Once an isolated fishing village, Kassiopi is now a busy but still very attractive little harbour town, a good centre for shopping, entertainment and excursions, where tradition and tourism meet, with happy results. Internet cafes exist side-by-side with shops selling exquisite locally-made lace and embroidery, bread 'boutiques' and 'designer' coffee bars vie for your attention with excellent clothes and accessories shops. With an ancient fortress to explore, good beaches, harbourside cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine, there is something for all tastes. Teenagers love Kassiopi for its lively nightlife and trendy shopping; parents love it because it keeps the children happy.
The hamlet of Kelia in effect ceased to exist many years ago, when the last of its few families left their hard life of tending sheep and goats on the rocky hillsides and moved to Kassiopi, then in the process of developing from a fishing village into a holiday resort.
The name, however, remains, along with the ancient plane tree that used to cast its shadow over the small village square. The views are superb, as the hamlet occupies an elevated position looking right into the heart of southern Albania.
Kassiopi Amenities
Several supermarkets, including two at the turn-off for Coyevinas and Avlaki, Many restaurants and bars including 2 at Avlaki, Night-life, telephone, fax, internet, water sports in Kassiopi, Windsurfing, dinghy sailing and tuition at Avlaki, Golf at Ropa Valley, Horse riding at Avlaki, and also at Kato Korakiana, Tennis Kassiopi and Acharavi.