable melee of dining, dancing, and live music. The nightlife in Kassiopi is as relaxed as the beaches, which are often small, quiet coves that tend to be rocky rather than sandy. The views across the sea reach all the way to the coast of Albania, and the surrounding hills — richly cloaked in citrus and olive trees, not to mention vineyards — make for attractive drives, hikes, and even cycling.

June to September are the warmest months in Corfu, with temperatures peaking in July and August. They’re traditionally considered the best times of year for a beach holiday — of course, they’re also the busiest. You’ll enjoy swimming in the water all the way through October. Be aware that many tour operators will pause their businesses in the off season. Spring can be a really lovely time to visit, with plenty of sunshine but milder temperatures (and much thinner crowds). Look out for the town’s especially jubilant religious tradition on 15 August, when the entire village celebrates with a major feast in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Kassiopi Castle

There’s been a fort on the headland at Kassiopi since Roman times. The impressive stone walls and towers that remain on the hill, however, are from the Byzantine era, possibly built around the 6th or 7th century AD. It’s a five-minute walk from the town or the beach to meander around the ramparts; you’ll get the same view across the water to Albania as the defending soldiers did centuries ago.

Avlaki Beach

It’s only a mile or so from Kassiopi to the bay at Avlaki, and you can walk it in roughly 20 minutes. Your reward is a sweeping curve of sheltered beach, with amenities that include a couple of tavernas, as well as places you can rent pedalos and boats or even take a sailing class. It’s a quieter prospect than some of Corfu’s better-known beaches, and its waters are a pellucid blue.

Church of the Panayia Kassopitra

Kassiopi may not offer a great deal of sightseeing, but this traditional place of pilgrimage is one of its most historic edifices. Its origins are still a little obscured, but it’s certainly at least 15 centuries old, and built on the site of a previous pagan temple to Cassius Zeus. The Byzantine frescoes in its richly decorated interior are well worth a look.