Beaches, history, culture, flavours! You are in Koroni: the ancient powerful fortress of Venice.The well -known phrase she/he has an uncle in Koroni came up from an Ottoman ruler of Tripolis, who declared Bei in Koroni his uncle who had helped him.
280 km from Athens and 51 from Kalamata- the town is restled on a hill below a Venetian Castle. Get ready to explore the traditional alleys. Meet the local architecture and visit plenty of churches. You will also have the chance to enjoy the local hospitality, incredible natural beauty and several historical sights. To explore Koroni, you can either follow the way to the beach with the cafes or tavernas or walk to the castle admiring the traditional houses with white- washed gardens and balconies full of flowers. Cross the entrance of the castle to feel the magic of the medieval scenery. Walking downwards, you can get to the seaside road where you can find restaurants, tavernas and cafes to relax for a while. The sea view is unique where at the opposite side you can amaze the inposing Mt. Taygetos. There are two beaches one on the right with shallow water and a beach bar and one on the left, below the impressive castle.
Apart from the Castle you can visit the Monastery of Agios Ioannis and the church of Panagias Eleistrias. The castle was built in the 13th cent, main characteristic of the Venetian Architecture. Inside the castle, churches and settlement are preserved as well as the Monastery of Agios Ioannis, next to the ruins of a Byzantine church. The premises of the monastery, include caves carved on walls, one of them is called ‘’school’’ Panagia eleistria is situated under the castle with a great view to the beach of Koroni and it celebrates on the day of Zoodochos Pigi.
Also, it really worths visiting the stately home of the chieftain named Karapavlos as well as the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios in the central square. The church, a basilica of Eptanisian style, was built in 1864. In the small palm-tree grove is located the statue of Bishop Grigorios and the building that hosts the Historical and Archaelogical collection of Koroni.
The most famous beaches are Zaya, organized and ideal for water sports. Memi, with sand and clean water also organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, parking and restaurants. More, Kalamaki with fine golden sandand turquoise water Peroulia, Kolonides, with fine sand and trees Gargaron with brown pebbles and the beach of the castle of Koroni with pebbles and little rocks.
The food is excellent too! Don’t forget to buy olive, fis, grapes and oranges. Also you can taste some of the local specialites pasta, fish with garlic, sausages, diples lalaggia, ouzo, vinegar and herbs.
Several Cultural events take place throughout the year!
The carnival, celebration on the 25th March in Vounaria, Apokerasia in Vasilitsi and Easter Sunday where visitors can enjoy local products and wine. Every year 25 June-2 July the Sailing Week is organized including basketball, football and swimming competitions but also fishing contests and musical ecents. On 15th August there is a big festival to celebrate Virginn Mary and on 26th October in Akritohori to commemorate Agios Dimitrios.