Kassiopi holidays

How to reach Kassiopi

Flight time: Flights to Corfu from London and other major UK cities typically take around 3 hours.

Transfer time: Taxiing from Corfu International Airport to Kassiopi takes about 1 hour. Public bus services are also available but require a transfer in Corfu Town and can take up to 2 hours.

Price: A taxi from the airport to Kassiopi costs approximately €65–€75. If you opt for the bus, expect to pay around €6.

Weather and best time to visit Kassiopi

Choosing the best time for your holidays to Kassiopi depends on your preference for weather and activities.

April to June sees Kassiopi at its greenest and steadily heating up. With temperatures climbing from 17 to 25°C, diminishing rainfall, 42 to 18mm, and around 9–12 hours of sunshine daily, these are ideal months for sightseeing and outdoor activities. From May, the sea should be warm enough for swimming and water sports.

July to August guarantees hot, sunny weather and hardly any rain. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s and up to 14 hours of sunshine daily. Kassiopi is bustling with tourists, and the lively atmosphere adds to the charm.

September to October brings a drop in average temperatures, 25 to 21°C, some showers, 45 to 78mm, and 12 to 7 hours of sunshine daily. With the sea retaining much of its summer heat, these are good swimming months.

November to March is off-season. Temperatures fall from 18°C in November to 12°C by January, nudging up to 15°C in March, and there’s a high likelihood of rain, 111–66mm. Kassiopi has a year-round local population, so while some tourist facilities will be closed until the spring season, the village isn’t a ghost town either. Your only window for swimming is November; even then, you’ll want to be fairly hardy.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone (€).

• Getting around: The village is easy to navigate on foot. Local buses connect Kassiopi to nearby towns and villages. However, it can be worth hiring a car if you want more flexibility.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Kassiopi

The biggest village on Corfu’s northeast coast, holidays to Kassiopi are ideal if you want a relaxed but well-heeled getaway: watch the world go by at the picturesque harbour and soak up the sun at one of the beautiful beaches or the views from its hilltop castle.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kassiopi Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the village and harbour, this ancient Byzantine castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Ionian Sea.

• Kanoni Beach: This beach is exceptionally scenic, with craggy, sculpted rocks, lush vegetation, golden sand, turquoise water and views of Albania.

The best districts

• Kassiopi Harbour: From the boats bobbing on dazzling blue water to its lively seafront promenade lined with seafood restaurants, tavernas and cafés, Kassiopi’s horseshoe-shaped harbour has stacks of charm.

Museums

• Folklore Museum of Acharavi: Roughly 12km outside Kassiopi, this small museum showcases all the usuals, centuries worth of traditional costumes, folk furniture, agricultural paraphernalia, etc.

Historical monuments

• Church of the Panagia Kassopitra: This beautiful church in the heart of Kassiopi dates back to the Byzantine era. It is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

• Roman Baths at Acharavi: Directly opposite the Folklore Museum of Acharavi, these ancient ruins offer a glimpse (literally, you’ll need to peek through the fence) into the Roman history of Corfu. Temper your expectations; the site’s not what you’d call well looked after.

Day trips in the area

• Corfu Town: Just over 1 hour’s drive from Kassiopi, Corfu Town, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, offers a wealth of attractions, including the Old and New Fortresses, Spianada Square, the Liston promenade and the excellent Archaeological Museum and Byzantine Museum.

• Paleokastritsa: On the west coast of Corfu, Paleokastritsa is famous for its majestic scenery. Visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, take a boat trip to explore the sea caves or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.

• Mount Pantokrator: Crowned by the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest mountain offers breathtaking views over the whole island, the Mediterranean Sea, Albania and even Italy on clear days.

Activities for families in Kassiopi

Kassiopi is an ideal destination for family holidays, offering a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.

• Boat trips: Take a family boat trip from the harbour to explore the nearby coastline and visit secluded beaches. Many trips include opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.

• Family-friendly beaches: Possibly, no child has ever said no to a day at the beach. Kalamionas is the closest to the village and has calm, clear waters for swimming and water sports facilities. Batara is another good option with a gradually shelving seabed. Whichever you choose, it's worth investing in some sea shoes.

• Playgrounds: Don’t get your hopes up too high; there’s a small, no-frills municipal playground northwest of the Old Harbour.

• Water parks: Aqualand, 1 hour’s drive south of Kassiopi, has more than enough slides and pools to thrill even the most exacting water baby.

• Aquariums and zoos: Home to a variety of sea life, reptiles and amphibians, the Corfu Aquarium is 1 hour away in Paleokastritsa – a surefire family pleaser.

Free things to do in Kassiopi

There’s plenty to see and do on holidays to Kassiopi, even if you are on a tight budget.

• Annual festivals: The Kassiopi Folklore Festival hits the harbourfront in August, followed by the Kassiopi Wine Festival in September. Between them, expect wine, food, traditional costumes, live music and dancing until the small hours. The village also hosts various celebrations throughout the year.

• Beaches: Soak up the sunshine at one of Kassiopi’s quintet of beaches: laid-back Avalaki, white-pebbled Bataria, sandy, pebbly Kalamionas, rugged Kanoni or verdant Pipitosi. By law, 70 percent of all Greek beaches must be free of sunloungers for public use.

• Explore Kassiopi Village on foot: Take a leisurely walk through the streets of Kassiopi, admiring the traditional architecture and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The great outdoors beckons with numerous trails. Popular hikes include routes to Kassiopi Castle and Kassiopi to Agios Stefanos via Avlaki Beach. If you are up for a bigger challenge, Mount Pantokrator is within striking distance.

• Snorkelling and scuba diving: Discover the underwater world of the Ionian Sea with snorkelling and diving excursions. Several dive centres offer courses, dive packages and equipment rental. Kanoni Beach is a top spot.

• Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and explore the scenic routes around Kassiopi. The area offers a mix of easy coastal rides and more challenging inland paths, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Cassius Rent A Bike rents mountain bikes.

• Stand-up Paddleboarding: With calm, clear blue water, Avlaki Beach is ideal for paddleboarding. Avlaki Boats offers weekly rentals (and, as it says on the tin, boats: ribs and power boats).

Beaches in Kassiopi

Kassiopi is renowned for its stunning beaches, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for visitors. Whether you’re seeking secluded coves or lively shores, the beaches in and around Kassiopi cater to every type of traveller.

• Kalamionas Beach: Located just a short walk from Kassiopi’s harbour, Kalamionas Beach is one of the most popular spots in the area. This pebbled beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It’s well-equipped with sunbeds and nearby cafés, offering convenience for families and couples alike.

• Bataria Beach: For those looking for a more tranquil experience, Bataria Beach is a small, secluded cove with calm, turquoise waters. The rocky surroundings make it perfect for snorkelling, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a favourite among visitors who prefer a quieter spot to relax.

• Kanoni Beach: Located near Bataria Beach, Kanoni Beach is another serene spot, known for its shallow waters and smooth pebbles. It’s a fantastic option for families with children, as the water is calm and safe for swimming.

• Imerolia Beach: For a more local vibe, Imerolia Beach is situated a bit further from the village centre but offers a peaceful escape with fewer crowds. Its natural beauty and quiet surroundings make it a hidden gem in the Kassiopi area.

Whether you're after lively beach days or peaceful sunbathing, Kassiopi’s beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday by the sea.

Local dishes in Kassiopi

There’s more to Greek cuisine than tzatziki and moussaka. The island’s Venetian conquerors left a lasting spicy influence on Corfiot cuisine, from a fiery kick of red pepper to a punch of cloves, and pasta dishes feature heavily on menus.

Some typical dishes

• Bourou-bourou: Like Italian minestrone, this chunky Corfiot soup is made with pasta and seasonal vegetables.

• Tsigareli: Perfect for a light lunch, sautéed greens with garlic and tomatoes spiced with pepper or paprika.

Meze dishes

• Savoro: Fried fish in a spicy sauce made with vinegar, raisins, pinenuts, garlic and rosemary.

• Bekri Meze: Literally “Drunkard’s Meze”, bite-size pork braised in red wine or Ouzo.

• Noumboulo: Corfu’s famous cold cut, marinated pork tenderloin, smoked using wood from fruit trees and a combination of herbs.

Meat dishes

• Giouvetsi: Typically made with lamb, this tomatoey oven-bake pasta and meat dish is pure comfort food.

• Sofrito: The Italian influence is unmistakable: flour-dredged beef or veal sautéed in white wine, parsley, garlic and vinegar.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Htapodi Patitsada: This pasta dish stars slow-cooked octopus in a spiced tomato sauce.

• Bianco: A spin on the island’s Bourdeto fish stew, this version features white fish cooked with garlic, potatoes, white wine and lots of lemon.

Sweets and desserts

• Galaktoboureko These buttery, custard-filled honey-drizzled pastries are made throughout Greece, but the island’s fermented butter may give Corfu the edge.

• Pasta Frolla: A legacy of the Italians, sweet shortcrust pastry tarts filled with kumquat marmalade and candied fruits.

• Sykomaida: An island speciality, this dense, sweet, spicy fig cake is made with sun-dried figs, nuts (ground almonds or walnuts) and ouzo.

Local drinks

• Koum Quat Liqueur: The name is a giveaway; this Corfiot liqueur is made by macerating kumquats (the whole fruit or the skins) in a strong spirit for several weeks. Sweet and citrusy, it’s a must-try on Kassiopi holidays; a bottle is bound to find its way into your suitcase.

• Tsitsibira: Corfu’s signature ginger beer is fizzy, sweet and tangy, ideal on hot summer days.