Holiday facts and information about Dassia
Dassia is a seaside town on the island of Corfu. Corfu is part of Greece and is located in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. It is located only nine miles from Corfu Town as well as its port and airport. Best time to travel Corfu enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very hot summers. Dassia is located on the east coast of Corfu. As a consequence, tourists should expect a less reliable weather and more wind than it is on the west coast. However, temperatures regularly rise to a range between 75°F and 90°F in summer. Winter temperatures in the early months of the year are usually between 50°F and 60°F. The most rainfall is also recorded in January, but there is hardly any precipitation during summer.
Subregions Dassia is adjacent to another village called Ipsos which lies a walk of about ten minutes away. Its name means 'Heights', due its location in the foothills of Mount Pantokratoras. Ipsos and Dassia share a beach. Ipsos is popular among a younger demographic than Dassia, so the bars and restaurants are characterized by a buoyant atmosphere. Mount Pantokratoras provides some lovely views, and it is possible to hike on the mountain's slopes. Dassia is also only around eight miles from Corfu Town, the capital of the island. Corfu Town has medieval fortifications and many other sights to discover.
Dassia, like the rest of Corfu, and Greece in general, is rather safe. There is a strong sense of community on Corfu and local people often do not lock their cars or houses. In case tourists encounter any trouble, the tourist police are glad to help. Their headquarters are located in Corfu Town.
Country and People
Corfu has been an important island in the history of Greece and the wider Mediterranean. It is an important site in Greek mythology: According to myth, it is where the sea god Poseidon fell in love with the nymph Korkyra. The island was heavily fortified from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, when the powers of Europe held it against the Ottoman Turks. It later fell under the control of Great Britain after the Napoleonic Wars before it become part of Greece in 1864.
Dassia lies in woodland, which suits its name that is derived from a word meaning 'woods'. Corfu as a whole has a charming landscape of pine woodland and Mediterranean rocky features. It is also known for its beautiful flora. Many small mammals and reptiles, as well as plenty of insects, are found on Corfu as well as around Dassia, and there is a significant population of birds, both resident and migratory. The famous British author and zoologist Gerald Durrell lived on Corfu as a child. He documented this time in his memorable book 'My Family and Other Animals'. There are now four nature reserves on Corfu, a fact of which Gerald Durrell would be very proud.
Buses are used all over Corfu as a cheap way to travel. Visitors who use the bus should be aware that timetables are often difficult to locate, and frequently change, often without notice. The local Kafenion, or cafe bar, often doubles as a bus stop. The Kafenion is also very often a good source of information about the bus routes and timetables, and locals will generally try and help visitors.
Discover and Enjoy
Most shops in Dassia are located on its main street, and there is a good range of shops selling souvenirs as well as more mundane items. For visitors who need to stock up on essentials, there are several supermarkets as well, for example the supermarket “Scontos” at the end of the main Paleokastritsa road. Scontos offers Greek products, whereas the discount hypermarket “Diellas”, also on Paleokastritsa road and opposite Gouvia junction, has a range of Italian products.
There are plenty of opportunities to participate in sports activities, such as water sports in Dassia. A purpose-built jetty stretches out into the sea from the beach. Water skiing and parasailing are among the activities on offer here. It is also possible to charter boats for longer excursions from the bay.
There are several bars and nightclubs in Dassia, all offering a good social experience. There is a long association between Great Britain and the island of Corfu. Hence, the British cultural influence on the island is noticeable in many of these venues. Shakes Bar is a very famous venue in Dassia, and offers an experience that is typical of a British pub.
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