Thinking of booking a trip to Kassiopi on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this scenic harbour town.
Where is it?
Kassiopi is on Corfu’s northeast coast, north of Kalami and east of Acharavi.
What’s the vibe like?
Kassiopi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Corfu, but it’s not overcrowded.
Unlike the north coast’s beach-focused resorts, Kassiopi is a bustling small town set around a scenic harbour and overlooked by the remains of a Byzantine castle.
Kassiopi is an old fishing village which has retained its charm. Although most of the buildings are new, it has been developed sympathetically to Corfu’s traditional Ionian architecture.
It’s particularly pretty at night with the lights surrounding the horseshoe-shaped harbour reflecting in the water.
Kassiopi is popular with internationals, particularly a mature and cosmopolitan British crowd who favour its atmosphere, facilities, and good-quality restaurants over direct beach access (although it does have a few small pebble beaches, there are better places to go if this is a priority for you).
The waterfront is lined with traditional tavernas and seafood restaurants, however, it doesn’t have the swanky high-end yachting vibe or historic architecture of the Ionian’s other harbour towns (such as Fiskardo and Gaios).
Most of the accommodation is self-catered and visitors tend to hire a car to explore the many undeveloped pebble bays of the north-east coast.
What’s the beach like?
There are several small beaches within a 10-minute walk of the harbour, at the tip of the headland which contains the oldest part of town.
The most heavily photographed is Bataria Beach, reached by a pleasant shaded footpath. This pebble beach has bright turquoise water and is the busiest in the area.
There are several smaller beaches close by including Pipitos and Kanoni, as well as rocky platforms and a few romantic tavernas with a view.
There’s a narrow strip of shingle beach at Kalamionas on the western side of town. There’s a road running right behind it so it’s not the most private but if you’re staying nearby then it’s an easy place for a dip.
If you have a car or boat then head west to check out Syki or Kalamaki, or east to Avlaki, Akoli, or Erimitis. There are lots of organised boat trips too.
Kassiopi is north-facing but the geography of the area keeps it sheltered from the prevailing north-westerly winds.
All of the beaches in the northeast part of Corfu are pebble, but it’s easy to take a bus or drive to the nearest sandy beaches at Acharavi, Roda, or Sidari.
Activities and amenities
Kassiopi is a seasonal town with a good tourist infrastructure and a range of amenities including pharmacies, bakeries, souvenir shops, boutiques, rental agencies, and small mini-markets. There are many travel agencies that can help you book bus and boat excursions around the island and beyond.
The remains of a Byzantine castle overlooking the bay make for a pleasant evening stroll.
Kassiopi has one of the largest harbours and most scenic coastlines in Corfu, so I definitely recommend taking a boat trip here. You’ll find plenty of boats in the harbour offering day cruises with swimming, snorkelling, and sometimes a BBQ lunch.
You can also take trips further afield like the Day Trip to Albania and the cruise to Parga, Syvota and the Blue Lagoon – just be prepared for some long days. Both of these depart from Corfu Town so you’ll need to make sure the transfer is included. If you’re thinking of going to Paxos and Antipaxos, make sure you pick the option that leaves from Corfu Town (like this one) and not one of the ports further south.
Private motorboat rentals are also available.
For watersports, you’re better off heading to nearby Acharavi or Kalami, although there is a sailing centre on Avlaki beach.
Nightlife is gentle rather than crazy, but there are plenty of late bars, cocktails, sports bars, and places providing entertainment.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Kassiopi is a 1-hour drive from Corfu Airport and 45 minutes on the bus from Corfu Town.
A private transfer from the airport is around €70-85. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Public transport:
Kassiopi is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, route A4. There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town.
The bus station in Kassiopi is a 5-minute walk from the harbourfront.
Buses run hourly and can be used to explore the smaller bays of the north-east coast during the day.
In high season there are also bus connections along the north coast to Acharavi, Roda, and Sidari.
For more information check out: How to Get Around Corfu By Bus
A car or bicycle is useful for reaching the area’s quieter beaches.
Accessibility:
Kassiopi is located in an area with gentle hills but the main part of town is flat. The footpath to the castle is steep and rocky though.
There’s a large carpark on the outskirts of town and in less busy periods you might be able to find a space by the harbour.
Beach access by car is hit and miss. There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access to the sea.
Prices
Accommodation prices in Kassiopi are slightly above average – it’s more expensive than its neighbouring north-coast resorts but still much cheaper than the more exclusive resorts to its south.
Where to stay
Most of the accommodation in Kassiopi is clean, modern, and self-catered. There’s a bewildering variety of family-run studios, apartments, suites and villas on offer.
If location is key then it doesn’t get any more central than the 3-star Melina Bay Boutique Hotel which is right on the waterfront and has a rooftop pool. A few streets back is sister hotel Melina Oasis Boutique Hotel, a comfortable 3-star with fresh modern decor and a pool.
Two more places in town with a pool are Aria Suites and Limani Apartments.
The peninsula beyond the castle is home to a few secluded villas in pretty scenery, with a short walk into town. Villa Kamelia (sleeps 8) has a traditional decor and a pool with amazing views.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
All images © The Mediterranean Traveller