ABOUT THE AREA
There are many interesting places to see around Koroni and Peroulia and the Icon Painter’s Apartments and Villas are ideally located to explore the area and relax in between. We have grouped these by towns / places of interest, historic sites, and beaches. 
Mouse-over place names on the map for details.
Towns and places of interest
Koroni: According to the Rough Guide “one of the most picturesque sites in Greece”, and this is no exaggeration. The village climbs with white houses and stepped lanes to the Venetian castle and its monastery which form a dramatic backdrop to the village. There is a wide choice of tavernas, bars and patisseries as well as banks, post office and internet facilities.
Methoni: Around 25Km from Koroni/Peroulia and on the opposite side of the peninsula from Koroni. Like Koroni, it has a Venetian castle and attractive old villas.
Finikounda: 15Km from Koroni/Peroulia, this fishing village is renowned for watersports and is a favourite for windsurfers.
Pylos: A port town with a large central square filled with cafes and restaurants. There are also banks and post office. Boat tours and private hire are available from the waterfront. The town has two castles worth a visit: Pylos Castle itself and Navarino Castle protecting the other side of the bay.
Kalamata: The main town in the area and boasts some beautifully restored Venetian style buildings from the 19th century, a mediaeval castle, stylish modern cafes and nightlife, marina, fabulous waterfront and excellent shopping. The Saturday market is especially worth a visit.
Langada Pass: The road from Kalamata to Sparta, through the Langada Pass takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole if Greece. A series of hairpin bends lead over mountains passing through beautiful pine forests. The views from the higher points are breathtaking and no words can really do them justice. This is the road taken if you make the journey to Byzantine Mystras.
Neda Valley: The River Neda flows eastwards into the beautiful Neda Valley and ultimately into the Ioanian Sea. The valley has some extraordinary geology and rock formations . It is an area famous for its’ flora and fauna. It also is the site of the ancient temple of Epicourean Apollo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a glorious sight and well worth a day outing.
Polylimnio waterfalls: a secret paradise made of small lakes and waterfalls, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.
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Historic Sites
Koroni Castle: Once a Venetian naval fortress and known as one of the “eyes of Venice”, Koroni castle “crowns” the village of the same name. Today the unbelievably quaint “Timios Prodromos Convent” nestles within its walls. The place has an air of complete peace and tranquility. From the castle and the network of little churches atop the hill, the views over the Gulf of Messinia are truly unparalleled. Recently, the nuns have opened a small gift shop within the grounds and the items to buy are interesting and charming.
Methoni Castle: The second of the two “eyes of Venice” Methoni was the other naval fortress important during the time of Venetian rule in the area. Like Koroni, the castle at Methoni has a long cultural history.
Ancient Messini: The beauty of the site at Ancient Messini is the biggest kept secret in Greece! Whilst all the guide books wax lyrical about the obvious sites such as Olympia, Epidavros and Mycenae, little is said about this magnificent gem of the ancient world. Accessed best from the village of Mavromati, the museum (which is at the edge of the village) can be visited first for orientation. The ruins include a theatre, the temples of Artemis and Asclepio, a stadium and agora. The remains of the monumental walls of the city can also be explored. The views are breathtaking.
Ancient Olympia: One of the must see ancient sites in all of Greece can be explored in a day out from Koroni. The site nestles in beautiful forests and natural scenery and has an excellent museum. The town of Olympia has many souvenir shops and restaurants.
Monastery of Voulkano: Situated at the top of the hill of Ithomi (802m), above ancient Messini, it has spectacular views in all directions. At the southeast of the monastery stands Zeus’s ancient temple. The ancient monastery was abandoned in the 16th century.
Temple of Epicourean Apollo: At the southwest of Andritsaina, on a rough and fascinating mountainous landscape stands the imposing temple of Epicurean Apollo, one of the biggest ancient temples. The temple’s frieze is a real masterpiece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nestor's Palace: The remains of the Mycenian Palace of Nestor 20km north of Pylos give an insight into ancient domestic life in the area and the Museum at Hora has a fabulous collection of artifacts found at the site and at the ancient Tholos Tombs nearby.
Mystras: The medieval town is perched on top of a mountain and was the last Byzantine stronghold, abandoned only in the 1700s when the Ottomans finally captured the Mani.
Pylos Castle: Originally built by the Turks in 1573 it was taken over by the Venetians 1686. Large-scale restoration work has been carried out for many years and it has a museum with artefacts about the history of Pylos and an underwater archeological research centre.
Navarino Castle: A ruined castle guarding the northern entrance to Pylos Bay. A fascinating destination for a walk from the amazing horseshoe shaped Voidokilia beach north of the town.
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Beaches
Zaga/Memi: A beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water, at Koroni. Over three kilometers of unspoilt beach and a nesting ground for turtles. There are a few restaurants dotted along its length and also sailing boats and windsurfers for hire.
Peroulia/Gargarou/Kombi: Two kilometers of fine golden sand looking out towards the Taygetos Mountains. Above the beach there is a restaurant with excellent food and drink in the summer. It is just a short walk from the Icon Painter’s Villas!
Tsapi and Marathi: Two hidden gems off the Road from Koroni/ Harakopio to Finikounda. Both with beautiful fine sand and clear water. Tsapi has two tavernas with excellent food.
Kalamaki: At the end of the road south of Koroni. Fine sand and blue-green waters create a magical beach.
Finikounda: The beach is in the centre of the village, so there are plenty of coffee bars and taverns where you can sit by the sea. Beautiful fine sand and clear water. Sailing boat and windsurfers for hire.
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