Assos and the north peninsula.
On foot
you can search out some of the local history; to the rear of the house you will
see the remains of the old house that was once owned by the people that lived
and worked here. If you take a short walk along the local roads and footpaths
you can find your way to the abandoned village of Andreosata just behind the big
house. This village, like many others on the island, was abandoned after the
large earthquake of 1953. Many people left the island to find work abroad;
houses and even whole villages fell into decay. In the village the remains of
the olive press, once used to crush the olives from the old tree to extract the
oil, can be seen along with many of the ruined houses and the beehives still
used by one of the locals – a haunting but friendly place with many tales of its
own to whisper.
Across country towards Assos you can see the romantic ruins of another big house perched near the top of a small hill, this was also abandoned after the quake – drive around to Ierusalim beach and take a short walk to explore the ruin, or you can get your boots on, it’s a long walk and a picnic along with a cold drink or two in your backpack is a great idea!
A car is essential here – that’s why it’s so peaceful! A car not only gets you down to Fiscardo for drinks or an evening meal, it also opens up the whole island for you to explore at your leisure. Down little used tracks you can find your own hideaway beach or wander along mountain paths discovering the nature of the island. Unmissable!
A visit to Sami and Antisamos beach, where some scenes from ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ was filmed, or a drive up to the ruins above the town to see the recent excavations in the old city. With the acropolis now cleared of undergrowth you marvel at how they moved some of the stones used in its construction.
Maybe a trip above the clouds up to the top of Mount Enos, for the views from the top, or a jaunt to the south of the island to relax on the sandy beaches or a visit to Argostoli to share in the bustle of town life.
Or if you feel really
adventurous you could just see where
that lonely road may take you. The choice is
yours.
© 2009 RJP & ALW.