Municipality of Kassipeon

In Roman times what is now the town of Kassiopi was the first landfall in Greece from Italy and has seen many famous visitors including Cicero, Mark Anthony and the Emperor Nero.

The Romans built a castle on the heights above the town which was demolished and then rebuilt by the Venetians to protect the village from pirate and Turkish raids. Not much is left of the fort but it can be explored with determination and good shoes. Look out for the old Venetian Church near the harbour and the old cannons rescued from a sunken galleon - these are proudly displayed today across from the majestic old plane tree that dominates the harbour square. There are many good beaches and it is ideal for walks and pony trekking.

Sites to see around Kassiopi, Kouloura and Kalami are justly famous and the views of Albania from here to Kassiopi are spectacular. This is sometimes referred to as Durrell Country - the family once lived in Kalami in the white house on the beach. You might like to get off the beaten track and visit the beautiful bays of Agni (after Nissaki) or San Stefanos (just before Kassiopi): the latter is barely 3 kilometres from Albania. Higher up on the slopes of the mountains behind Kassiopi you can find untouched old villages with old stone houses.

The road across the northern coast from Kassiopi takes you first past the fine bays of Imerolia, Kalamaki and Apraos. Look out for the lake and beach at Ag. Spiridon which is just after the turnoff to Perithia. From Perithia you can get up to Mount Pantokrator and there are caves near to the village in the foothills.