
Koroni - Foinikounta - Methoni
Places of great historical importance and tradition; they are a flawless combination of natural beauty and ancient culture, creating a landscape which "travels" the visitor in the Medieval Chivalry! Small in size but warm and beautiful, with buildings full of flowers, the three villages of Messinia are adorned with majestic sights, priceless habitats and beautiful beaches. Palaces, castles, Byzantine churches, forts and cobblestone streets that lead to picturesque bays with small boats fully justify your choice. The impressive fortress of the charming Methoni, the Castle that you think that sails the sea of Koroni, the noble and beautiful beaches of the scenic Foinikounta invite you to explore them. Outside the several ouzo-taverns small octopuses hanging in a row open your appetite, while hostels, hotels, rooms to rent and campsites offer a wide range of options for all tastes.
In Koroni; the "Lady of the Middle Ages" as locals call the town; a small traditional village with unusual natural beauty, people live among the ruins of the Venetian castle. In Foinikounta, the village with the stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, enjoy fresh fish and delicious dishes of the Messinian kitchen while adoring the view of the Oinoussais complex, which comprises the, three, Sapienza, Schiza and Agia Mariani islands. Finally, in Methoni, where one of the largest medieval castles in the Mediterranean basin is, stroll down the cobblestone market street leading to the imposing Gate of the Sea and from there go to the rocks of Mothonas Lithos in Mpourtzi.
The area combines vast sandy beaches with pebbly ones; cosmopolitan with secluded and quiet beaches; beaches where you will have the opportunity to indulge in water sports and beaches where you will experience moments of relaxation and joy.
The organized, big beach of Memi or Zaga, the family beach of Methoni, the vast in extent, with fine, white sand, beach of Mavrovouni, the exotic Haroupia beach and Foinikountas, Peroulia and Chomati beaches with their dunes and reeds, one of the most photographed beaches, Voidokoilia beach, the beach of Pylos, Gargarou, Agia Triada and the huge Petalidi beach are just some of your options.
Visiting
In Koroni:
- The Castle
- The Monastery of St. John the Baptist
- The Panagia Eleistria
- The Yalova Lagoon
From Foinikounta:
- The Schiza and St. Mariani islets
- The Sapienza island with a 15.000 year-old forest of rare natural beauty
- The Venetian deserted islands
In Methoni:
- The Castle
- The Kapodistrian School
- The Iliodysio
- The Cemetery of St. Onoufrios
- The Mpourtzi
Tasting
- Boiled goat
- Roast pig
- Fried codfish with garlic sauce
- Corned meat
- Olives and olive oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Honey
- Wine
- Trachana and Noodles
- Sesame sticks
- Raisins
- Ouzo, Raki and Mastic
- Lalagkia
- Diples
- Oil cookies
- Sausages with orange and Sausages with smoked Sage
How to get there
From Athens
Travelling by car
To reach Koroni you can drive from Athens via the National Highway from Athens to Corinth (274 km distance - 3 hours & 15 minutes ride approximately). Then you will head for Tripoli and then for Kalamata via the new National Highway from Tripoli to Kalamata. Take the exit for Messina and follow the signs to Messina at first and then to Koroni. Finikounda is only 17 km away from the town of Koroni (25 minutes ride), whereas Methoni is 28 km away (35 minutes ride).
Travelling by plane
To reach the towns of Koroni, Finikounda or Methoni you can also fly to Kalamata's airport, which receives domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as regular scheduled flights from European cities such as London, Milan, Munich, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Kiev and Tel Aviv, but also charter flights to and from London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague and Oslo.
Travelling by bus
You can take the Intercity Bus (KTEL Bus of Messinia) from the Intercity Bus Station of Kifissos (3 hours journey). For more information on the bus routes of KTEL Bus of Messinia click here.
Medical Care
During your stay in Koroni, Foinikounta or Methoni, you can be served for health issues:
General Hospital of Kalamata which is located out of Kalamatas town, in the area of Antikalamos, Tel: (+30) 27213 63000, 27210 46000
Community Clinic of Koroni, Tel: (+30) 27250 22208
Community Clinic of Foinikounta, Tel: (+30) 27230 71127
Community Clinic of Methoni, Tel: (+30) 27230 31456
Useful phone numbers
Port Station of Koroni: (+30) 27250 22377
Kalamata Airport: (+30) 27210 69442
Police Station of Koroni: (+30) 27250 22203
Police Station of Methoni: (+30) 27230 31203
Fire Department of Kalamata: (+30) 27210 28585, 92100
General Hospital of Kalamata: (+30) 27250 22208
Community Clinic of Koroni: (+30) 27250 22208
Community Clinic of Methoni: (+30) 27230 31456
Community Clinic of Foinikounta: (+30) 27230 71127
Intercity Bus of Koroni: (+30) 27230 22488, 28581, 22851
TAXI (Koroni): (+30) 27250 22281
TAXI (Methoni): (+30) 27230 31333
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