Anchorage· Kefalonia· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic
Assos Village & Castle (Kefalonia)
38° 22.7′ N · 20° 32.3′ E
A tiny village on a 50 m isthmus below a huge Venetian castle (1593–95) on Kefalonia's west coast — one of the most photographed views in the Ionian, and a light-weather anchorage only.
Practical
Coordinate is the SailingIssues waypoint "Entrance Assos" (N38°22.740' E20°32.293'); the earlier point was on land. Sea-Seek: tiny harbour (max ~5 boats, 1.5–2 m), or anchor in the bay in 7–10 m shoaling fast toward the quay; untenable in strong NW. Reef north of Assos: see separate entry. Coordinate is the Wikipedia village point (low precision, 38°23'N 20°33'E). Use only in lighter air — untenable in strong weather, especially northerlies. Quay mostly reserved for fishing boats and rental motorboats; 10+ berths blocked by laid lines; up to 3 berths usually free at the NW end; submerged rocks and shallows. The pier offers the most protected berths: stern-to near the lantern, room for 1–2 yachts pointing south. S and SE of the bay are full of laid moorings. In southerlies anchor north of the pier. Under the castle: 12–20 m on sand and weed on a steep slope — use all your chain; rock slabs about. Side-on swell; lead the stern line to the bow to cut rolling. If it blows NE–SSW relocate to Myrtos. Castle entry is free. Platanos taverna and 3 Wise Monkeys recommended over the quayside places; two minimarkets and Rotsis Family Bakery. Storm Ianos (2020) buried the access road in nearly 2 m of rubble.
Best for
A calm-day lunch stop under the castle walls
Season
Calm settled weather only; untenable in N winds